Throughout her political career, Federal Transport Minister Lisa Raitt says she has developed the "thick skin" required to work in the public eye. But there's still one thing that bothers her: comments on her personal appearance.
"The toughest part about being a woman in politics, it's not about my policy, it's not about how I feel, it's about my appearance," Raitt told CTV's Canada AM. "That's the part I find the most difficult: people commenting on weight gain, people commenting on what your hair looks like … I know men get it too, but I think women get it to a greater extent."
Since she was first elected as the member of Parliament for Halton in 2008, the Ontario MP has held several high-profile portfolios including natural resources, labour and now transport.
She said her transition into politics was helped by her past work experiences in male-dominated industries, including her time as the president and CEO of the Toronto Port Authority.
"I've always worked in male-dominated areas… I've had men work for me, and I've worked for great men," she said, adding that she tries to encourage other women to take the plunge into politics, and let young girls know they can consider a political career, too.
She points to her recent announcement in Guelph, Ont., where she, Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne, and Linamar CEO Linda Hasenfratz were on all hand.
"That's the kind of stuff I want girls in Grade 6 to see, so that they know that there's no upper limit as to what they can achieve," Raitt said.
The 46-year-old mother of two also spoke openly about women's health, having just returned to work this week, after undergoing several surgeries to remove a growth on her ovaries.
She said it's important for her to be open and frank about her health scare.
"I'm happy to talk about it publicly now," she said, noting that many people feel may feel "queasy" talking about female health problems. "But you know what, you have to talk about it and you have to acknowledge that there are issues."
As for the future, Raitt wouldn't comment on whether she will consider a future run for the leadership of the Conservative Party should Prime Minister Stephen Harper step down. She said that, for the moment, her "undivided attention" is focused on serving the prime minister and the party.
However, there's no doubt in her mind that Canada will have another female prime minister in the future.
"Of course," she said. "Of course we're going to see a female prime minister."
