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Stacy Sathaseevan
Stacy is a mom of 3 children who is currently working for the Office of Graduate Studies at Laurentian University. She also holds the office of the Dean of Residence at Thorneloe University. Stacy is also passionate about her community and has sat as an Executive Member for the Ward 10 Community Action Network and a founding member of the Ward 1 Kingsmount/Bell Park CAN. She served as President of the Greater Sudbury Kinette Club, sat as a member of the Conseil d'éducation catholique at École St. Denis, volunteered with Sole Hope, and served as Vice-President for the United Nations Association of Canada - Sudbury Chapter.
Stacy Sathaseevan is running for School Board Trustee in Area 5, Wards 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, & 12 for Conseil scolaire catholique du Nouvel-Ontario in Greater Sudbury.
Stacy (she/her) is a mom of 3 children who is currently working for the Office of Graduate Studies at Laurentian University. She also holds the office of the Dean of Residence at Thorneloe University. Stacy is also passionate about her community and has sat as an Executive Member for the Ward 10 Community Action Network as well as a founding member of the Ward 1 Kingsmount/Bell Park CAN. She served as President of the Greater Sudbury Kinette Club, sat as a member of the Conseil d'éducation catholique at École St. Denis, volunteered with Sole Hope, and served as Vice-President for the United Nations Association of Canada - Sudbury Chapter.
Why are you running for this position?
Education and student wellbeing have been passions of mine for nearly two decades. Starting with a life-altering event in a Peruvian orphanage in 2005 that solidified my need to work with and support children and youth, I have continued to pursue this passion in various aspects of my life. I believe that as a mother, and an engaged community member, I have the ability to bring a compassionate, supportive, dedicated and inclusive leadership style to the board that will positively impact our youth for the next 4 years.
What innovative projects would enhance life in your municipality?
I think that projects that highlight the natural beauty of our city and encourage our youth to be outdoors more often are the perfect way to enhance our municipality.
What do you think are the greatest challenges your municipality faces?
Sudbury's homeless population has been growing considerably in recent years. Not only do we need to make housing more affordable, but we need to offer easily accessible services that will help mitigate issues such as increased drug and alcohol treatments, mental health supports and fair wages.
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 believe it's important for trustees to be in their communities and in their schools in order to foster relationships with students, parents, and teachers alike in order to better understand how those involved are most impacted by the issues and decisions that the board faces. Social media is the easiest way to reach a large group, such as zone 5 with CSCNO, and I think it best caters to parents and students. I think that making agendas/minutes more accessible by offering a 1 page debrief via email or portal allows more members to understand what their trustees do and what issues are relevant to them.
What is your favourite thing to do in your municipality?
Hiking and visiting local restaurants. Nothing beats a good stone-baked pizza after a long fall walk!
Why do you think it’s important for women to be represented in civic leadership, including on committees, boards and municipal councils?
Equal representation in civic leadership is paramount to a thriving community as it is the only way to ensure that every member of the population feels seen and heard. Additionally, we need to show our children that their genders do not restrict them from pursuing their dreams and leading their communities.
Where can people find you?
Learn about the other women running in the 2022 Ontario Municipal Election in Northern Ontario.
Kelly Fettes
Kelly Fettes aims to offer the fresh perspective of a community-minded parent with a goal to advocate for students actively and prepare them to thrive and grow. Her perspective is important in the quest to improve the school experience, making it work for all students, parents, teachers, and partners alike. Kelly has served on a number of volunteer boards, including Little Lions Waldorf Daycare, Leadership Thunder Bay, and most recently, the Thunder Bay Country Market. These commitments have included executive designations (President & Vice-President) and Director at large. She is an active volunteer who strives to improve this community, donating her time to several community initiatives. Currently, Kelly is employed as an Administrative Officer at Lakehead University, where she utilizes her superior skills in staff, client and stakeholder relationships and provides her expertise in administrative procedures and protocols.
Kelly Fettes is running for School Board Trustee for the Lakehead District School Board in Thunder Bay.
Kelly arrived in Northern Ontario in 1988 to attend Lakehead University, and since that time she has called Thunder Bay home. After graduating Lakehead University, Kelly continued her education at Confederation College. She began her career in June of 1994 and has worked in the local travel industry, event coordination and office management. She is very passionate and supportive of local small businesses and the economic growth of the city and region. Kelly believes in giving back to her community, growing healthy teams and lifting up those around her to reach their goals. She has sat on a variety of volunteer boards and committees. As a committed community volunteer and parent, Kelly strives to model leadership and community values for her son.
