Women in Gov' was the first meeting of its kind. In honour of International Women's Day, the meeting featured presentations from women who are working in government, whether elected or in the public sector. The meeting took place on March 3, 2018 at the Halton Regional Centre.
Just over 30 women as well as men participated in the sessions. They included a presentation and a panel discussion. The day also included a mock Council meeting. The mock meeting engaged participants to discuss current issues, and debate these issues from various points of view. The women who are elected or working in government took part in the panel discussions.
Women working in government participants:
- MPP Burlington, Eleanor McMahon is the current President of the Treasury Board and Minister Responsible for Digital Government. She was the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport.
- MP Oakville-North Burlington, Pam Damoff is the Vice Chair of the Standing Committee on the Status of Women
- Burlington Ward 6 Councillor, Blair Lancaster is the Regional representative at the Federation of Canadian Municipalities where she is part of the Standing Committee on Increasing Women's Participation in Municipal Government.
- Halton Hills Town and Regional Councillor, Jane Fogal
- Oakville Ward 2 Regional and Town Councillor, Cathy Duddeck
- Burlington Deputy City Manager, Mary Lou Tanner
- Halton Director of Policy Intergration and Communications, Lynne Simons
- Councillor's Assistant for Burlington's Ward 6, Rebecca MacKay
- Burlington Manager of Committee and Elections Services, Danielle Manton
“I am thrilled with the fantastic turnout and would like to thank everyone that participated, and helped to put on such a successful event,” said Regional Councillor Blair Lancaster. “It was inspiring to see so many women coming together to share new ideas and perspectives. Women’s participation in government can only increase more, and I am hopeful that we can continue to have these conversations and see more women in roles of leadership, to make a difference in our communities.”
The timing of this event coincides with the Municipal Elections taking place on October 22, 2018. In Oakville there will be two free sessions available for individuals interested in becoming candidates for Mayor, Town Councillors, Regional & Town Councillors and Educational Trustees. The sessions take place in April.