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Marie Murphy-Foran
Marie (she/her) was first elected and began her journey as a trustee in 2018. Her background and experience in community leadership and engagement lend themselves to an understanding of the importance of advocacy and governance. The past four years have provided her with a better understanding of the framework in education at the local, district and provincial levels.
Marie Murphy-Foran is running for School Board Trustee for the Algoma District School Board in Elliot Lake.
Marie (she/her) was first elected and began her journey as a trustee in 2018. Her background and experience in community leadership and engagement lend themselves to an understanding of the importance of advocacy and governance. The past four years have provided her with a better understanding of the framework in education at the local, district and provincial levels.
Why are you running for this position?
My passion for education results from seeing the complexities and challenges of the education system as a mother, spouse, coach, professor, and trustee. My two children graduated from Elliot Lake Secondary School, and through their high school career and beyond, I was an active member of the athletic community, having coached basketball for ten years. I continued to expand my love of Elliot Lake Secondary School by teaching the Duel Credit Tourism and Hospitality as a professor at Sault College.
I firmly believe that our future is dependent on all students gaining the necessary skills, knowledge, attitudes and values to succeed in a global market. Algoma District School Board has a student success framework based on student-centred learning, achievement, engagement and wellness. A philosophy we keep in the forefront is, “Education is not just about delivering diplomas. It’s about delivering better lives…better futures”.
What innovative projects would enhance life in your municipality?
The community of Elliot Lake would benefit from a broader understanding of inter-generational programs. There is a remarkable resource of retirees that have moved to our community with expertise, skills and abilities that could complement school programs.
Over time, we have unfortunately segregated retirees from other populations in the community. The opportunity would see a garden program at each school, partnering with the horticultural society or community seniors.
If you received a $1 million grant to use for your municipality any way you wanted, what would you do with it?
If I received a million dollars, I would use it to kick start a Community Foundation whose purpose would be to work with schools, not for profits to identify and fund community-based programs. This foundation would be based on shared costs and sweat equity of participants.
What do you think are the greatest challenges your municipality faces?
Forward-thinking.
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 attend functions such as graduations and coop luncheons with students and businesses. I attend school meetings and scholarship banquets and represent the board on the Parent Involvement committee.
The past two years have allowed Educators opportunities to build relationships with parents and families, and Boards have been reminded of the vital role of parents, families and community in our schools.
The Parent Involvement Committee and school councils can and should provide an opportunity for engaging parents, families and the community at the board and school levels. My energies will be focused on working with the parents, families, schools and board representatives to ensure we have a framework for conversation, learning and support that allows all of us to make decisions regarding equity, inclusion and student-centred education. The Parent Involvement Committee is the conduit for parents, families and the community to support the board initiatives and become knowledgeable about programs, policies and directions or challenges facing the board. Algoma District School Board can now host virtual meetings, bringing outlying areas for seminars, symposiums or presentations into a virtual meeting space.
As to school councils, the more we share what is happening board-wide will open the lens to our program opportunities in the outlying districts. When we talk about programming in technology, robotics, coding, outdoor education and other special programs such as high skills majors in healthcare, tourism/hospitality, construction trades etc, it would be beneficial to make the community aware. Our board offers numerous co-op options to meet some of their workforce needs. The school council is a conduit for establishing a sense of belonging for all students and parents. It can also be the conduit for tough discussions about equity, inclusion, diversity, achievement and well-being.
What is your favourite thing to do in your municipality?
The outdoors for summer fishing and ice-fishing.
Why do you think it’s important for women to be represented in civic leadership, including on committees, boards and municipal councils?
Until we no longer have policies that discriminate against women or any diverse group, we need to have women and diverse groups as fair representatives in a community,
What does a ‘feminist city’ mean to you?
A feminist city means a community that recognizes principles of equality but takes it one step further to equity. My favourite saying is, “Yes, we give everybody a pair of shoes, fair and equal, but equity ensures the shoes fit.”
In a community, we have so many diverse needs. One size does not fit all.
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:
My goal is to enhance involvement in the Parent Involvement committee and the School Councils as a conduit for local citizens to participate in a positive role, learn in a leadership role, run meetings and share information etc., all leading to a positive impact for students in the schools.
The school councils should welcome any diverse group as an avenue for participation, learning and giving feedback.
The school council could give a great experience for someone wanting to be a trustee in the future.
Where can people find you?
Facebook
Email
http://ontarioschootrustees.org
Learn about the other women running in the 2022 Ontario Municipal Election in Northern Ontario.
