CAFP-ACPF
About the Canadian Association of Feminist Parliamentarians
Established in 2018, the Canadian Association of Feminist Parliamentarians (CAFP) provides a non-partisan platform for advancing feminist values through dialogue and action. It is open to ALL parliamentarians, regardless of gender identity or political affiliation.
CAFP was created in response to growing concerns about harassment and toxicity in political workplaces, with a vision to make Parliament a more inclusive, respectful, and supportive space. While many find their work in Parliament rewarding, an increasing number of elected officials have chosen not to run again - or have left politics altogether - due to harassment and discrimination.
Parliament is what we make it. CAFP exists because many parliamentarians are determined to work together to make it better.
Constitution
The Canadian Association of Feminist Parliamentarians (CAFP) is governed by a Constitution that outlines its structure, membership, and goals.
The Constitution identifies several core objectives for the Association, including:
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Promoting women, peace, and security at the nexus with human rights
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Advocating for reproductive choice and rights for women and girls
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Supporting parliamentarians with resources on harassment and bullying, including sexualized exploitation
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Providing safe spaces for feminist dialogue and collaboration
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Liaising with provincial, national, and international women’s networks
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Participating in political summits and conferences in Canada and abroad
* Please note: Annual membership fees have been waived.
The Pledge
As a Canadian parliamentarian, I pledge to:
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Support each other and call out abuse and harassment when we see it or experience it;
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Call on all our allies to stand with us to support women in office and call out all forms of abuse and harassment;
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Call on all elected officials to uphold the highest standards of conduct, focusing on respectful debate of the issues and not personal attacks;
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Call on the relevant authorities to ensure the protection of individuals who speak out against abuse, and who experience abuse, providing them with the necessary support and resources.
There is no obligation to sign, no deadline to do so, and this pledge is open to all parliamentarians.
Return signed pledges to: Marilou.mcphedran@sen.parl.gc.ca
See Who's Joined
The following list includes parliamentarians who have signed the Parliamentary Civility Pledge. This is a living document and will continue to be updated as new signatories are received.
In The News
Media coverage highlighting the work and advocacy of CAFP:
- A pledge for civility as Parliament returns – The Hill Times (2024)
- Some 25 MPs, Senators promise to ‘call out abuse and harassment’ in Parliament this fall – The Hill Times (2024)
- Hall and Nickerson: Here's how we can fix toxic political culture – Ottawa Citizen (2024)
- Feminist senators are critical actors in women’s representation – Policy Options (2019)
- Parliamentarians form feminist association, say getting recognized won’t be easy – The Hill Times (2018)
Contact
Want to join? Have questions?
Please contact the Office of Senator Marilou McPhedran: Marilou.mcphedran@sen.parl.gc.ca