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Justine Mallah
Justine Mallah is a councillor in North Bay.
In our ongoing effort to spotlight the experiences of women in municipal politics, we reached out to those elected in the 2022 municipal elections in Northern Ontario. We asked these newly elected councillors and trustees to share their insights and reflections on the transition from candidate to council. Here are their candid and firsthand accounts of the challenges, surprises, and lessons learned along the way.
Justine Mallah is a councillor in North Bay.
What initially inspired or motivated you to run for council, and how did you envision your role before being elected?
North Bay is a beautiful city with immense potential. I ran for Council because I wanted to make North Bay a safer, healthier, and more enjoyable place to live, and I didn't believe that was the direction being taken. Citizens are the heart of North Bay and deserve a City Council that puts the community first. I envisioned my role as being very much a representative of the public, listening to and advancing the collective values and priorities of the people of North Bay within the jurisdiction of City Council.
How did your expectations or perceptions change once you took office?
Progress really does take time.
Were there any surprises or unexpected aspects about the role?
I didn't expect how challenging the budget process would be. Municipalities have very tight budgets, and they're only getting tighter. The city’s budget covers, for example, roads, road maintenance, parks, transit, garbage, recreation, and water. With the significant increase in inflation, the costs of maintaining services, such as paving roads, significantly skyrocketed compared to the previous year. We also know that people are struggling, and many can't afford property tax increases. This has made for differing opinions and difficult decisions. For example: How can we maintain our services without tax increases or service cuts? How can we improve efficiencies? How much in reserves can we afford to use? What services/projects should be added or taken away? What does the data show us? Do we have enough information to make an informed decision?
What do you wish people knew about running for office, based on your own experience?
Being a City Councillor is a rewarding experience. You will gain a deeper understanding of the inner workings of your municipality, connect with diverse changemakers, and engage in stimulating discussions and important decisions that will impact the future of your community. But it isn't for everyone. Being a Councillor involves a lot of meetings, long reports, and an often overwhelming amount of emails. It's important to do your homework. Attend Council meetings, join a board, and get as involved in your community as possible. If you believe it's for you, I recommend doorknocking during the election period. It's time-consuming but also the most effective form of campaigning.
What are the significant milestones or accomplishments you’ve achieved during your tenure so far?
Working collaboratively with fellow City Council members, City staff, and several agencies, boards, and commissions, I am proud to have:
Advanced free recreation for families with the approval of a new inclusive Rotary playground and a Kiwanis All-Wheel Park.
Prioritized increasing the housing supply through the Housing Action Plan, Growth Community Improvement Plan, and Housing Accelerator Fund.
Achieved an increase in new housing development compared to the past 2 years, totalling 163 new dwelling units as of November 2023.
Supported the building of 60 new affordable housing units through a partnership between DNSSAB’s NDHC and the Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services Corporation.
Improved community safety and well-being by implementing a security and outreach team.
Secured a warming centre location before winter began.
Advanced road safety by increasing the number of community safety zones and moving forward with a road safety strategy.
Increased accessibility at the North Bay Public Library by no longer requiring a permanent address to obtain a library card.
Enhanced the beauty of our park spaces with art panels at Sunset and Champlain Parks and by supporting Clean Green Beautiful North Bay’s sculpture project.
Funded local artist initiatives through the Creative Industries Arts Fund Micro-Grants.
What valuable lessons have you learned or insights gained that you'd like to share with others considering a similar path in politics?
Every Council member comes into office with their own goals. However, resources are limited so not every goal will be achieved. It's important to work together, value each other's perspectives and expertise, and identify common priorities early on. I also learned to avoid reading online news outlets' comment sections
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Where can people find you?
These profiles are part of our ongoing series featuring women councillors and trustees elected through the ElectNOW initiative. Surveys were sent to all woman councillors and trustees who participated in the 2022 ElectNOW series. While some answers have been edited for clarity and spelling, the responses provided are the candidates' own and do not necessarily reflect the views of PoliticsNOW. If you are a woman councillor, mayor, or trustee residing in Northern Ontario and would like to be featured in this series, please fill out our survey.
Justine Mallah
Justine Mallah has over eight years of experience in community outreach, political engagement, and health promotion. Justine works in mental health and is the chair of the Violence Against Women Coordinating Committee of Nipissing, co-chair of the Gambling Harm Reduction Partnership of Nipissing and Parry Sound, and a member of North Bay’s Terry Fox Run Planning Committee. Justine is a dedicated supporter of the arts and has facilitated workshops for Art Fix and redeveloped the Gateway Theatre Guild’s website. Before moving to North Bay, Justine managed a charitable organization called Meagan’s Hug, which has raised over $5 million for research into childhood brain tumours. Justine has a Master of Arts degree in Communication and a Graduate Diploma in Health: Science, Technology, and Policy from Carleton University. After her schooling, Justine completed a course in Spain focusing on community development under Dr. Bengt Lindstrom, a leading researcher in the field. In this course, Justine gained tools to help cities identify what is really working (the strengths) and to build, promote, and maximize these strengths to create more community.
