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Female MPs Give Advice To Their 20-Year-Old Selves

"The things that you'll regret in life are the things you didn't do."

What would you tell your 20-year-old self?

That's what 11 female Members of Parliament answer in a new video to promote an initiative by Equal Voice Canada called Daughters of the Vote.

The project aims to bring women, aged 18 to 23, to Ottawa from all 338 federal ridings "so they can literally 'take their seat' in Parliament on International Women's Day, March 8, 2017, and have their voices heard," according to a press release.

In the video above, we hear inspiring advice from MPs across parties including Green Party Leader Elizabeth May, Environment Minister Catherine McKenna, former transport minister Lisa Raitt, as well as Celina Caesar Chavannes, Ruby Sahota, Georgina Jolibois, and Niki Ashton.

Some words of wisdom include, "You will hear from people that you aren't good enough, that you don't have the networks, that they're more connected, that they are better positioned, that you have kids. Don't listen, you will be great," and "Stick to what you believe in, make sure that you take risks because the things that you'll regret in life are the things you didn't do."

The goal of the initiative, which has entered its final week for applications, is "to create an innovative Action Plan to help achieve substantially better representation on the ballot. "

"Make sure that you take risks because the things that you'll regret in life are the things you didn't do."

According to the press release, gender parity among those in public office, including the House of Commons, has stagnated in recent decades. This program is hoping to devise a strategy to get more women elected through actions such as incentives, better use of technology, or by introducing more women-focused policies.

The last day to submit an application to participate in Daughters of the Vote is June 30, and includes an all-expenses paid trip to Ottawa.

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