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Johanne Brousseau
Johanne has lived in North Bay for 60 years. She was raised by blue-collar parents who instilled strong work ethics, integrity, commitment and reliability. She has devoted over 50 years of community volunteerism, including 23 years of board experience. She had a 37-year career in the sewing industry as a patternmaker, business owner and national sewing educator. Since retiring in 2014, she has had the pleasure of serving on city council 2018-present. In her spare time, she enjoys swimming, spending time with family, and taking advantage of all that North Bay offers.
Johanne Brousseau is running for Mayor in North Bay.
Johanne (she/her/elle) has lived in North Bay for 60 years. She was raised by blue-collar parents who instilled strong work ethics, integrity, commitment and reliability. She has devoted over 50 years of community volunteerism, including 23 years of board experience. She had a 37-year career in the sewing industry as a patternmaker, business owner and national sewing educator. Since retiring in 2014, she has had the pleasure of serving on city council 2018-present. In her spare time, she enjoys swimming, spending time with family, and taking advantage of all that North Bay offers.
Why are you running for this position?
I have been asked why am I running for Mayor? I got into this four year ago and over this time , I have seen the potential that our city has. It has motivated me to seize the opportunity and accept the challenge of leading our community. Based on what I have learned, along with my passion for our city, I want to step up, provide a new and fresh look at the helm of our council and work with all of our community to address the challenges we face as we continue to move forward together.
If you received a $1 million grant to use for your municipality any way you wanted, what would you do with it?
When elected, I would ensure that there is a corporate strategy in place that identifies our community priorities. In terms of capital projects in this day and age, $1 million dollars is not a lot. I would advocate identifying priority projects that are eligible for matching dollars from other levels of government in order to maximize the dollars available.
What do you think are the greatest challenges your municipality faces?
Our community's greatest challenges are mental health, addiction and homelessness. The ripple effect of these challenges adds external pressures to the community’s safety and well-being as a whole and to our front line.
Other than the official ways of communicating (minutes, municipal notes), how else will you reach out to your constituents to involve them in the decision making process?
I will engage the community and allow them to be involved in the decision-making process. I will invite citizens to participate in working groups/focus groups when a pertinent issue needs to be moved forward.
What is your favourite thing to do in your municipality?
I love to walk on our waterfront. I enjoy the 100km of multi-use trails that were greatly appreciated during our social distancing era. For the past few years, I've enjoyed raising funds for the local Y.M.C.A. With a group of avid swimmers, we swim in stages, along the contour of Trout Lake. We are e so lucky to have two pristine lakes in our city.
What does a ‘feminist city’ mean to you?
A feminist city would be a community where women would receive equal rights and their knowledge and experience would be respected When Women no longer have to fight for and point out the lack of equality then my city will be a feminist city.
Social Media Handles
Where can people find you?
Learn about the other women running in the 2022 Ontario Municipal Election
Evelyn Dutrisac
Evelyn has extensive and diverse experience in municipal government. She sat on three municipal governments from 2006 to 2018, with three mayors. She also sat on Rayside Balfour Council, from 1989 to 1994. She was a high school teacher for 33 years. As a councillor, she worked with groups and individuals to meet goals. Some of her successes as a council member are Villa St. Gabriel, the Therapeutic/Leisure Pool in Azilda, the 4-laning of MR 35, the Revitalization of the Donovan, and Park improvements in the Ward. Since 2018, she has been working with Abbeyfield Canada to provide affordable housing for older adults. She is also the Co-Chair of the Compassionate City.
Evelyn Dutrisac is running for Mayor in Greater Sudbury.
Evelyn (she/her/elle) has extensive and diverse experience in municipal government. She sat on three municipal governments from 2006 to 2018, with three mayors. She also sat on Rayside Balfour Council, from 1989 to 1994. She was a high school teacher for 33 years. As a councillor, she worked with groups and individuals to meet goals. Some of her successes as a council member are Villa St. Gabriel, the Therapeutic/Leisure Pool in Azilda, the 4-laning of MR 35, the Revitalization of the Donovan, and Park improvements in the Ward. Since 2018, she has been working with Abbeyfield Canada to provide affordable housing for older adults. She is also the Co-Chair of the Compassionate City.
Why are you running for this position?
I care about my City and I want to make a change for the better of my community. I have the experience and knowledge to work with our city's residents. By connecting and meeting with residents, I understand the issues and will be working with members of council and the staff to meet the real needs of our residents. When taxpayers pay their taxes, they are investing in value for services. Taxpayers are expecting a return on their investment. They are investing in good roads, police services, fire protection, recreational service, and public transportation. I will ensure that hard-earned tax dollars are spent wisely and efficiently. Our focus must be on promoting smart government, smart growth and smart spending of taxpayer money on dealing with the needs prioritized by the residents. We must empower and stand up for all residents. I will support business and industry. Please visit my website info@evelynformayor.ca for more information on my experience and platform.
