More women election candidates than ever before

The number of female candidates running in the P.E.I. election is at an all-time high.

In the 2007 election, women made up 28 per cent of total candidates. This year, it's up to 31 per cent.

One of the barriers to getting more women to run is the actual job itself. Islanders expect a lot from their MLAs, said Kirstin Lund, project co-ordinator with the P.E.I. Coalition for Women in Government.

"It's definitely a barrier to a lot of women who not only work outside the home, but, you know, statistics show are still doing two-thirds of caregiving, unpaid work as well," said Lund.

Liberal candidate Cynthia Dunsford, who is running for re-election in the riding of Stratford-Kinlock, agrees and added there's also another barrier.

"There's a tendency for the media — there's a tendency for people in general — to comment on a lot on women and what their appearance is," said Dunsford.

"I'm very aware that every day I step out of the door. I used to go out to the grocery store in my sweatpants. I don't do that anymore."

The candidates said that when more women are elected, the barriers to running will start to breakdown.

One of the main reasons Charlottetown-Lewis Point NDP candidate Jacquie Robichaud decided to run was so that there would be female representation on the ballot.

"I feel it's important to have women candidates running. I feel our voice is not heard enough in government," said Robichaud.