Catherine Kiewning is running for Council in Dryden.
Catherine (she/her/they/them) works in public health, holds a Master's degree, has co-founded the local Pride committee and Young Professionals Network and sits as the Chair of the local Women's Shelter Board. She is a cancer survivor, vegetarian, and lover of the outdoors and audiobooks. She was born and raised in Red Lake, Ontario and has lived in Dryden for the past 10 years. She loves organizing community events, volunteering and supporting local events and businesses.
Why are you running for this position?
I've been interested in politics since I was a teenager doing local and federal advocacy work. Being creatively involved in the change process was extremely meaningful to me. I ran locally in 2018 but was unsuccessful. Earlier this year, I ran provincially for the Green Party, securing 3.8% of the vote in my riding. I am nothing if not persistent, eh? I've put my name forward again to bring a different voice to the table. As a young, queer person, I have very different life experiences than those who have come before me. Diversity on council is one of my priorities, and I want to be able to pave a way for others to feel welcome in local politics. I want to encourage my community to celebrate the differences within and create space where there were none before. I think that many people have an idea of what municipal politics should be, and it’s not entirely accurate. I want to be transparent about municipal limitations and explicit in what we CAN do. By setting out these boundaries of a municipality and its governing council we would be able to focus on the growth that our community needs. By embracing and amplifying the good things that are already happening in our community, we can focus more energy on where there are gaps in services. I love solving problems, brainstorming ideas and working independently and together for the best outcome for my city, and I’m ready to put in the work and get it done.
What innovative projects would enhance life in your municipality?
A homeless shelter, an addictions and mental health treatment centre, a small multi-purpose venue for live music and art.
If you received a $1 million grant to use for your municipality any way you wanted, what would you do with it?
Invest it in the local Youth Centre and getting the Youth-Friendly Designation
What do you think are the greatest challenges your municipality faces?
Racism and supporting the community of drug users/homeless/transient populations.
Other than the official communication methods (minutes, municipal notes), how else will you reach out to your constituents to involve them in the decision making process?
A covid-safe public forum, with anonymous questions from a box.
What is your favourite thing to do in your municipality?
Visit green spaces, make buttons at the Library, attend craft markets with a cup of local coffee
Why do you think it’s important for women to be represented in civic leadership, including on committees, boards and municipal councils?
Because we live here! We pay taxes. We own property. We own businesses. We work. We play. We contribute. We should have a say and add our opinions and thoughts to these conversations because they are valuable beyond measure. I could never be elected to city council but if there was a woman or non-binary person who wanted help to get elected I would be there knocking on doors and helping them with paperwork. People need to feel seen and represented because it can build a stronger bond to their community. When the community has that sense of belonging, we all benefit.
What does a ‘feminist city’ mean to you?
A feminist city is one where patriarchal values and old ways of doing things are challenged and uprooted. A feminist city changes policies that use language that is male by default. A feminist city offers more support to women to even the playing field and is transparent in doing so. A feminist city listens to women and prioritizes their safety and protection and empowers them. Power is shared without question.
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:
I don't have any explicit platform initiatives but I am open to hearing about any that community members propose.
Social Media Handles
Where can people find you?
To be determined - follow along on FB to find out about these!
