Mary Schryer, minister responsible for the status of women in New Brunswick, says fewer late sittings of the legislature could attract more women to politics. (CBC)The minister responsible for the status of women in New Brunswick says the province should consider eliminating late sessions of the legislature to make politics more attractive to women.

"I would like to see changes in the legislature of hours of sitting," said Mary Schryer, who is also the minister of health. "So, you know, no nights — make it more family-friendly."

Schryer made the comments as the New Brunswick advisory council on the status of women was releasing a new booklet, "Women in the House – A reader on New Brunswick women in the legislative assembly."

The booklet contains history and personal stories from female politicians, including Schryer. The advisory council hopes that it can persuade more women to run for the legislature.

Women hold only six of the 55 seats in the legislature and only 27 women have ever sat there.

"I think women deserve to have frank and open discussions on embarking on such a career, and it's not an easy life and I recognize that and I want other women to recognize that as well," Schryer said.

The legislature normally does not sit past 6 p.m., but during the usual push to get bills passed before summer break and before Christmas, politicians often stay later.

Premier Shawn Graham said the province would consider ways to lessen the load, but noted that public office is not a typical 9-to-5 job.

"There's many events to attend at night outside of the legislative assembly, so it's trying to find that balance," he said.

So far 40 women are running in the Sept. 27 election. Nominations close Sept. 7.

The largest number of women ever to run for the legislature was 52, in 1991. Of those, 10 were elected.