What innovative projects would enhance life in your municipality?
I have developed a New Vision of Making Greater Sudbury Greater - United in Strength. What is required by the New Council is the creation of the new vision based on the principle of community collaboration, engagement, empowerment and accelerating community action. There is a strong need to create synergism through community development principles that recognize that citizens have the desire, ability and wherewithal to enter into collective problem-solving. My website provides further understanding of this new Vision including Collaborative leadership, Community Engagement Policy, Empowering, Terms of Reference and Acceleration.
If you received a $1 million grant to use for your municipality any way you wanted, what would you do with it?
When I was Ward 4 Councillor during 2006 to 2018, I initiated and worked with the fundraising committee to build a Therapeutic/Leisure Pool in Greater Sudbury. MP Marc Serre was able to get $1 Million from the Federal Government. We utilized this money to fund the Pool in Azilda. I firmly believe that the Mayor and Council must work closely with other levels of government to lobby for funds on special projects in Greater Sudbury.
What do you think are the greatest challenges your municipality faces?
I am meeting and connecting with many residents during my campaign to become Mayor of Greater Sudbury. Many challenges face the families in our City. From my communicating and connecting with the citizens, I have identified these 4 major challenges :
High taxes and the high cost of living;
Infrastructure renewal- the City of Greater Sudbury is looking at close to a three billion dollar infrastructure deficit;
Opioids, mental health and homelessness;
Urgent need for affordable housing for our citizens especially older adults.
Our focus must be on promoting smart government, smart growth and smart spending of taxpayers’ money on dealing with the needs prioritized by our residents.
Other than the official ways of communicating (minutes, municipal notes), how else will you reach out to your constituents to involve them in the decision making process?
I will be accessible any time, any day to meet with the residents, business and non-profit groups. We need to hold town meetings and Council meetings in every Ward of the City of Greater Sudbury. It is very important to connect with people. Trust and openness exits when we connect. then leadership becomes a gift and not a threat.
What is your favourite thing to do in your municipality?
I truly enjoy going to the many lakes in our city. I am the President of Café Heritage. I enjoy the many talents, the varied cultures and heritages of our people. This summer I attended the Summer Concerts hosted by Café Heritage at Whitewater lake. What a joy to connect with the residents and to enjoy the great talent of our local artists. I am looking forward to the Festival Noel hosted by Café Heritage in December 2022.
Why do you think it’s important for women to be represented in civic leadership, including on committees, boards and municipal councils?
We need women to be involved in civic leadership. We bring a different and very valuable presence to the different committees, boards and municipal councils. Every person is unique and brings many talents when participating actively in our communities.
Please identify the most critical policy, project, or initiative in your platform that addresses systemic barriers faced by women in your municipality, and describe why:
Too many prejudices and inequalities towards women exist in our communities. We need to be open, trusting, and caring to all persons. Rather than judge and see women as second-class residents, let's see their talents and contributions to making our communities greater and always working for the ultimate good of all.
Social Media Handles
Where can people find you?
https://evelynformayor.ca/
Email
The campaign office is at 174 Elgin (the Gallery). The campaign office phone number is 705 665 0668.
Learn about the other women running in the 2022 Ontario Municipal Election
Miranda Rocca-Circelli
Miranda was born and raised in Sudbury by an immigrant father and a second-generation immigrant mother. She was raised with her sister to understand the merit of hard work, the importance of being authentic, and the value of community. Like her entrepreneurial-minded father, she is the founder and operator of three small local businesses and one not-for-profit community-based organization for youth. She built all of this while raising her family. She acquired two degrees from Laurentian University and graduated in 2009 with a Master’s Degree in Distance Education from Athabasca University. She has always had a passion for working with the public. Her focus has always been on identifying people’s needs and building capacity to address community gaps. She believes a mayor's first priority is to serve the community's needs and to build and sustain a brighter future.
Miranda Rocca-Circelli is running for Mayor in Greater Sudbury.
Miranda (she/her) was born and raised in Sudbury by an immigrant father, Ugo Rocca and a second-generation immigrant mother, Sonia Rocca (née Cacciotti). Along with her sister Sabrina Rocca, she was raised to understand the merit of hard work, the importance of being authentic, and the value of community. Like her entrepreneurial-minded father, she is the founder and operator of three small local businesses and one not-for-profit community-based organization for youth. She built all of this while raising her family. She acquired two degrees from Laurentian University and graduated in 2009 with a Master’s Degree in Distance Education from Athabasca University. She has always had a passion for working with the public. Her focus has always been on identifying people’s needs and building capacity to address community gaps. She believes a mayor's first priority is to serve the community's needs and to build and sustain a brighter future.