Justine Mallah is running for Council in North Bay.
Justine Mallah (she/her) has over eight years of experience in community outreach, political engagement, and health promotion. Justine works in mental health and is the chair of the Violence Against Women Coordinating Committee of Nipissing, co-chair of the Gambling Harm Reduction Partnership of Nipissing and Parry Sound, and a member of North Bay’s Terry Fox Run Planning Committee. Justine is a dedicated supporter of the arts and has facilitated workshops for Art Fix and redeveloped the Gateway Theatre Guild’s website. Before moving to North Bay, Justine managed a charitable organization called Meagan’s Hug, which has raised over $5 million for research into childhood brain tumours. Justine has a Master of Arts degree in Communication and a Graduate Diploma in Health: Science, Technology, and Policy from Carleton University. After her schooling, Justine completed a course in Spain focusing on community development under Dr. Bengt Lindstrom, a leading researcher in the field. In this course, Justine gained tools to help cities identify what is really working (the strengths) and to build, promote, and maximize these strengths to create more community.
Why are you running for this position?
I want to make North Bay a safer, healthier, and more enjoyable place to live. Citizens are the heart of North Bay and deserve a City Council that puts the community first. It’s time we build a safe, vibrant, and prosperous city. A city that brings joy to everyone, and where everyone has a home.
What innovative projects would enhance life in your municipality?
We need to update our zoning bylaws to accommodate micro-housing. Building small houses and housing them through a rent-to-own model is worth exploring. North Bay is in need of more affordable housing options.
If you received a $1 million grant to use for your municipality any way you wanted, what would you do with it?
I would put this money into supporting community groups, organizations, and businesses that want to offer free services and programming to the public.
What do you think are the greatest challenges your municipality faces?
Our region's homeless population is growing and on par (or greater)with much larger centres. We are also experiencing increasingly devastating impacts associated with opioid addiction. These trends reinforce the need for municipal advocacy to increase the funding and resources we have to respond. As a Councillor, I will advocate for more funding from the provincial and federal governments for this important work.
Public dollars need to be spent effectively and efficiently. No more band-aid solutions that don’t get to the core of the issue. We need to be evidence-informed and collaborate. We cannot be driven by assumptions or decisions made in isolation from community service providers who work in the field. Increasing the availability of community housing and addressing the determinants that create conditions for issues, like homelessness, requires coordinated collective input and impact. We need to collaborate across northern communities. Strategies born in a northern context will be most beneficial since the resources, size, and budget of southern Ontario municipalities won’t always be relevant or applicable here. As a City Council, we also can collaborate with larger organizations like the Homeless Hub, CAEH (Built for Zero), and the Northern Policy Institute who help cities address housing issues, challenges with addiction, and mental health issues through effective systems integration planning, evidence-informed interventions, and other best practices. It’s time we learn and work with experts on these complex issues, through a coordinated city-wide approach.
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?
We need to meet people where they are at. We need to knock on their door, rather than expect them to find us. Most evenings, I spend three to four hours knocking on doors to hear about what people want to see in North Bay. A two-way dialogue is so important to ensure city councillors are adequately doing their job of representing citizens. I will listen to and support the needs of citizens, and serve in the public interest.
We have an aging population in North Bay so we also need to utilize traditional approaches such as articles and notices in local newspapers, magazines, newsletters, the radio and local news channels. Social media is a great tool to engage younger generations in important community issues. It's also incredibly cost-effective and can have a wide reach.
I have been reading City reports to learn more about the inner workings of our municipality. I have also compared North Bay’s reports with those from other municipalities. Despite the fact that I have over seven years of post-secondary education, I cannot always understand the jargon being used in North Bay’s reports. We need to be mindful of literacy levels, draw out key messages and translate these messages thoughtfully through mediums most likely to reach those impacted by the decisions.
What is your favourite thing to do in your municipality?
North Bay has over 100 kilometres of multi-use trails, a ski hill, and two beautiful lakes. I love to spend time outdoors with my husband, Justin, and our poodle, Jiovani. No matter the season, you can frequently find us going for a hike in the bush or walking along the waterfront.