Leah Vanderwey
Leah (she/her) retired two years ago after 33 years in education. She has worked for Lakehead Public Schools, three regional school boards, and the Ministry of Education in various roles, including teacher, principal, superintendent, Student Achievement Officer, and Thunder Bay regional manager for Field Services. Many of these roles allowed her to work with different staff and students across Northwestern Ontario. Those work opportunities provided Leah with not only a local perspective but a regional and provincial one. As a Trustee, she believes she can bring that breadth of knowledge as the elected board of trustees participates in making decisions that would benefit all schools and their communities. She remains committed to quality education and would love the opportunity to be a voice of education experience for the community at the trustee table.
Leah Vanderwey is running for School Board Trustee for the Lakehead Public School Board in Thunder Bay.
Leah (she/her) retired two years ago after 33 years in education. She has worked for Lakehead Public Schools, three regional school boards, and the Ministry of Education in various roles, including teacher, principal, superintendent, Student Achievement Officer, and Thunder Bay regional manager for Field Services. Many of these roles allowed her to work with different staff and students across Northwestern Ontario. Those work opportunities provided Leah with not only a local perspective but a regional and provincial one. As a Trustee, she believes she can bring that breadth of knowledge as the elected board of trustees participates in making decisions that would benefit all schools and their communities. She remains committed to quality education and would love the opportunity to be a voice of education experience for the community at the trustee table.
Why are you running for this position?
Lakehead Public Schools is a system that faces many of the challenges of Northwestern Ontario: isolated schools, rural schools, and urban schools. I am running for this position to help bring the different communities' voices to the trustee table.
What do you think are the greatest challenges your municipality faces?
After listening to the session, Deconstructing the Reconciliation Conversation, I was struck by a question the speaker asked about Every Child Matters. The question was, "What matters to every child?" Perhaps to start to answer the question, we might look at a partnership with the city and schools to collect voices from children and their parents/guardians to determine what matters to every child in our municipality.
If you received a $1 million grant to use for your municipality any way you wanted, what would you do with it?
I would apply it to the project above so that the needs of our children are being identified and met within the community.
What do you think are the greatest challenges your municipality faces?
The greatest challenges that our municipality faces are drug addiction, gangs, and violence.
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. Opportunities to meet with parent groups or holding town hall meetings.
What is your favourite thing to do in your municipality?
I love to curl, play ball, and walk the various walking trails in Thunder Bay and the surrounding areas.
Why do you think it’s important for women to be represented in civic leadership, including on committees, boards and municipal councils?
I think it is important for women to be represented so that we are role models to others that we provide value added leadership to committees, boards, and municipal councils.
What does a ‘feminist city’ mean to you?
A "feminist city" means women are equally represented and respected for their work.
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:
In education, the systemic barriers faced by women might begin in childhood. For example, are there any courses in secondary school that are largely male-dominated? If yes, this would provide an opportunity for staff to determine why that might be the case.
Where can people find you?
Learn about the other women running in the 2022 Ontario Municipal Election in Northern Ontario.
Angela Caputo
Angela (she/her) is a serial entrepreneur and community hype woman. In 2019, she was named Young Entrepreneur of the Year by Northern Ontario Business. In 2020 when the pandemic struck, she chaired an initiative to bring lunches to children in geared-to-income housing and was awarded by TD Canada Trust for doing so. Angela was recognized as 1 of 6 recipients across North America for the TD “Thank You” program for her commitment to her community. Her business, The Breakfast Pig, has been awarded and written about across Canada.
Angela Caputo is running for Council in Ward 3 in Sault Ste Marie.
Angela (she/her) is a serial entrepreneur and community hype woman. In 2019, she was named Young Entrepreneur of the Year by Northern Ontario Business. In 2020 when the pandemic struck, she chaired an initiative to bring lunches to children in geared-to-income housing and was awarded by TD Canada Trust for doing so. Angela was recognized as 1 of 6 recipients across North America for the TD “Thank You” program for her commitment to her community. Her business, The Breakfast Pig, has been awarded and written about across Canada.
Why are you running for this position?
I am a woman in her prime who is ready to effect positive change for Sault Ste Marie. I want to represent the demographic of women under 40 and moms, who often go unrepresented. My goal is to inspire women who will assist one another in realizing their dreams of running for public office. I also want my daughter to know she can do anything she wants, despite society's restrictions on women.
What do you think are the greatest challenges your municipality faces?
I think that Sault Ste Marie sells itself short. We do not believe in ourselves enough, and I intend to be a leader who changes that mindset.
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 have enjoyed canvassing so much. I plan to canvass the neighbourhoods involved in specific decisions. I would also like to hold my own Ward Meetings and invite residents to discuss issues that will affect them. I am also a big social media advocate and plan to reach all demographics through the various platforms and use that to create polls and get feedback.
