Jeanette Laurin
Jeanette Laurin is running for Council in Ward 7 in West Nipissing.
Jeanette Laurin (she/her) has called West Nipissing home since 1990. Born in Newfoundland and raised in Sudbury, she holds a degree in Sociology and has built her career working in education and supporting youth. She has also worked as a hairstylist and has volunteered with school parent committees, figure skating committees, school trips, and various community organizations. As a mother, educator, and longtime community member, Jeanette cares deeply about the future of West Nipissing and the opportunities available to its youth and families.
Why are you running for this position?
I’m running for Ward 7 Councillor because West Nipissing has been home to me and my family for many years, and I truly care about the people who make this community special. Since moving here in 1990, I’ve watched our community grow, raised my family here, and built many meaningful connections along the way. I want to give back by being a voice for our rural residents and helping create a community where families, seniors, and young people feel supported and have opportunities to succeed. I believe we can grow responsibly, create more opportunities for our youth, and strengthen the services our community depends on while still protecting the small-town character we love.
Most of all, I want residents to know that I’ll listen, I’ll care, and I’ll work hard to represent them.
It’s not about politics—it’s about the people.What do you love most about your community?
I love the history, the people, and the sense of place. We live in one of the most beautiful places on earth: the heart of the Great Lakes. Besides the obvious natural beauty, we have so much potential here. Our economic development opportunities are endless with our proximity to water, road, and rail; our strategic location close to the Ring of Fire; and our collaboration potential with First Nations and northern communities.
Furthermore, we have an amazing community in Sault Ste. Marie. The people here are invested. They care. Ward 2 specifically has such colourful and historical neighbourhoods... our downtown is located right on the St. Marys River and is home to so many iconic restaurants, landmarks, and walking trails. I love the feeling I get when I spend time in Ward 2.
What do you love most about your community?
What I love most about West Nipissing is its people and the strong sense of community we share. I’ve called West Nipissing home since 1990, raised my family here, and connected with countless people through my work in education, volunteering, and everyday life. I’ve witnessed neighbours helping neighbours, community pride, and people coming together when support is needed.
I value our rural way of life, beautiful surroundings, and the sense that people still know and care about one another. Most of all, I value the families, seniors, youth, and dedicated individuals who make West Nipissing such a special place to live. This is home to me, and I want to help protect what we love while creating opportunities for our community to grow and move forward.
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing your municipality right now?
I think West Nipissing’s biggest challenge is balancing growth and progress with rising costs and pressures on residents, families, and local businesses. Affordability, housing, healthcare, infrastructure, and access to essential services are major concerns, while the municipality must work within limited resources.
We need to keep West Nipissing a place where people can afford to live, raise a family, run a business, and age with dignity. That means making responsible decisions, maintaining and improving infrastructure, supporting local businesses, planning carefully for growth, and working with other levels of government to secure needed services and investment.
Rural communities must have a meaningful voice in municipal planning and decision-making. By listening to residents, setting clear priorities, protecting our community’s character and affordability, and focusing on practical solutions, we can build a stronger future for all of West Nipissing.
If elected, what is one thing you would like to accomplish during your term?
One thing I would like to accomplish during my term is to help make West Nipissing a stronger, more affordable, and more connected community for everyone. I want to listen to our residents, understand what they need, and work toward practical solutions that make a real difference in their everyday lives. I want to support responsible growth, create more opportunities for our youth, strengthen our rural communities, and help bring new businesses and investment to West Nipissing. Most importantly, I want to help build a community where people can afford to live, raise their families, work, and grow old with dignity.
What is one thing you would like to see your municipality do differently?
One thing I would like to see our municipality do differently is be more proactive and forward-thinking when it comes to economic growth and attracting new businesses and industries. We need to look at the bigger picture and actively pursue opportunities that will create jobs, strengthen our tax base, and give our young people more reasons to stay and build their futures here. I understand that growth takes time and there are challenges, but I believe we need to be willing to think outside the box and explore new possibilities. I want us to be planning not just for today, but for the West Nipissing we want to see 10, 20, and 30 years from now.
What does good local government look like to you?
To me, good local government means listening to people and actually hearing what they have to say. It means being honest, approachable, and willing to have the difficult conversations when they’re needed. I believe we need to work together, ask questions, look at all sides, and make decisions that make sense for our community—not just for today, but for the future. It also means being responsible with taxpayers’ money and making sure our rural communities don’t get overlooked. Most of all, I believe local government should be about people, not politics, and making sure residents feel heard, respected, and represented.
If you received a $1 million grant to use for your municipality any way you wanted, what would you do with it?
If I received a $1 million grant for West Nipissing, I would focus it where I believe it could make the biggest difference in people’s lives. I would prioritize longer-term rehabilitation and recovery services, work toward bringing a hospice closer to home, and create more affordable opportunities and supports for our youth. I would also invest in economic development and opportunities to attract new businesses and jobs. Most importantly, I would listen to our residents and make sure the investment benefits our entire community, including our rural areas.
How do you approach working with people who disagree with you?
I’ve always felt that we can disagree and still respect and care about one another. Through raising my family, working in education, being a hairstylist, and volunteering in our community, I’ve met people with many different opinions and perspectives. When someone disagrees with me, I try to listen and understand where they’re coming from rather than immediately trying to change their mind. I’m not afraid to ask questions, have an honest conversation, and admit when someone has a good point. At the end of the day, we may not always agree, but I believe we can find common ground and work together for the good of our community.
What does having more women in local leadership change?
Having more women in local leadership brings a broader range of experiences, perspectives, and voices to the table. As a mother, educator, volunteer, and longtime listener to our community, I understand the importance of addressing the everyday concerns of families, seniors, and youth. Women do not all lead in the same way, but their participation—alongside people with diverse backgrounds and experiences—can strengthen public discussions and lead to more thoughtful decisions. Ultimately, inclusive leadership ensures that everyone has a meaningful voice and that our community’s decisions reflect the people they serve.
What is something about you that you would like voters to know that they might not learn from your campaign platform?
Something I’d like people to know about me is that I genuinely care about people, and I’ve always been someone others feel comfortable talking to. Whether it was sitting in a salon listening to someone’s story, supporting a student, volunteering in the community, or simply being there for a friend or neighbour, I’ve always believed that sometimes people just need someone who will truly listen.
I don’t take that trust lightly. I may not always have the answer, but I will take the time to listen, learn, and do my best to help. That’s the kind of person I will bring to Council.
Where can people find you?
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61593322454456
Email: jclaurin711@gmail.com
