The Fall municipal elections might be a long way off for most of us, but if you're thinking of running for a seat, it's time to get started.

The Provincial Government launched the Ready For Her Campaign on Thursday, April 6, to encourage and help women to run for municipal governments and school boards in the October 16, 2017 elections.

Women in Alberta hold 26 percent of elected seats in municipal politics, the United Nations recommends 30 percent.

While this sounds good, the numbers are low with 1,874 municipal positions available only 490 held by women.

Alberta's Minister for the Status of Women Stephanie McLean, says she was part of the last Fall's version of the Ready For Her Tour.

The turnout and response was more then she expected.

"There is such an incredible appetite amongst those in all the communities that we reached," said McLean. "Hundreds of engaged, energetic, community minded women came to our panels eager to learn about what they can do, how campaigns work and how to get involved."

High River Councillor Cathy Couey is finishing up her first term as a councillor and says the time has flown by and being on council is very rewarding.

"I think effective forms of government is when you have diverse people that bring different strengths and different interests to different conversations and that is how good decisions are made."

"So I encourage all different people to really take a look at it including women."  

Couey added the stronger, more diverse the group you have working together for community the better off your community will be.

Turner Valley Mayor Kelly Tuck has been in and out of politics since 1996 and she says knowledge is key, and she's willing to share hers with anyone who is thinking about running.

"I've been approached by three women within my community that are actually thinking about running. I encouraged them and sent them the information of the provincial web site and I think good for them and I wished them a lot of luck."

She adds anyone thinking of running needs to get educated about finances, tax dollars, and things like infrastructure.

"There's been more promotion for advancement and learning, which I really appreciate and encourage everyone  to take. The challenges have been a lack of funding and the 2013 flood."

 Tuck promotes women in politics all the time.

"I've seen over the last few years a higher number, but its not half yet."

The "Ready For Her" website has information on meetings, videos, questions, qualifications, nominations campaigning and fundraising.


Quick facts:

In the 2013 municipal elections, Albertans elected women to 490 of 1,874 positions, an average of 26 per cent:

8 % in special areas
11 % in improvement districts
17 % in municipal districts
18 % in cities
20 % in summer villages
31 % in villages
32 % in specialized municipalities
32 % in towns