Who are Canada’s legislators? Characteristics and gender gaps among members of legislative bodies

In 2015, Canada witnessed its first gender-balanced federal cabinet. The share of women among candidates in federal elections and elected candidates has been increasing, although the share of women elected to the federal parliament remains lower than the share of female candidates. Using census data from 2016 and 2001, and the 2011 National Household Survey, this study presents a profile of individuals who worked as legislators in 2016 in the federal public administration; provincial or territorial public administration; or municipal, local or regional public administration, and highlights differences in socio-demographic characteristics between male and female legislators.