Why are you running for this position?
Kelly believes she can offer a fresh perspective of a community-minded parent who aims to actively advocate for students and prepare them as they thrive and grow in the Thunder Bay District. Her perspective is an important one in the quest to improve the school experience, making it work for all students, parents, teachers, and partners alike.
For several years, Kelly has volunteered on various types of not-for-profit boards, which have included Little Lions Waldorf Daycare, Leadership Thunder Bay, and most recently, the Thunder Bay Country Market. These commitments have included executive designations (President & Vice-President) as well as Director at large. To Kelly, boards are teams, and she believes that if we live in a community, we need to find ways to help make everyone’s lives better, especially our children’s. Kelly is an active volunteer and strives to make this community better, donating her time to a number of community initiatives.
Currently, Kelly is employed as an Administrative Officer at Lakehead University, where she utilizes her superior skills in staff, client and stakeholder relationships and provides her expertise in administrative procedures and protocols. Kelly’s current work, past board governance, and community service experience, combined with her passion for making positive change for the youth who are the future of Northwestern Ontario, make her a winning candidate for the role of School Trustee.
What innovative projects would enhance life in your municipality?
I would like to see the creation of more youth advisory groups (of all ages) to discuss their thoughts and ideas on what multiple initiatives would be of interest to youth in our community. This list may include ideas around types of indoor/outdoor physical activities to the arts, including music, theatre, story writing, photography, paint, etc. to life experience activities such as cooking and food knowledge, simple accounting, to coding or STEM experiences to prepare them for a future career. Life is changing so fast for our youth today, and asking them to identify what interests them may be a key to keeping them engaged and active
If you received a $1 million grant to use for your municipality any way you wanted, what would you do with it?
One million dollars doesn’t go as far as one would think these days but investing in elementary youth culinary programs would be a start to teaching food basics, including food preparation, ingredients (local growing and farming practices), health and wellness, as well as life skills at an early age. With our schools made up of many diverse backgrounds, students would have opportunities to learn about the food culture backgrounds of their peers. The one common language we all speak is food. It nourishes the body and helps our brains and bodies grow. In today’s world, families are made up of many dynamics, and young people are relied upon to help more around the home, this includes meal prep, kitchen cleaning and safe practices. It is said, “the kitchen is the heart of the home”, let’s help educate our youth of all ages on the proper ways of enjoyment of being in the kitchen.
What do you think are the greatest challenges your municipality faces?
Our community is facing several social, and economic challenges, three of the challenges include an increased rate of homelessness, high crime rates and the continuing high costs of housing and maintaining a home.
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?
Working with a school board’s communications department on a campaign of how to get more parents to participate in their child’s schools. Updates, newsletters, policies, and procedures are key when keeping up to date with your child’s educational experience. Communication between parents, teachers, and students will make decision-making processes clearer and more beneficial to the student, who the Board Trustees are responsible for advocating for.
What is your favourite thing to do in your municipality?
I have lived in Thunder Bay for over 34 years and have always enjoyed what our outdoors has to offer to all ages and families. This summer, I discovered the joys of our local running, hiking and biking trails. These trails are truly an amazing source of nature and exercise and an excellent place to find solitude for the soul.
Why do you think it’s important for women to be represented in civic leadership, including on committees, boards and municipal councils?
It is important for women to be represented at all levels of leadership, and we all have a role to play in taking on new opportunities. Challenging ourselves to share, give, or do more in our community is an important action, whether on a volunteer level or advancing one’s career. The female perspective is an important part of creating an equitable society. Women are poorly represented in all levels of politics. We need to learn to lift each other up and encourage each other to take on new challenges.
What does a ‘feminist city’ mean to you?
I believe in equality for both sexes, but I also believe it goes beyond “sex” and includes different gender identities, cultures and backgrounds. It means we strive to create a more diverse community in which we can all live, work, volunteer and play and where we all feel safe in our community. A city in which we can feel free of discrimination to discuss real-life issues, make changes to policies or guidelines when necessary and advocate for all students regardless of age, race, ethnicity, creed, nationality, sexual orientation or personal circumstance. I believe in equal opportunities for all genders.
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:
An initiative to continue to reduce harmful gender roles and stereotypes by educating our young girls and young women on the importance of their value and voice as a person. It is important to continue to offer and enhance STEM and extra-curricular activities and programs for young girls and young women, to give them the tools and confidence they need to enhance their future goals.