Why are you running for this position?
I am running for mayor of the City of Greater Sudbury because I believe our city is in need of a positive change. I understand that to foster change you have to become part of the solution. I was born and raised in this city, built my businesses here for the past 15 years, and I am raising three children in this community. I believe that my experiences will bring real world experience to the mayor’s office.
Our people and our city deserve the care and attention to be able to truly become a city that can prosper. I have observed that our municipal government has made efforts to disenfranchise some members of council and citizens. This has affected how we do business, and hindered the attraction of new development; if our city is going to prosper now and, in the future, we need to vote for change. I am committed to being a leader who can guide us into a thriving city by focusing on innovative ideas to create revenue streams that will aim to subsidize taxes. I will also look to ways to engage our citizens, and start to rebuild our city to create opportunities for growth and sustainability.
What innovative projects would enhance life in your municipality?
Projects that focus on the wellbeing of our citizens. We need to focus on getting our city back to a place where our citizens feel a sense of belonging and connection.
Acquiring the Laurentian's Athletic department as a northern Ontario multipart facility can help to create a sense of community and bring people to our city along with creating a space for families to play indoor sports and have tournaments north of Barrie, ON.
Projects that focus on creating resources and support for our vulnerable population including homeless, human trafficking, seniors, and mental health to name a few.
Projects that focus on the environmental sustainability of our city, such as bylaws that limits the use of chemicals in the products we use on our roads as one example.
If you received a $1 million grant to use for your municipality any way you wanted, what would you do with it?
I believe that with a grant of $ 1 million dollars we should allocate that money amongst the amalgamated towns so that they can address their communities in their growth and development and provide the towns with some autonomy.
What do you think are the greatest challenges your municipality faces?
Connecting with our citizens and making decisions that are focused on the needs of our citizens.
Other than the official ways of communicating (minutes, municipal notes), how else will you reach out to your constituents to involve them in the decision making process?
Great Question. There are many ways we can connect with our citizens. This can include: Focus group sessions on topics and matters, scheduling a council meeting to be conducted in each of the amalgamated towns, create a space at council meetings for the public to have a voice (such as a mic or method for citizens to submit their concerns, via text etc..), Blog to provide transparency on what is happening in the city and from the mayor's perspective, podcast with members of the community who can speak to their initiatives, open social media and assign a facilitator/moderator to the chats so that progressive dialogue can be conducted.
What is your favourite thing to do in your municipality?
Enjoy the outdoors with my family.
Why do you think it’s important for women to be represented in civic leadership, including on committees, boards and municipal councils?
I believe it is import to diversify representation in any organization, this is to ensure that when making decisions and advocating on behalf of citizens we can best represent all citizens, and we can do this by creating inclusive opportunities. Women provide unique perspectives based on their experiences, and considering the unique needs woman have can help organizations make decisions that are inclusive and supportive to the needs of woman.
What does a ‘feminist city’ mean to you?
I have never heard this term. I would assume that the "feminist city" is a city that advocates on behalf of women's needs and rights including equality in different sectors.
Please identify the most critical policy, project, or initiative in your platform that addresses systemic barriers faced by women in your municipality, and describe why:
I am currently unfamiliar with any barriers that may exist at the municipal level that affect women specifically, that is not to say that barriers do not exist, it is to say I have not experienced them personally at the municipal level. This is something that if it does exist, I would like to learn more about so that I can best determine how to address such barriers.
For me, the decision to run for mayor in our city, where the role of mayor and other administration roles have predominantly been represented by male figures locally, the decision to run has contributed to addressing systemic barriers faced by woman locally. This is not an easy feat to go against "the old boys club" as it has been labelled by many citizens who have reached out to me, acknowledging how I am breaking barriers for woman in my choice to simply run for mayor in our city.
I do believe the work that you do for your organization to support woman can be extended to create more opportunities to educate and create awareness for more woman at the municipal level.
Social Media Handles
Where can people find you?
www.miranda4mayor.ca
705-920-9171
Learn about the other women running in the 2022 Ontario Municipal Election
Geraldine R. Robinson
Geraldine is a veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces with 23 years of service. She has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Manitoba. She was the first woman to be elected to the Beckwith Township Council. She taught English in South Korea from 2008-2009. She has served on two Economic Development Committees and was the Eastern Ontario Representative to the Ontario Economic Development Corporation.