What is your favourite thing to do in your municipality?
I love taking walks through our hub trail, especially in the fall. Fall in Sault Ste. Marie is absolutely stunning.
Why do you think it’s important for women to be represented in civic leadership, including on committees, boards and municipal councils?
Women run their households, plan the bill of vacations, handle much of the financial duties and have very valuable opinions. Diversifying our leadership would bring vibrancy to every facet of government.
What does a ‘feminist city’ mean to you?
Feminism is the equality of the sexes. To me, a feminist city would be a place that does not put gender first and definitely does not use gender as a barrier. Women would be heard loud and clear and have their ideas implemented, and be given credit for them.
Where can people find you?
Learn about the other women running in the 2022 Ontario Municipal Election in Northern Ontario.
Julie Ann Bertram
Julie Ann (she/her) is a parent of 3 children attending schools within the NNDSB. Her background is in the arts, as a musician and writer. She has been running a business in West Nipissing for over ten years and sits on a few volunteer committees in her small community of Field. She believes that strong and progressive communities begin with a strong and progressive public education system.
Julie Ann Bertram is running for School Board Trustee in Zone 1 for the Near North District School Board in West Nipissing.
Julie Ann (she/her) is a parent of 3 children attending schools within the NNDSB. Her background is in the arts, as a musician and writer. She has been running a business in West Nipissing for over ten years and sits on a few volunteer committees in her small community of Field. She believes that strong and progressive communities begin with a strong and progressive public education system.
Why are you running for this position?
I can bring a different type of insight and expression to the table where the voices of our students, parents, teachers, and support staff are heard while upholding the progressing vision, mission, and values of the Board and the Ministry of Education. Concise communication between advocates, the Board, and policymakers is key to quickening action taken throughout the public education system.
With the pandemic came extra responsibilities at home, I became involved in my children’s schooling much more than I had ever planned. During this time, it was important for me to understand how they learned, what they missed about in-class learning, how they navigated online learning, and what they liked about learning from home. Now that most students are back in the classroom, I feel it urgent that extra academic assistance and mental/social health supports are available within schools to help alleviate the stress of the past few years. These observations, along with further discussions, can be beneficial to creating a future of education where our children are inspired, engaged, and well-prepared for the next stages of life in society.
What do you think are the greatest challenges your municipality faces?
The challenges our municipality faces are the same as most: a high cost of living, reduced quality of life, food insecurity, homelessness, problematic substance use, violence, and a rise in mental health issues combined with a lacking support system.
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?
It is important to note how most people prefer to communicate these days.
Social media campaigns and direct emails with concise messaging, perhaps witty, and inventive correspondence from trustees to the community can surpass the traditional humdrum notices we all tend to ignore, and therefore tend to miss out on pertinent information. I feel a lack of humour in general has been a detriment to what should be an overall excitement as we help shape the future! We may want to take a step forward, away from the conventional solemnity that has been the norm.
Involving students in these communications is also important. Young people have generous and infectious energy that will automatically bring parents and community partners into the information fold.
Why do you think it’s important for women to be represented in civic leadership, including on committees, boards and municipal councils?
Women in leadership positions bring a less authoritative and more collaborative approach to the workplace, providing a different set of talents and imaginative solutions to the table. A creative perspective and unique sensitivity allow for ideas that may otherwise be missed.
Where can people find you?
Facebook
mail@julieannbertram.com
289-970-0150
Learn about the other women running in the 2022 Ontario Municipal Election in Northern Ontario.
Marilyn Cully
Marilyn (she/her) is a widow, retired nurse, and licensed real estate agent. She has been on many committees over the years. She simply wants to help the people of Thunder Bay.
Marilyn Cully is running for Council-At-Large in Thunder Bay.
Marilyn (she/her) is a widow, retired nurse, and licensed real estate agent. She has been on many committees over the years. She simply wants to help the people of Thunder Bay.
Why are you running for this position?
I want to help the people of Thunder Bay.
What innovative projects would enhance life in your municipality?
A health unit with a police station in the downtown core to help the mental health patients and needy on the streets. The police station with two police who actually walk the beat day and night can be where the action is all the time. A care station with food and an extra health unit for people in need. Being a mental health nurse, I feel this is needed in Thunder Bay's three most crime-related areas.
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 money toward the stations mentioned above, as they are so needed in Thunder Bay: Simpson Street, Cumberland Street and Frederica Street.
What do you think are the greatest challenges your municipality faces?