Where can people find you?
TBPL - Candidate Debates
Learn about the other women running in the 2022 Ontario Municipal Election in Northern Ontario.
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.
Ellen Chambers
Ellen has spent her entire career in education, beginning as an elementary teacher and then continuing in the classroom and special education. She was the president of the local Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) and an ETFO Provincial Executive Member. She advocated locally, provincially, and nationally for LGBTTQI+ students’ rights and safety. Ellen was on the Project Advisory Panel for the Egale First National Survey on Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia in Canadian Schools. She is co-chair of Diversity Thunder Bay (DTB), chair of DTB Education Committee, volunteer for Birds Canada, and a founding member and past co-chair of Thunder Pride. She is the recipient of the ETFO provincial Humanitarian Award, the ETFO President’s Award, the Thunder Bay Mayor’s Hero Award and the Thunder Pride Visionary Award. Her passion is education and children. Her love is her family and friends (and dogs and nature). She pledges to help whenever she can.
Ellen Chambers is running for School Board Trustee for the Lakehead District School Board in Thunder Bay.
Ellen (she/her) has spent her entire career in education, beginning as an elementary teacher and then continuing in the classroom and special education. She was the president of the local Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) and an ETFO Provincial Executive Member. She advocated locally, provincially, and nationally for LGBTTQI+ students’ rights and safety. Ellen was on the Project Advisory Panel for the Egale First National Survey on Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia in Canadian Schools. She is co-chair of Diversity Thunder Bay (DTB), chair of DTB Education Committee, volunteer for Birds Canada, and a founding member and past co-chair of Thunder Pride. She is the recipient of the ETFO provincial Humanitarian Award, the ETFO President’s Award, the Thunder Bay Mayor’s Hero Award and the Thunder Pride Visionary Award. Her passion is education and children. Her love is her family and friends (and dogs and nature). She pledges to help whenever she can.
Why are you running for this position?
I am passionate about public education and believe that trustees make a difference through their decisions in the lives and education of children. Trustees are the only elected officials whose sole existence is in regard to children and their education.
What innovative projects would enhance life in your municipality?
In regard to education, I believe that the new strategic plan at Lakehead Public Schools with the Indigenous Learning Framework will take our schools and children to a better place in our commitment to Reconciliation. Anti-racism and anti-discrimination projects will enhance the lives of people in our community.
If you received a $1 million grant to use for your municipality any way you wanted, what would you do with it?
End homelessness.
What do you think are the greatest challenges your municipality faces?
Safety and equity for all.
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.
What is your favourite thing to do in your municipality?
Work on anti-racism.
Why do you think it’s important for women to be represented in civic leadership, including on committees, boards and municipal councils?
Women are 50% and more of the population without our voice how can you say the committee etc. has the voice of the people.
What does a ‘feminist city’ mean to you?
All women are represented and are safe and no longer exploited.
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 a school trustee seeking re-election I work to ensure that all children are safe and receive an equitable and the best education we can provide.
Where can people find you?
Learn about the other women running in the 2022 Ontario Municipal Election in Northern Ontario.
Yuk-Sem Won
Yuk-Sem Won is a Labour Law litigator, Part-Time Faculty Member at Confederation College specializing in Business, and has a background in Education. She has raised her family, established her career and has over 30 years of volunteering and governance experience, including the Thunder Bay District Labour Council, TBay Business Women’s Network, Accueil francophone, TBay Chinese Canadian Association, and the Orange Abinoojiinh Movement for Residential School Survivors. She has never been able to ‘just wait’ for change to happen but chooses to invest time and energy to be a part of the change she wants to see. This is the foundation of her community leadership and interest in politics. As Neebing Ward Councillor, she wants to bring her experience, knowledge, and advocacy skills to city council. She appreciates the non-partisan structure of municipal politics, focusing on collaboration and respectful advocacy for the needs of the people, economic development and the community's well-being.
Yuk-Sem Won is running for Council in Neebing Ward in Thunder Bay.
