OPINION: Women Leading Canada’s Municipal Future
This past weekend’s Union of Municipalities of New Brunswick (UMNB) conference marked a significant milestone in leadership across the province, as Brittany Merrifield, Mayor of Grand Bay-Westfield, assumed the role of UMNB President.
Merrifield takes over from outgoing President and Mayor of Tantramar, Andrew Black, and her appointment isn’t just symbolic—it’s part of a broader trend. Across Canada, women are increasingly taking on key leadership roles in municipal governance, and Merrifield’s rise is another powerful indicator of that shift.
Merrifield joins the ranks of women leading Municipal Provincial/Territorial organizations which includes, Rebecca Alty, President of the Northwest Territories Association of Communities; Carolyn Bolivar-Getson, President of the Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities; Amy Coady, President of Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador; Randy Goulden, President of Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association; Lauren Hanchar, President of the Association of Yukon Communities; Robin Jones, President of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario; and Trish Mandewo, President of the Union of British Columbia Municipalities. These women are steering the future of governance in their respective provinces and territories, bringing with them diverse perspectives and a wealth of experience.
In the next few weeks, the list of women leading provincial and territorial organizations could expand even further, with female candidates running for top roles in both Manitoba and Alberta. The possibility of women succeeding outgoing leaders like Rural Municipalities of Alberta President Paul McLauchlin and Association of Manitoba Municipalities President Kam Blight suggests a growing wave of female leadership at the helm of regional governance. While society rightly encourages more women to run for higher political office, we as a society might be overlooking the significant impact they are already making at the local level.
Women are stepping up in municipal governance, where decisions directly affect communities and where their leadership can often drive more immediate and tangible change. Positions like mayor, councillor, or president of local municipal associations put women at the heart of decisions that shape everyday life—whether it’s community planning, public safety, or local services.
Across Canada, more women are leading larger cities than ever before, and their leadership is transforming urban governance in significant ways. From Marianne Alto, Mayor of Victoria, to Brenda Locke in Surrey, and Jyoti Gondek in Calgary, these women are navigating the complex challenges of running some of Canada’s most populous and diverse municipalities. We also see female mayors shaping the future of cities like Yellowknife, led by Rebecca Alty, and Toronto, under Olivia Chow, as well as Montreal, where Valérie Plante is redefining urban governance.
However, this movement is not limited to big cities. Smaller communities are increasingly seeing women take the helm of municipal councils, where their leadership is equally critical. In towns like Thompson, Manitoba, Colleen Smook is setting an example for leadership in northern communities. In Saskatchewan, Dayna Anderson is guiding Craven, and Cheryl Fort is making waves as the Mayor of Hornepayne, Ontario. These women, along with countless others, are navigating their communities through challenging times—whether it's economic uncertainties, housing crises, or climate-related concerns.
The influence they wield in these roles may be less visible than in provincial capitals or Parliament, but it is arguably more meaningful.
At the local level, municipal leaders are deeply connected to the communities they serve, allowing them to respond to the day-to-day realities that affect residents most directly. Female leaders are often at the forefront of advocating for policies that address urgent, practical needs such as affordable housing, and infrastructure.
The rapid rise of female leaders in organizations like the Union of Municipalities of New Brunswick and other provincial associations across Canada underscores how women are already making a significant impact in governance where it matters most—on the ground, in our towns and cities. This progress is particularly meaningful because local governance is often where tangible change happens most quickly and visibly, from shaping sustainable development policies to ensuring that vulnerable populations have access to essential services.
However, while we celebrate the strides women have made in municipal leadership, the work is far from complete. Despite their proven capabilities and innovative approaches, women still make up less than half of elected members on municipal councils, according to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. This underrepresentation limits the diversity of perspectives necessary for truly inclusive decision-making at the local level. We need to continue breaking down the systemic barriers that prevent more women from running for office and occupying these essential leadership roles.
Canada has indeed come a long way since 1917, when Hannah Gale broke ground as the first woman elected to Calgary’s city council. In the 107 years since, women have achieved incredible progress in municipal, provincial, and federal governance, taking their rightful place as leaders in every sector of Canadian political life. Yet, it’s important to recognize that this progress has been hard-won, and challenges remain.
Looking ahead, the future holds the potential for a pivotal shift. Perhaps we will reach a point where we no longer need to actively encourage women to run for office—because the path will be clear, and the barriers that once stood in their way will be broken. In this envisioned future, women will run not because they are asked, but because they know they belong in the political arena. They will step forward confidently, ready to help shape the policies and decisions that will define Canada’s future, knowing that leadership is their right as much as it is their responsibility.
Until then, our efforts must continue to ensure that every woman who aspires to lead feels empowered to do so.
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