Geraldine R. Robinson is running for Mayor in Elliot Lake.
Geraldine (she/her) is a veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces with 23 years of service. She has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Manitoba. She was the first woman to be elected to the Beckwith Township Council. She taught English in South Korea from 2008-2009. She has served on two Economic Development Committees and was the Eastern Ontario Representative to the Ontario Economic Development Corporation.
Why are you running for this position?
I believe in an open and transparent operation of council business The public should be aware of all aspects of council’s decisions, the councillor's opinions, and the arguments for and against the issues. Making decisions behind closed doors must cease. As Mayor, I could ensure that the meetings are open. The urgent need to address the problems of the aging infrastructure of the city. I would have an aggressive policy in support of and attract business to Elliot Lake. I would focus on promoting tourism and creating venues that would increase tourism in Elliot Lake.
What innovative projects would enhance life in your municipality?
Exploiting the majestic view from the Fire Tower. Ensure that municipal buildings are safe. Implement a policy that attracts business, not the current practice of placing roadblocks to new businesses.
If you received a $1 million grant to use for your municipality any way you wanted, what would you do with it?
Use it to improve the roads and infrastructure.
What do you think are the greatest challenges your municipality faces?
Aging infrastructure, shortage of medical personnel, aging population.
Other than the official ways of communicating (minutes, municipal notes), how else will you reach out to your constituents to involve them in the decision making process?
Opening council business to the public not conducting business behind closed doors will cause a greater interest.
What is your favourite thing to do in your municipality?
Enjoying the surrounding beauty of Elliot Lake.
Why do you think it’s important for women to be represented in civic leadership, including on committees, boards and municipal councils?
Women generally have a different approach to municipal affairs and different concerns.
What does a ‘feminist city’ mean to you?
I really do not agree with such a term, since the city should be open to all citizens.
Please identify the most critical policy, project, or initiative in your platform that addresses systemic barriers faced by women in your municipality, and describe why:
There is generally an "old boys club" attitude in this city that prefers the status quo. If elected, I would definitely face this attitude, I have faced this attitude in the forces and in municipal politics before. It is frustrating but with hard work and a clear vision, a woman can gain respect.
Where can people find you?
There are several candidates meeting scheduled and I plan to canvass door to door.
Learn about the other women running in the 2022 Ontario Municipal Election
Michelle Boileau
A proud Franco-Ontarian born and raised in Timmins, Michelle has dedicated her career to bettering the socio-economic well-being of people throughout Northern Ontario. She has over a decade of experience working in the postsecondary education sector and is currently the Employment & Immigration Services Manager for a local community college. Michelle obtained a Master of Research degree in Educational and Social Research from the University of London and an Honours Bachelor’s degree from the University of Ottawa. Elected to the municipal council in the City of Timmins in 2018, Michelle serves on several community boards and committees and is honoured to chair the Northern Ontario Service Deliverers Association. She is most proud of being the mother of a two-year-old daughter, Rosalie.
Michelle Boileau is running for Mayor in Timmins.
A proud Franco-Ontarian born and raised in Timmins, Michelle (she/her/elle) has dedicated her career to bettering the socio-economic well-being of people throughout Northern Ontario. She has over a decade of experience working in the postsecondary education sector and is currently the Employment & Immigration Services Manager for a local community college. Michelle obtained a Master of Research degree in Educational and Social Research from the University of London and an Honours Bachelor’s degree from the University of Ottawa. Elected to the municipal council in the City of Timmins in 2018, Michelle serves on several community boards and committees and is honoured to chair the Northern Ontario Service Deliverers Association. She is most proud of being the mother of a two-year-old daughter, Rosalie.
Why are you running for this position?
I'm running because Timmins can benefit from leadership with a future-focused vision for the city. I believe my skills and experience can contribute to making Timmins a better place to live for all. There are many issues that must still be addressed. I’m proud of the work I’ve accomplished as a municipal councillor this past term, but I know I can make a bigger impact in the mayor's role. I want to continue to build on the progress we’ve been making as a community.
If you received a $1 million grant to use for your municipality any way you wanted, what would you do with it?
First, I would do a happy dance! Then, I would request that we invest at least half into housing development initiatives, and use the other half to enhance and diversify recreational opportunities in the city.
What do you think are the greatest challenges your municipality faces?