Yuk-Sem Won (she/her/elle) is a Labour Law litigator, Part-Time Faculty Member at Confederation College specializing in Business, and has a background in Education. She has raised her family, established her career and has over 30 years of volunteering and governance experience, including the Thunder Bay District Labour Council, TBay Business Women’s Network, Accueil francophone, TBay Chinese Canadian Association, and the Orange Abinoojiinh Movement for Residential School Survivors. She has never been able to ‘just wait’ for change to happen but chooses to invest time and energy to be a part of the change she wants to see. This is the foundation of her community leadership and interest in politics. As Neebing Ward Councillor, she wants to bring her experience, knowledge, and advocacy skills to city council. She appreciates the non-partisan structure of municipal politics, focusing on collaboration and respectful advocacy for the needs of the people, economic development and the well-being of the community.
Why are you running for this position?
I have been involved in the background of politics for 20 years and was a candidate in the 2019 and 2021 Federal elections. My community engagement, leadership and knowledge of issues across the Northwest have been recognized and valued at many levels. I have decided to focus my efforts on the people of Thunder Bay and my Ward of Neebing to ensure we have a strong experienced voice at City Council. I am a trusted and experienced voice in Thunder Bay and have a proven record of positive engagement and advocacy that I believe our Ward needs over the next four years.
What innovative projects would enhance life in your municipality?
I believe that Thunder Bay must focus on improving the quality of life for all residents, investing wisely in projects and programs that are founded on equity and access. We need to work together as a Council to review proposals such as the sports complex, mental health and addictions rehabilitation, affordable housing and safe/accessible community spaces.
If you received a $1 million grant to use for your municipality any way you wanted, what would you do with it?
I would leverage the money with funding opportunities to focus on a mental health rehabilitation centre for the Northwest. Alternatively, on a smaller scale in the Ward, I would leverage the monies for safe and accessible pedestrian walkways for Neebing.
What do you think are the greatest challenges your municipality faces?
The major issues are rooted in equity and affordability. We need to look at affordable housing, poverty, addictions, safety and economic development.
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 would like to engage the residents of the Ward in targeted and public consultation; be accessible for meeting with groups and individuals through calls, email or in-person visits; provide regular updates through email or mailing, as well as the potential for a newsletter for Ward residents. There is nothing quite like knocking door-to-door and meeting residents to ensure that they know who you are and can count on you to be there if and when they need you or when you as a Councilor need to hear from them.
What is your favourite thing to do in your municipality?
Neebing Ward is a haven of little corners of paradise: rural spaces within the City. Making the Ward more accessible for walking safely would be valued by all residents. Within Thunder Bay, my time has always been spent out in the community, participating and meeting people at events, bringing my family out to enjoy the many spaces that the City has to offer. I like to focus my time on events that bring awareness to equity, diversity and positive community projects. As a community leader, I value the many invitations and opportunities to celebrate programs and spaces and often organize events that enrich our lives.
Why do you think it’s important for women to be represented in civic leadership, including on committees, boards and municipal councils?
It has become both a buzzword and a taboo to talk about equity and diversity in leadership. The reality is that women and racialized voices are still very much under-represented. We need to realize that our decision-making and the way we behave are rooted in our lived experience, we each bring a way of thinking, acting, and questioning that has been built over our lifetimes. It is evident that there is a difference in lived experience, the understanding and impact of power and privilege, and how our differing experiences shape how we think and behave. True public representation must reflect the population we serve and have the voices, experiences and vision of diverse leadership.
What does a ‘feminist city’ mean to you?
My first reaction is to cringe, yes, even as a woman, because I have faced the backlash of trying to advocate for women and racialized issues in politics. I am sad that it is likely a societal reaction of thinking that in the year 2022, we don't need to talk about the word feminism anymore: aren't we done with that from the suffragette and women's lib movements of last century? Then my better sense jumps in, and I push past the taboo of the words to really think about what a feminist city could be. A city that has open and welcoming spaces for women; that values their issues and realities; that remembers to look at things from various perspectives; that focuses on projects and initiatives for their reality; that pays attention to the issues and concerns, taking the time and effort to view them with a lens of the reality of women (think safety, family, roles and responsibilities, etc); that always takes an equity lens on decisions because the voices and realities of all people are taken into consideration. That power and privilege are shared. That voices are given weight. That decisions can be different because of the lived realities of the societal roles, responsibilities and expectations of women. We need to strive for true representation of the population in leadership, especially within our City. And for that, people need to stop cringing at the word feminism and start accepting it as empowerment of half the population in a shared responsibility.
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 idea of a mental health and addictions centre for the Northwest is desperately needed and should have a component that focuses on women. The importance of safety in the community for women is a hushed conversation, and we need to bring focus and attention to it. The ideas of "general public" endeavours are great for accessibility, but we must also remember the voices and realities that are lost in the general, and forgotten by the public. We have to review each policy, project and initiative with a diversity lens, ensuring we make space and actively seek out these perspectives.
