Catherine McKenna’s Memoir Exposes Challenges for Women in Politics

Catherine McKenna, the former Canadian Minister of the Environment, has released her memoir, Run Like a Girl, which details her experiences in politics while addressing the unique challenges women face in the field. The book serves as both an invitation for women to enter public life and a cautionary tale about the obstacles they may encounter.

McKenna first gained prominence in the political arena when she defeated longtime incumbent Paul Dewar in the 2015 federal election for the Ottawa Centre riding. Despite her impressive credentials and capabilities, McKenna faced significant misogyny that marred her political journey. She describes the abuse she endured, including being labeled “Climate Barbie,” a derogatory term popularized by Rebel News and echoed by others, including Conservative MP Gerry Ritz. This particular instance led to Ritz’s resignation after he issued an apology for his comments.

The memoir highlights the darker aspects of her political career, including threats against her and her family, online harassment, and vandalism of her constituency office. In her book, McKenna notes that such hostility is not just a byproduct of political disagreement, but rather a manifestation of deep-seated misogyny. Research by climate scientist Conor Anderson supports this, indicating a correlation between climate change denial and misogynistic attitudes.

While McKenna asserts that the abuse she experienced did not drive her decision to leave politics after two terms, she acknowledges the complexities of navigating a hostile environment. “The attacks were awful,” she writes, “especially the personal ones, but I wasn’t being driven out. In fact, the haters made me want to stay.” Still, her decision to step down raises critical questions about the political landscape, where women often feel unsafe or judged by standards that their male counterparts do not face.

Before announcing her candidacy for the Liberal nomination, McKenna struggled to gain support from the predominantly male party establishment, who insisted on a “star” candidate for the riding. In her reflections, she challenges the definition of a “star” candidate, suggesting it often aligns with long-standing party loyalty and male identity.

A few years after her initial victory, McKenna presided over a Canada Day citizenship ceremony, encouraging new Canadians to engage in politics regardless of their political beliefs. Despite the growing negativity directed towards her, she remained committed to promoting political involvement among women and underrepresented groups.

The contradictions in McKenna’s experiences underscore a pressing issue in governance: while there is a clear need for more women in leadership roles, the existing environment can be brutal and unwelcoming. Her memoir serves as a reminder that the health of democracy relies on the inclusion of diverse voices, particularly those of women.

By sharing her story, McKenna hopes to inspire more women to enter politics. She emphasizes that while the challenges are significant, the potential to impact lives positively remains unparalleled. “There’s a lot to dislike about this business,” she writes, “but you can make a bigger difference in the lives of more people than you can anywhere else.”

In a world where political discourse is often marred by hostility, McKenna’s call for solidarity among women and allies is both a challenge and an appeal. Her narrative not only captures the struggles of one woman but reflects a broader societal issue that requires immediate attention and action.