Why do you think it’s important for women to be represented in civic leadership, including on committees, boards and municipal councils?
When politics includes diverse voices, we can look at problems from different angles and come up with a solution that is well-balanced. There is also strong research, according to Women Deliver, that as more women are elected to office, there has been an increase in policies that emphasize quality of life.
What does a ‘feminist city’ mean to you?
A feminist city is one where women are present where plans are formed, decisions are made and action takes place. Similar to members of Indigenous, 2SLGBTQiA+ or racialized communities, women can speak to their unique experience of navigating city policies and spaces; experiences with safety, systemic oppression and discrimination; and what makes a city more inclusive. A feminist city would be reflected in affordable housing; spaces that facilitate community; environments and policies that acknowledge paid and unpaid care (work disproportionately contributed to by women); and community impact on conditions that contribute to poverty.
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 are so many barriers to individuals being able to move around town physically. Without consistent and safe sidewalks, young people, people with strollers, and people with mobile aids may experience barriers to movement. On more than one occasion in the winter, I have witnessed people struggle to use their wheelchairs on sidewalks. This isn’t equitable. Additionally, at certain times of the week, North Bay buses only run once an hour. We need to explore options for increasing transit times. How is this a gender issue? Studies show that more women tend to walk or use public transport and men are more likely to drive.
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Where can people find you?
Learn about the other women running in the 2022 Ontario Municipal Election in Northern Ontario.
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.
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Where can people find you?
Learn about the other women running in the 2022 Ontario Municipal Election
Maggie Horsfield
Maggie Horsfield has lived in North Bay her entire life. She is solution-driven and will bring her energy to City Hall to work with and for constituents as a City Council representative. In 2020, she was awarded the Young Professional of the Year award. She is a dedicated community member, volunteering her time on Boards of Directors with the Near North Crime Stoppers and the Lindsay Weld Centre for Children. For several years, she was a St. John's Ambulance Therapy Dog Handler with her dog, Nixon. She has served on the North Bay & District Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and chaired the Young Professionals Committee.
Maggie Horsfield is running for Council in North Bay.
Maggie Horsfield (she/her/elle) has lived in North Bay her entire life. She is solution-driven and will bring her energy to City Hall to work with and for constituents as a City Council representative. In 2020, she was awarded the Young Professional of the Year award. She is a dedicated community member, volunteering her time on Boards of Directors with the Near North Crime Stoppers and the Lindsay Weld Centre for Children. For several years, she was a St. John's Ambulance Therapy Dog Handler with her dog, Nixon. She has served on the North Bay & District Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and chaired the Young Professionals Committee.
Why are you running for this position?
North Bay is at a crossroads and needs some new voices around the decision-making tables. I have the energy to lead positive change at City Council by connecting with people, being empathic and focusing on collaborative opportunities with the community. I will advocate for the environment, community safety and well-being and affordability.
What innovative projects would enhance life in your municipality?
Advocating and Supporting the Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan, Active Transportation Plan, and Master Parks Plan. Developing plans with community consultation on the revitalization of the Downtown Core and Waterfront by supporting initiatives that bring people together and are accessible to the public.
What do you think are the greatest challenges your municipality faces?
Affordability, Community Safety and Wellbeing, and Building Community Trust.
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?
Social Media, Facebook Lives, News Outlets, Town Halls.
What is your favourite thing to do in your municipality?
Hike and explore!
Why do you think it’s important for women to be represented in civic leadership, including on committees, boards and municipal councils?
Women have been systematically underrepresented around the decision-making tables in civic leadership positions. Our community deserves better representation that will ensure women's voices are heard and that the conversations taking place are represented by diverse and wholesome perspectives.
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:
The City of North Bay will be entering into a new Strategic Planning process. This is the opportunity to have a strategic plan that puts the social determinants of health, first.
Social Media Handles
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
LinkedIn
Where can people find you?
Learn about the other women running in the 2022 Ontario Municipal Election in Northern Ontario.
Tanya Vrebosch
Tanya is the current Deputy Mayor for the City of North Bay and has served the citizens of North Bay for the last 15 years. Born and raised in Corbeil, she has proudly called North Bay home since she was 18. She and her better half Dan Nogueira have 2 beautiful daughters, Danielle and Sydney. She is the daughter of Bill and Gisele Vrebosch. Her day job is with DNSSAB as a Supervisor for Ontario Works. Her philosophy is to always listen and make sure people feel heard. Her guiding principles are fiscal responsibility with a social conscience.
Tanya Vrebosch is running for Council in North Bay.