Crime and needy
Mental Health
Infrastructure
High taxes
Garbage and snow removal
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 take phone calls as I have my phone number and emails on all my signs and will also sit down and listen to concerns and create events and fundraisers to create funds to help.
What is your favourite thing to do in your municipality?
I love simple things like walking the marina, singing karaoke and going to free dances outside or any outside events in winter or soccer and football baseball games. I feel people need more inexpensive events. Thunder Bay has excellent entertainment, and we can utilize our own musicians and any type of entertainment.
Why do you think it’s important for women to be represented in civic leadership, including on committees, boards and municipal councils?
Women have different perspectives on things than men. A lot of time, they are more family-orientated and include the children. I have worked on many committees over the years, such as JaycettesLyonettes Minor Football, taught Sunday School and see the need for a woman’s influence in sports and somewhat of a gentle touch in all activities.
What does a ‘feminist city’ mean to you?
To me, it is just giving the whole picture as in the past, most politicians were men and all things were black and white — I mean, somewhat biased. This way, we should have a true picture of a society with a little of a woman’s way of doing things and maybe a lighter touch.
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:
Systematic barriers would be getting our point across as more men are always out there to outweigh the situation. We will have to do a lot of research and have conferences with many to get our point across, especially in the finance areas and social aspects of our city.
Where can people find you?
Learn about the other women running in the 2022 Ontario Municipal Election in Northern Ontario.
Natalie Labbee
Born in Sudbury and raised in Blind River, Natalie has spent most of her adult life living in various small communities across northern Ontario, making a difference and enhancing the quality of life in those communities by giving her time, talents, and leadership over the last 28 years. She is the proud mother of two young adult sons who live in Greater Sudbury and is the Assistant Manager at a non-profit organization that enhances the quality of life for Older Adults ages 50 or better! Natalie's extensive resume includes diverse experience working for two municipalities, the public, private and non-profit sectors and as an entrepreneur. She has chaired and contributed as a Board Member for over two decades in various sectors. She has volunteered for countless organizations and spearheaded many successful grassroots community projects. She was also elected and served on Municipal Council in Manitouwadge from 2010-2014. Growing up in Blind River, her parents taught her that being of service to others is one of the best things you can do to improve your community. They made it clear to Natalie through their actions and encouraged her to seek opportunities, saying, “If something needs to be done, you can’t wait for others to do it. It all starts with you!” Since relocating to Capreol from northwestern Ontario in 2014, she’s known for Coordinating the Capreol Santa Claus Parade and recently taking the reins in bringing Capreol Days back for everyone to enjoy, which was a tremendous success.
Natalie Labbee is running for Council in Ward 7 in Greater Sudbury.
Born in Sudbury and raised in Blind River, Natalie has spent most of her adult life living in various small communities across northern Ontario, making a difference and enhancing the quality of life in those communities by giving her time, talents, and leadership over the last 28 years. She is the proud mother of two young adult sons who live in Greater Sudbury and is the Assistant Manager at a non-profit organization that enhances the quality of life for Older Adults ages 50 or better! Natalie's extensive resume includes diverse experience working for two municipalities, the public, private and non-profit sectors and as an entrepreneur. She has chaired and contributed as a Board Member for over two decades in various sectors. She has volunteered for countless organizations and spearheaded many successful grassroots community projects. She was also elected and served on Municipal Council in Manitouwadge from 2010-2014. Growing up in Blind River, her parents taught her that being of service to others is one of the best things you can do to improve your community. They made it clear to Natalie through their actions and encouraged her to seek opportunities, saying, “If something needs to be done, you can’t wait for others to do it. It all starts with you!” Since relocating to Capreol from northwestern Ontario in 2014, she’s known for Coordinating the Capreol Santa Claus Parade and recently taking the reins in bringing Capreol Days back for everyone to enjoy, which was a tremendous success.
Why are you running for this position?
Simply put, I am running because I was asked, and there is a vacancy.
I am running because I know I will be a strong, passionate and connected Leader in shaping the future of OUR Ward 7 and the Greater City of Sudbury.
I am the only candidate who actually lives, works, and plays in Ward 7. I drive our roads every day, spend my money here and support local. I am connected to the issues. You can be assured that the decisions I make at the Council table will always be what is best for OUR Ward because I have a direct stake in how that will impact our quality of life here in Ward 7.
I’m running because I believe great cities are built by great neighbourhoods. There is so much we can do together to ensure that all communities in Greater Sudbury have more great neighbourhoods for people to live, work and play in — but I need your help.
Amalgamation doesn’t have to keep being a four-letter word.
What innovative projects would enhance life in your municipality?
