Not that long ago, I worked in both healthcare (for 22 years) and on city council concurrently. And while the job descriptions may differ from one role to other, the heart and soul of the work is the same: caring for people. Also, I'm a mother and recent grandmother, business owner, artist and writer. 

Serving on city council has been one of the greatest honours of my life, but it is not an easy job and it comes with great responsibility. There are many complexities, and each one must be managed carefully and thoughtfully. Council must rise to the challenge of tackling matters that impact our daily lives, while planning for the future.

The strength of our city's policies determine our community's livability and sustainability. Understanding the responsibility and complexity of local government, and having the political courage to implement change, are the ingredients required to make strides toward complete neighborhoods, accessible and sustainable mobility, a diverse and resilient local economy, vibrant public spaces, and increased affordability. It also needs to be said that the decisions Council makes today, impact the ability of future generations, and a biodiverse ecosystem, to both survive and thrive.

Elected leaders need to think and do differently if we are to tackle the challenges ahead. And, we need to work together if we are to make courageous new policies, and bridge the gaps between levels of government. And, we must to do it with the same sense of urgency that we brought to dealing with the pandemic.