One of the challenges I look forward to tackling is population growth. We're facing significant workforce shortages across all sectors, which is not only having a negative impact on our economy but also on the quality of life for residents. Moreover, much like the rest of Ontario, we're facing a housing crisis here in Timmins. Housing affordability, a lack of affordable housing and homelessness are all unique facets of the wider issue of housing. Finally, too many residents are struggling with access to appropriate health care. We have a growing waitlist and longer wait times, without any sign of things improving soon. Issues related to mental health and addictions continue to be prevalent in the city, and our community’s capacity to address them is limited. We also cannot ignore the environmental impacts on our health, such as air pollution, water quality, noise, etc. A clean environment is essential for human health and well-being.
What is your favourite thing to do in your municipality?
One of my family's favourite things to do in the City of Timmins is walking our dog through the extensive trail system. Whenever I feel like I just need to take breath, I head out into the trails to connect with nature.
Why do you think it’s important for women to be represented in civic leadership, including on committees, boards and municipal councils?
An obvious reason to strive for gender parity around decision-making tables is because women make up half of the population. That said, it's also important for women to be represented in civic leadership because women have different lived experiences than their male counterparts. They bring a different perspective to the conversation, as does any person of diversity.
Please identify the most critical policy, project, or initiative in your platform that addresses systemic barriers faced by women in your municipality, and describe why:
I believe that making provisions for child care so women can fully engage in professional and political spheres is especially important in a place like Timmins, where shiftwork is widely common. I would like to develop and implement strategies for increasing access to quality, culturally-appropriate child care in the city, both internally at the municipality and for the broader community.
Social Media Handles
Facebook
Instagram
LinkedIn
Twitter
Where can people find you?
Learn about the other women running in the 2022 Ontario Municipal Election
Stacy Wight
Stacy was born and raised in the North and proudly established her career and family here. She has served her community through countless volunteer organizations, including Kabaret Charitable Foundation and Ducks Unlimited. She served one term as a council member and wishes to continue serving her community in the future.
Stacy Wight is running for Mayor in Kirkland Lake.
Stacy was born and raised in the North and proudly established her career and family here. She has served her community through countless volunteer organizations, including Kabaret Charitable Foundation and Ducks Unlimited. She served one term as a council member and wishes to continue serving her community in the future.
Why are you running for this position?
Finishing my first term on council, I believe our community is ready for a different style of leadership. After a decade in finance and management, I look forward to the challenge of building my community through partnerships and innovative thinking.
What innovative projects would enhance life in your municipality?
Innovative thinking when it comes to road maintenance is currently a must in our municipality. Similar to many communities in the north, our roads suffer the harsh winter climate and are in various states of disrepair. Seeking the best practices of other communities; perhaps even reaching out to Nordic Communities across the globe would benefit our small northern town.
If you received a $1 million grant to use for your municipality any way you wanted, what would you do with it?
I would use it to run a pilot bus on demand project, such as per the communities of Guelph, Coburg and Sault Ste. Marie. This service could assist those on fixed incomes, mobility issues and lack of personal vehicles.
What do you think are the greatest challenges your municipality faces?
Declining population and lack of business and industry has plagued our community for over a decade. To face this challenge, we need to expand our current Community Improvement Program not only to encourage new business but also to support our long standing owners and operators as well.
Other than the official communication methods (minutes, municipal notes), how else will you reach out to your constituents to involve them in the decision making process?
If I am successful in my bid as Mayor, I will hold regular round table discussions with community stakeholders and members of the public to ensure all voices are being heard. I will insist on a social media presence for the office of the Mayor, as it is vital in today's society to be available on line. I will hold regular office hours to ensure interested members of the public can stop in to speak with the Mayor when they wish to.
What is your favourite thing to do in your municipality?
My favourite thing is to be outdoors within our community. We are surrounded by lakes, walking trails, parks and scenery I never tire of seeing!
Why do you think it’s important for women to be represented in civic leadership, including on committees, boards and municipal councils?
According to 2016 data, women out number men within Ontario. It's vital that our community leaders reflect those numbers. Often women approach the decision making process from a different point of view and every sector of the population has value at leadership tables.
What does a ‘feminist city’ mean to you?
This term, I've been on the receiving end of unwanted and unwelcomed comments literally at the council table. I see a "feminist city" as a place in time when women and other minorities will no longer need to deal with comments that belittle their contribution to their communities, work places and volunteer spaces. I see it when all staff, administrators and council members condemn these words and actions immediately in the moment to ensure we all feel safe and valued in our positions.
Please identify the most critical policy, project, or initiative in your platform that addresses systemic barriers faced by women in your municipality, and describe why:
To allow or more women's voices in decision making, we need to accommodate council to the realities of women's lives such as accommodating meeting schedules to the realities of women's lives, and allowing for more virtual participation in meetings..
Social Media Handles
Where can people find you?
Meet and Greet October 6, 2022 7pm at Kirkland Lake Legion, Branch 87