SUMMARY - Representation in Politics and Leadership
Who holds political power matters. When elected officials, appointed leaders, and political staff reflect the populations they serve, they bring perspectives, experiences, and priorities that would otherwise be absent. Representation in politics and leadership isn't just symbolically important—it affects what issues get attention, how policies are designed, and whose interests shape governance. Yet political leadership in Canada continues to underrepresent many groups, raising questions about democratic legitimacy and practical consequences of leadership gaps.