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Where can people find you?
TBPL meet and greet Oct 3; email or call, or I hope to see you at your door!
Learn about the other women running in the 2022 Ontario Municipal Election in Northern Ontario.
Lisa Vezeau-Allen
Lisa Vezeau-Allen grew up in Sault Ste. Marie. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Laurentian University in 1991 and attained a Not-for-Profit Management postgraduate degree in 2006 from St. Clair College. Her work experience is varied: she instructed in Communications at both St. Clair College and Sault College, supported the Big Brothers Association of Sault Ste Marie in a fundraising role, as well as led organizations in a Director capacity (including Sault Youth Association and the Arts Council of Sault Ste. Marie). She was Director of Development for the YMCA of Boulder County in Colorado. She was elected to City Council in 2018 and is involved in various committees and boards in her capacity as Councilor, including; SSM Police Services Board, Downtown Association, Finance Committee, Social Equity Committee, Accessibility Committee and others. In the latter part of 2019, she founded and is Board President of Grocer 4 Good Ability Development Program, a social enterprise committed to programming and paid employment for persons with an Autism Spectrum Disorder, other intellectual disabilities and those facing other employment barriers. Lisa joined her first Board of Directors at 18 and has over 25 years of experience in the Not-for-Profit sector. She believes in community, the joy of giving back and the strength of collaborations.
Lisa Vezeau-Allen is running for Council in Ward 2 in Sault Ste Marie.
Lisa Vezeau-Allen (she/her) grew up in Sault Ste. Marie. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Laurentian University in 1991 and attained a Not-for-Profit Management postgraduate degree in 2006 from St. Clair College. Her work experience is varied: she instructed in Communications at both St. Clair College and Sault College, supported the Big Brothers Association of Sault Ste Marie in a fundraising role, as well as led organizations in a Director capacity (including Sault Youth Association and the Arts Council of Sault Ste. Marie). She was Director of Development for the YMCA of Boulder County in Colorado. She was elected to City Council in 2018 and is involved in various committees and boards in her capacity as Councilor, including; SSM Police Services Board, Downtown Association, Finance Committee, Social Equity Committee, Accessibility Committee and others. In the latter part of 2019, she founded and is Board President of Grocer 4 Good Ability Development Program, a social enterprise committed to programming and paid employment for persons with an Autism Spectrum Disorder, other intellectual disabilities and those facing other employment barriers. Lisa joined her first Board of Directors at 18 and has over 25 years of experience in the Not-for-Profit sector. She believes in community, the joy of giving back and the strength of collaborations.
Why are you running for this position?
I am dedicated to my community of Sault Ste. Marie and I want to continue the positive work in striving to achieve growth, build and sustain our city and the support all folks who call Sault Ste. Marie home. I was honoured to be featured in the "We All Win Campaign" this year led by AMO and we need more women — specifically those that are supporting children with disabilities — as that unique voice is all levels of government is much needed.
What innovative projects would enhance life in your municipality?
We are currently supporting a downtown plaza project which will transform our downtown and that currently is where I intend to focus - building on other initiatives that can grow from there.
If you received a $1 million grant to use for your municipality any way you wanted, what would you do with it?
That would all be directed to our Housing Corporation for Supportive Housing to get us beyond the only 10 supportive beds we have now.
What do you think are the greatest challenges your municipality faces?
After the pandemic years, I think most northern municipalities are dealing with the rising costs of critical services and the struggles of folks not being able to access direct face-to-face mental health and addiction services. We all need to collectively connect as leaders in our municipalities, grassroots organizations and all other levels of government to work together for services and solutions.
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?
Anyone can connect with me via phone and email.
What is your favourite thing to do in your municipality?
I love our nature and walking downtown and our waterfront trail - gives me much joy and I do it as much as possible!
Why do you think it’s important for women to be represented in civic leadership, including on committees, boards and municipal councils?
Diverse voices need to be present and heard, especially young women and it is our role to mentor and support them.
What does a ‘feminist city’ mean to you?
My hope is that a feminist city means everyone is engaged and has no discrimination.
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 we all deal with a lack of representation of women in both senior management as well elected representation. I think in terms of my community, we are making strides as we have many senior positions led by women, but I know we need to represent and help all women and those not represented.