Tracey Mackinnon is running for Council-at-Large in Thunder Bay.
Tracey (she/her/elle) has won numerous leadership awards, has taken many leadership courses, and has been asked to speak for Leadership Thunder Bay. She has lived experience along with years of volunteer work throughout the community. She co-founded a women’s hand drum group years ago which is still going strong — so much so that recently, the group was asked to open for a live event in the city this past summer. She is a mother, grandmother, friend, ally, advocate & candidate. She has also run in federal and provincial elections.
Why are you running for this position?
I'm running for this position as I believe if elected, I can make a difference for those like me who feel they don't have a voice at the Big Boys Table. I'm a poverty, transit, homelessness, basic income advocate and ally.
What innovative projects would enhance life in your municipality?
If elected I would advocate for fare-free transit, one of the groups I'm with did a deputation years ago asking for this. I would like to see transit electrified, which would be a Win/Win for all community members who use the service. As we move towards a Zero Emissions Climate or at least try to reduce our carbon emissions over the next 10 years, this would be a step in the right direction for improving transit services for newcomers, students, low-income workers, those disabled, the elderly, those who are trying to be more climate-friendly for their future generations.
If you received a $1 million grant to use for your municipality any way you wanted, what would you do with it?
If I received a $1 Million grant to use within my community, I would advocate for more safe, affordable housing in my community as many struggle with the high cost of rent. Those on ODSP or OW (like me) have a hard time finding safe, affordable, adequate housing on the allowances we are given to survive monthly. Canada is not a 3rd world country. There is no reason any man, woman or child or Elder should be without housing much less food to eat on a daily basis. I would to see this infrastructure have the options of a community kitchen where community gardens nearby are planted & used for community meals. Which in turn would be a win/win for all. Residents would feel included, learn new skills, get volunteer skills, include & welcome others into their spaces & become more aware of how their impact on feeding others impacts us all.
What do you think are the greatest challenges your municipality faces?
While there are many issues, I think personally racism & discrimination are huge. Thunder Bay is a hub in NWO which has many challenges with being close to borders & other major cities. We need good, strong Leadership at all levels.
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?
Grassroots levels, going to where they are, meeting with them, asking them the tough questions, what changes they would like to see?
What is your favourite thing to do in your municipality?
Walk around the Marina.
Why do you think it’s important for women to be represented in civic leadership, including on committees, boards and municipal councils?
Diversity Matters!
What does a ‘feminist city’ mean to you?
All Voices Matter
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:
More people, especially Women need to feel they have a Voice. I am hoping to be that voice.