I know that many people feel that a new Events Centre would benefit Greater Sudbury, which would include a new arena as well. I say build it! But not if it's going to cost taxpayers $250 million dollars. It should be a private entity moving it forward. I want to see Sudbury grow and have facilities that we can be proud of. We have to make it easier for high growth business potential start-ups across all industries to come to Greater Sudbury. My hope is for Council to ensure that this process is streamlined so we can be favored as the logical place for business development and seen as a leader in northern Ontario.
If you received a $1 million grant to use for your municipality any way you wanted, what would you do with it?
Ward 7 is a pretty large geographical footprint, and each community is unique in demographic, population and resources. $1 million sure doesn't go very far these days. The best way to use that money would be to hold a public meeting in each of those communities and divide it accordingly. I would like to see it be used on a project that would enhance community spirit and pride. What better way than asking those who actually live there what those ideas could be.
What do you think are the greatest challenges your municipality faces?
The Greater City of Sudbury has only seen a 2.8% increase in population since 2016. With the cost of inflation, it is getting more difficult to provide services and sustain those levels of service because of stagnant growth in population. Lack of affordable housing & rising costs of rent, groceries, gas, utilities etc, are all contributing to people struggling. Many single & dual income families are just one paycheque away from being unhoused. The median age in Greater Sudbury is 48 years old. With an ageing population, affordable housing & housing options in general, as well as long-term care options, are a growing concern. Youth outmigration is rampant. As a city, we have to get a handle on our spending and invest in our current infrastructure, work collaboratively with investors & developers and make Sudbury a natural selection for these innovative businesses to come here so we can retain and bring new talent to our City. Homelessness & the Opioid crisis is rampant and is affecting the opinion of & potential growth of our Downtown. It's such a complex question. There's certainly a lot to tackle, and we need to ensure we have competent, practical people around the Council table who care and can prioritize where our taxes are spent.
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?
One of my Superpowers is that I rally people! I am a true Leader and lead by example, and I make getting engaged in the community a fun and fulfilling thing to do! Part of my platform is to encourage more people to come out and participate in the Community Action Network meetings we have in the Wards throughout Greater Sudbury. I want to use social media, newspapers and local television to get people excited about getting involved and making a difference! I have written several articles about the importance of all of us being Ambassadors for our communities and city! It all starts with us.
When people meet me, they feel my energy, passion and commitment to my community and to others. I plan on making focus groups a part of the CAN meetings by asking people to join my S.W.O.T team! We need to get together and share ideas about what we all feel are the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats to each of our unique communities. Once we do that, we can put together an action plan.
But it all starts with community and showing up. I show up! I show all the way up! I also very much support a public forum as part of public engagement. I hope my colleagues on Council will support that.
What is your favourite thing to do in your municipality?
We have many amazing community events and activities to enjoy in Greater Sudbury! I try to participate in as many as I can! I regularly attend performances at the Sudbury Theatre Centre/Yes Theatre. The talent here in Sudbury never disappoints. I enjoy frequenting the locally owned restaurants and shops downtown and throughout the city. We are active in participating in outdoor activities and enjoy the trail systems throughout the outlying communities in all seasons. We have a UTV and a snowmobile and really enjoy the comradery that exists while using the trails. I also enjoy Curling and Cross Country Ski memberships in Capreol in the winter. Some of the best trails around and something our city can be proud of! I enjoy giving my time to volunteering and helping out when asked, and singing at the Capreol Legion on a random Friday afternoon with my spouse, Dan.
Why do you think it’s important for women to be represented in civic leadership, including on committees, boards and municipal councils?
When we join Boards, we develop so many skills that help foster healthy communities in some way. We become stronger leaders through these experiences.
Women bring a variety of perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences, which can be key to any organization’s success. It helps build confidence and allows us to achieve personal goals and be seen as credible.
Many people believe that there is a range of qualities that only women can bring to a boardroom – things like better communication and consultation skills, a more "caring" attitude towards the organization they are governing, and a better knowledge & connection to community issues.
I was 35 years old when I was first elected to Council. I had brought a fresh perspective and ideas that weren’t readily accepted by what is known as the “old boys club,”; but I knew that I wasn’t serving anyone if I decided to stay small. I knew that to truly stand up, I had to speak up even when I faced resistance from others. This is how change is realized; plus, it feels good to be part of something and give yourself.
I joined my first Board when I was 20 years old, a Children's Entertainment Series Committee that coordinated special shows and performances in our town for children and families to enjoy. I learned so much about grants, report writing, contracts, working with others, and so much more. It contributed to my success in career opportunities presented to me, and it set me on a path for volunteering on a whole new level.
Every time a woman joins a Board, it not only contributes to gender diversity but also fosters so much more!