In our ongoing effort to spotlight the experiences of women in municipal politics, we reached out to those elected in the 2022 municipal elections in Northern Ontario. We asked these newly elected councillors and trustees to share their insights and reflections on the transition from candidate to council. Here are their candid and firsthand accounts of the challenges, surprises, and lessons learned along the way.
Kelsie Van Belleghem is a councillor in Kenora.
What initially inspired or motivated you to run for council, and how did you envision your role before being elected?
My original motivation for running was based on two concepts: privilege and diversity. Based on my understanding of how City Council roles were created (aka for retired white men), and as a person who has the privilege(almost) of a retired white man in so much as financial resources and family/community support, I knew I was someone who could do the job while mitigating the risks to my family/financial needs, and because I firmly believe that it is of the utmost importance to have diverse leadership. I have a background in finance, and everyone knows that you "shouldn't put all your eggs in one basket," and I believe that to be true of leadership. Boards of corporations that have and meet DEI minimum standards for leadership are more profitable because they do a better job of mitigating risks. This is because, at the end of the day, we all only know what we know — and if the group of people at a decision-making table know more things collectively because there is a myriad of lived experiences at that table, then it’s going to do a better job of charting a sustainable, or even thriving course for its organization. My vision, once elected, was to make well-informed decisions based on best practices and evidence-supported outcomes and to offer my perspective and voice to the table.
How did your expectations or perceptions change once you took office?
My expectations are still the same as those I envisioned for the role, but I have been disappointed in the barriers I still see as a (younger) woman in this role. I have watched myself and my female council colleagues be talked over, or silenced, and even shouted or shushed outright. I have watched the power dynamics play out amongst the gender roles in a way that I find disheartening, and I have noticed as a younger member on council how there is a lack of appreciation of my "experience" held by the community and even colleagues, at times. As noted in the last question, I am a person of privilege. I am white, able-bodied, cis, heterosexual, and so I don't often allow myself too much grace of discrimination in places because, frankly, my experiences are minimal. However, what has made me worry since being elected is that I have struggled so much, even with so many things "going for me" (I mean that facetiously), and since one of my major goals for this term is to make council more accessible to more diversity, I feel really worried about asking anyone else to step into this role knowing the challenges they will face. It's made me incredibly sad because I want everyone to be involved and get to participate in shaping their community from the top down, so to speak.
Were there any surprises or unexpected aspects of the role?
The procedural formalities of the role caught me off guard more than I anticipated. I am by no means a governance expert, but I did/continue to do my best to learn and show up properly. This is a barrier that I didn't anticipate.
What were the biggest challenges you faced when transitioning from a candidate to an elected official?
Getting to create interpersonal relationships with council colleagues that do not contravene the Municipal Act. It is very difficult to create positive working relationships with people when there are so many restrictions around meeting together.
What do you wish people knew about running for office, based on your own experience?
Your voice matters, your experience matters, and you are needed in leadership. Please do not wait for someone to ask you to step up. Know that the requirements to be elected to City Council are minimum age restrictions and being a resident of that community—THAT IS IT!
Looking back at your first year in office, what were the most rewarding aspects of serving in your municipal role?
I have connected with so many incredible people who I probably wouldn't have if I had not run. These connections have been hyper-local and countrywide, and I am so grateful for everyone who shows up to create community and support community, however, wherever they can. It brings me so much hope and strength in my role.
What were the significant milestones or accomplishments you achieved during your tenure?
I have had a number of motions passed last year, including TRC reporting and advocacy to create community spaces 24/7 all year. But the most significant milestone a year is the whole year. The amount of knowledge I was able to consume and digest in the last year has helped sharpen my focus and increased my determination to show up better this next year and the rest of the term.
On the other hand, what challenges did you face during your first year, and how did you navigate or address them?
There have been a lot of interpersonal conflicts that I am still working through. We are all new to each other as a group, and at times, it's been painful to work together.
Were there specific instances or experiences that significantly impacted your approach to governance or leadership?
I think a general understanding of the society we currently live in is based on the policies enacted by the few and that it is important to create a society in which everyone has the opportunity to thrive in their chosen society however they can or want to. I try and keep that lens on everything I do, although I have many blind spots so I also rely on lived experience and experts for the knowledge I don't have.
What valuable lessons have you learned or insights gained that you'd like to share with others considering a similar path in politics?
It's okay to cry; you probably will. It's okay to want to quit, but please don't. I believe this job is hardest on the people who deserve to be, and are needed to be, in it the most, so please stay in and make it easier for someone else to do it.
What do you wish people knew about working as a politician, based on your experience?
It's cool to care about politics because politicians decide how we live in the community. Be engaged and make sure they care about the right things.
Where can people find you?
These profiles are part of our ongoing series featuring women councillors and trustees elected through the ElectNOW initiative. Surveys were sent to all woman councillors and trustees who participated in the 2022 ElectNOW series. While some answers have been edited for clarity and spelling, the responses provided are the candidates' own and do not necessarily reflect the views of PoliticsNOW. If you are a woman councillor, mayor, or trustee residing in Northern Ontario and would like to be featured in this series, please fill out our survey.