Tanya (she/her) is the current Deputy Mayor for the City of North Bay and has served the citizens of North Bay for the last 15 years. Born and raised in Corbeil, she has proudly called North Bay home since 18. She and her better half Dan Nogueira have 2 beautiful daughters, Danielle and Sydney. She is the daughter of Bill and Gisele Vrebosch. Her day job is with DNSSAB as a Supervisor for Ontario Works. Her philosophy is to always listen and make sure people feel heard. Her guiding principles are fiscal responsibility with a social conscience.
Why are you running for this position?
As many of you know, the “Vrebosch” name, and the family that I am so proud to be a part of, is synonymous with our commitment to public service, community well-being and the greater good. I have been guided by my parents, Bill and Gisele, who both lovingly and wholeheartedly taught me and my siblings, Lisa, Louise and Billy, to stop, listen and learn at every opportunity; to be the voice for the voiceless; and to share and lend a helping hand whenever and wherever I can. These are simple tenets but I have carried them with me throughout my time on North Bay’s City Council as both Councillor and Deputy Mayor as I’ve advocated for fiscal responsibility with a social conscience.
Politics is in my blood, and I want to continue to serve and represent the citizens of North Bay for another term.
This last term, we had a council that worked very well together and got things done. It is one of the best councils I have worked with.
We saw an increase in our population and assessment during a worldwide pandemic; we have a strong balance sheet with an AA-2 stable credit rating; all-time record construction numbers; North Bay was named Fastest Growing City 2 years in a row; record-breaking bike lane and sidewalk creation; built a multi-use outdoor court, soon to start a new skateboard park/pump track and more. We didn't always get along or agree, but we were always able to move forward. Our mandate of growth was a success. Growing our assessment base will help lower taxes (more people paying part of the pie). We need to keep the momentum going!
With all of these good things come struggles. Struggles that are being faced by municipalities across the Province - Mental Health, Addictions, Housing and Homelessness. I can build you a facility and staff it, and to do this, I would have to raise your taxes significantly. But what I can't do is force the person on the street to go and stay there. The challenges we are facing with extreme mental health and addiction need intervention and action by the Provincial and Federal Governments. Municipalities across the Province are all begging for help to deal with these issues.
We need to have strong voice that continues to advocate for change to the Mental Health Act and for a real and timely intervention from the upper levels of government.
The City has hired a Community and Safety Well-Being Planner to make sure our CSWB Plan doesn't sit on the shelf. We need to make sure that we are there to provide local agencies with support and identify the gaps with a unified and loud voice to the upper levels of government. At the same time, we are going to have to look at things more seriously, such as needle pickups in public spaces, public washroom cleanliness and safety, continuous involvement in tent cities on public property etc. We need to make sure that we are looking at the rights and the safety of all citizens.
What innovative projects would enhance life in your municipality?
I would like to see us create a Wellness Centre to support those with extreme mental health issues and problems with addiction. However, that is an innovative project that needs to be funded by the Province. It would also require the will of the Province to implement vital changes, starting with the Mental Health Act, to ensure its success. This Wellness Centre would go a long way to making sure that all citizens feel and are safe in our community. With appropriate support, our entire community can feel safe, either walking down the street or for those with extreme mental health issues and problems with addiction, we can ensure that they are kept safe and are being offered the help that they may need.
Another innovation within our municipal purview that I'd like to see is the introduction of a district within the City similar to the Byward Market in North Bay, where one of our streets could be shut down (even if only during the summer); filled with vendors, artists, music, buskers etc. A place for locals to gather, small businesses to thrive and a popular tourist attraction. Having grown up in and around the City's music scene, thanks in particular to my father, I am proud to support North Bay's vibrant arts and music community and would love to further support them in the future.
If you received a $1 million grant to use for your municipality any way you wanted, what would you do with it?
The easy answer would be to say we would spend the money on a bunch of wish list items, however, grants are one-time dollars. In other words, we would have to use the money for one-time projects, otherwise, we would see taxes rise the next year to pay for their ongoing costs.
We could use the money to pay down what is owed for the Casselholme rebuild. In the alternative, our Airport Industrial Park is out of serviced land and requires funding so we can continue to attract and allow existing businesses to expand. As further alternatives, we could help find a permanent home for the Farmers' Market, we could fix more roads, infuse more money for a year to support events like the Bay Block Party, or put it towards an existing project that is funded partially by debt.
If I didn't have to worry about costs or future budget implications? I would spend the money on more sidewalks, more community events (movies in the park, music in the park, fireworks), more skating trails, better sidewalk maintenance in the winter, etc.
What do you think are the greatest challenges your municipality faces?
