University of Calgary student wins national scholarship competition

CALGARY , Nov. 30 /CNW Telbec/ - A University of Calgary student is the 2009 winner of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities' (FCM) Mayor Andrée Boucher Memorial Scholarship.

Kathryn Mitrow, a law student, won the scholarship for her research which explores how political institutions operate to limit a woman's ability to be a powerful political player. Mitrow was presented with a cheque for $2,000 today by Calgary Alderman Joe Ceci, a member of FCM's National Board of Directors, at a ceremony at Calgary City Hall.

"I am so excited and honoured to receive this scholarship from FCM," said Mitrow, who, prior to attending law school, graduated from the University of Western Ontario with an Honours B.A. specializing in Women's Studies with a minor in Political Science.

"Municipal politics has always interested me because it is the level of politics that affects people's lives the most, but often people do not recognize this. I hope to run for municipal office and practice law in the future, and I will continue to advocate for increased female participation in politics."

Mitrow is in the first year of a three-year law program at the University of Calgary . Her winning research paper is entitled "Finding the Missing Women in Canadian Politics."

In making the presentation, Alderman Ceci noted that, "Kathryn admits she was inspired by her mother to go into Women's Studies, as her mother was a city councillor in her hometown of London , Ont. So it's no wonder that Kathryn has focused her academic research on women in electoral politics."

Alderman Ceci added: "Young people are our future in politics. I am proud to be a part of this presentation."

FCM's scholarship, awarded annually to a college or university student judged to have submitted the best research paper on a topic related to women in politics, is named in honour of the late Quebec City mayor Andrée Boucher, who died in 2007 while still in office.

About FCM

The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) has been the national voice of municipal government since 1901. With more than 1,800 members, FCM represents the interests of municipalities on policy and program matters that fall within federal jurisdiction. Members include Canada's largest cities, small urban and rural communities, and 18 provincial and territorial municipal associations.

For further information: To arrange interviews with Ms. Mitrow or with Alderman Ceci, please contact Maurice Gingues at [phone] or [email protected]