While women make up 52 per cent of the Canadian population, only 23 per cent are elected municipal politicians.
On June 15, Mayor Nolan Crouse, invited a group of women to attend a panel discussion around the theme of "Women in Municipal Government." The panel was comprised of former mayor Anita Ratchinksy, Margaret Plain, who served five terms as city councillor, Lynda Moffat, former city councillor and Carol Watamaniuk, current city councillor who has served three previous terms. These women made themselves available to a room full of interested women to ask questions and to garner the advice and wisdom of those who had walked down the path before them.
The dedication, experience and passion for our city could not be missed by this esteemed panel. They provided an honest and accurate account of the duties and responsibilities of a city councillor. They shared stories, good and bad, about life in municipal politics. They joked and laughed and through their tales they revealed the many contributions they have made that have added real value to our city. The fingerprints of their work in the community will be lasting.
It is clear just how important women's participation in municipal politics is. Ensuring women are part of the decision making process ensures that decisions, based on the greatest good for the whole are made by a group who is representative of the population they serve. Being in politics, these strong role models point out, is not easy, it is often challenging, but always rewarding work.
The only way to have more women in municipal government is to encourage them to get their names on the ballot. What are the skills required to be a city councillor? You should love learning and reading. You should be involved in the community. You should be committed and determined with a strong character and a passion for the city. What was echoed by all, as the most important ingredient, was simple, unwavering support from family and friends.
With the next election right around the corner, the timing for this panel discussion was just right. These former city councillors inspired the women who attended the discussion to become a part of the process. The city will surely see the names of a few of these talented women on the next ballot.
Trina Shipanoff, St. Albert