Extreme Mental Health issues, Addictions and Homelessness. Municipalities cannot fix these issues alone and need immediate action from the Provincial and Federal governments. North Bay is not immune to these challenges as they are faced by many municipalities across the Province and the Country.
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?
I have followed in my father's footsteps of making myself fully available to the citizens of North Bay. I pride myself on being approachable to ensure that all citizens have a voice through me, and an opportunity to be heard.
What is your favourite thing to do in your municipality?
I love going for walks with my family on the Kate Paceway, the Waterfront or one of our many trails. We live in such a beautiful city and no matter the season, the views during our walks are incredible. You walk along and everyone says hello to each other.
Why do you think it’s important for women to be represented in civic leadership, including on committees, boards and municipal councils?
Over the last 15 years, I have, at times, been criticized for being a woman in politics and there are even some that perceive it to have a negative impact on my family.
Jacinda Ardern, Prime Minister of New Zealand has raised the profile of mothers serving in politics. My daughters love what I do, and I am blessed to have a family that supports me and the opportunity to add my voice and my perspective. It is important that mothers of young children be at the table on issues that affect us. At the same time, I hope that by running again, I inspire others to answer the call to public service. We need more diversity at all levels of politics.
What does a ‘feminist city’ mean to you?
I always hope and strive for equality for all and that we work to remove barriers. As politicians, we have the ability to work towards removing those barriers and encouraging equality. As a female politician, mother, daughter, sister and friend, I hope that the strength of my voice encourages others to speak up, so that one day, we all feel safe, feel heard and we can all equally enjoy our City's spaces.
Social Media Handles
Where can people find you?
www.votevrebosch.com and social media
Learn about the other women running in the 2022 Ontario Municipal Election in Northern Ontario.
Chantal Phillips
Chantal is an Educator living in North Bay with two children. Her oldest just graduated, and her youngest is continuing in high school. Her experience teaching young children, teens and adults from age 7 to post-secondary has given her more compassion. She is an active volunteer in the community to support the arts and, in particular, Newcomers to Canada. She believes that inclusion makes our schools better. Her family has had many successes in supporting their children with very different needs. She hopes to continue strengthening our school to support an increasingly diverse student population.
Chantal Phillips is running for School Board Trustee for Near North District School Board in North Bay.
Chantal (she/her) is an Educator living in North Bay with two children. Her oldest just graduated, and her youngest is continuing in high school. Her experience in teaching young children, teens and adults from age 7 to post-secondary has given her more compassion. She is an active volunteer in the community to support the arts and, in particular, Newcomers to Canada. She believes that inclusion makes our schools better. Her family has had many successes in supporting their children with very different needs. She hopes to continue strengthening our school to support an increasingly diverse student population.
Why are you running for this position?
I feel strongly that our Board should include representation of families with children in the school system. I want to advocate for parents and learners. My vision for schools is to make them safer and more inclusive by supporting teachers and staff. We need positive change to help all children feel welcome at school. Teachers and staff need resources to make the classroom inclusive and effective at instilling a love of learning.
What innovative projects would enhance life in your municipality?
North Bay has thriving arts, theatre, music, and film industries. More support for young talent and more venues to showcase creatives would be valuable in strengthening our city.
If you received a $1 million grant to use for your municipality any way you wanted, what would you do with it?
I would invest in housing density in our core. We need affordable small and medium size units to house students, Newcomers, lower-income families and single people. Increasing density in the downtown would help bring business and entertainment to the city.
What do you think are the greatest challenges your municipality faces?
An ageing population and increasing income inequality. Also, we have a lot of people working 2-3 jobs because wages are so low compared to expenses. A larger number of good paying jobs would improve living standards. 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?
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 think that consultation with city residents is important. I have appreciated the Councillors that post agendas an explain meetings on Facebook Live. I believe that the School Board should also make meetings open, and explain official business using plain English in local media.
What is your favourite thing to do in your municipality?
I love walking the trails with my dogs, arts events, and cycling to Callander on my new e-bike.
Why do you think it’s important for women to be represented in civic leadership, including on committees, boards and municipal councils?
The civic leadership should represent the population in gender, ethnicity and language. Better decisions come from divers leadership.
What does a ‘feminist city’ mean to you?
Equality and improving access to resources for both women and men is fundamental to strong families and future generations.
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:
A safer more inclusive school system means educating children to understand bias and prejudice. Teaching about equality and justice as well as skills for healthy relationships and how to address violence and bullying are critical life skills for a better community. Keeping children in school until graduation requires addressing school safety to increase attendance. My vision for the NNDSB School Board is to develop a safer school strategy to improve student outcomes.