Lisa Vezeau-Allen is running for Council in Ward 2 in Sault Ste Marie.
Lisa Vezeau-Allen (she/her) grew up in Sault Ste. Marie. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Laurentian University in 1991 and attained a Not-for-Profit Management postgraduate degree in 2006 from St. Clair College. Her work experience is varied: she instructed in Communications at both St. Clair College and Sault College, supported the Big Brothers Association of Sault Ste Marie in a fundraising role, as well as led organizations in a Director capacity (including Sault Youth Association and the Arts Council of Sault Ste. Marie). She was Director of Development for the YMCA of Boulder County in Colorado. She was elected to City Council in 2018 and is involved in various committees and boards in her capacity as Councilor, including; SSM Police Services Board, Downtown Association, Finance Committee, Social Equity Committee, Accessibility Committee and others. In the latter part of 2019, she founded and is Board President of Grocer 4 Good Ability Development Program, a social enterprise committed to programming and paid employment for persons with an Autism Spectrum Disorder, other intellectual disabilities and those facing other employment barriers. Lisa joined her first Board of Directors at 18 and has over 25 years of experience in the Not-for-Profit sector. She believes in community, the joy of giving back and the strength of collaborations.
Why are you running for this position?
I am dedicated to my community of Sault Ste. Marie and I want to continue the positive work in striving to achieve growth, build and sustain our city and the support all folks who call Sault Ste. Marie home. I was honoured to be featured in the "We All Win Campaign" this year led by AMO and we need more women — specifically those that are supporting children with disabilities — as that unique voice is all levels of government is much needed.
What innovative projects would enhance life in your municipality?
We are currently supporting a downtown plaza project which will transform our downtown and that currently is where I intend to focus - building on other initiatives that can grow from there.
If you received a $1 million grant to use for your municipality any way you wanted, what would you do with it?
That would all be directed to our Housing Corporation for Supportive Housing to get us beyond the only 10 supportive beds we have now.
What do you think are the greatest challenges your municipality faces?
After the pandemic years, I think most northern municipalities are dealing with the rising costs of critical services and the struggles of folks not being able to access direct face-to-face mental health and addiction services. We all need to collectively connect as leaders in our municipalities, grassroots organizations and all other levels of government to work together for services and solutions.
Other than the official ways of communicating (minutes, municipal notes), how else will you reach out to your constituents to involve them in the decision making process?
Anyone can connect with me via phone and email.
What is your favourite thing to do in your municipality?
I love our nature and walking downtown and our waterfront trail - gives me much joy and I do it as much as possible!
Why do you think it’s important for women to be represented in civic leadership, including on committees, boards and municipal councils?
Diverse voices need to be present and heard, especially young women and it is our role to mentor and support them.
What does a ‘feminist city’ mean to you?
My hope is that a feminist city means everyone is engaged and has no discrimination.
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 believe we all deal with a lack of representation of women in both senior management as well elected representation. I think in terms of my community, we are making strides as we have many senior positions led by women, but I know we need to represent and help all women and those not represented.
