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.
Natalie Labbee is a councillor in Greater Sudbury.
What initially inspired or motivated you to run for council, and how did you envision your role before being elected?
I have been a community leader in various capacities my entire adult life. Former Mayor Jim Gordon was a strong proponent in encouraging me to run for office, but I was also fortunate to have the support of the outgoing Councillor as well; being recognized for my involvement and past experience as a municipal leader as a definite asset. I find service leadership to be very rewarding, and I am very proud to have the opportunity to represent my City in a position of influence.
I wanted to be the first woman to be elected to Ward 7 and add to the cohort as another strong voice around the table.
How did your expectations or perceptions change once you took office?
One thing that has surpassed my expectations has been the camaraderie I have with a select few on Council. They have become trusted confidantes and bring so much calm, focus, and perspective to the experience. It's invaluable, and we lean on one another in stressful times. We also celebrate small and big wins with each other because some days can be very taxing emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. It's the one aspect of the job that makes it all worth it.
There's a true realization in how much personal sacrifice goes into this job. I am always "on". Even when I'm out in the community enjoying myself, I am always being approached about some aspect of political life and decisions of Council. It's exhausting, and I'm learning how to strike a balance and put boundaries on that because it's necessary.
Were there any surprises or unexpected aspects about the role?
Although I did expect that there would be some level of online criticism, I really have to work hard at keeping a focused headspace and not let the negativity compound so it doesn't compromise my ability to keep doing a good job. Thankfully, it's just a few people, but words hurt, and it's worse when people make up stories and accusations without knowing me.
Having a good leader in our Mayor and a good group of people on Council truly helps to navigate through it. I also had a good idea of what to expect with how frustrating it is to get things done in a reasonable timeframe. I try to focus on what I do have influence over and then regroup my thoughts and focus to gather support from colleagues and staff to help realize changes that need to be made to policy or service levels that impact our communities.
What were the biggest challenges you faced when transitioning from a candidate to an elected official?
I feel that many people don't realize the role of a Councillor. We aren't the Messiah. Our job is a governance role, and we shouldn't be micromanaging at the operations level; that's the role of staff. Many people who reach out about an issue believe that we should be able to direct a staff person to drop what they are doing and go fix their issue right away, but it doesn't work like that.
As a result, some will take to social media or email and berate us, saying we aren't effective, they won't be voting for us again, and we serve no purpose (other than to raise taxes and make wrong decisions) in their opinion. Some make it personal when they haven't even made time to meet us or get to know us. It's also a challenge to know what battles to choose. If we speak up, we are criticized if our explanation doesn't line up with their opinion, and if we are silent, then we are accused of not caring.
The worst comment to have to ignore is the idea that we are making decisions to "line our pockets", suggesting extortion and bribery, which is a criminal activity. It's very hurtful and so wrong, but people can say pretty much what they want without consequences. It makes it that much harder to stay focused on the job we were elected to do, and it's not for the faint of heart, that's for sure.
What do you wish people knew about running for office, based on your own experience?
It's important to truly understand the role of a City Councillor and how service leadership will take over all aspects of your life. It's a huge sacrifice, and if you work hard, show up, commit to learning, and are prepared, the public will recognize that, and your peers on Council will respect you for it. You don't have to be the smartest person around the table, but if you are open to listening to others' perspectives, it will help you be stronger in your role, and you will become a person of influence.
As long as you are genuine, people will see that in you. If you want to win, you must put in the work and have a solid team who believes in you to help you win! You have to be brave, have the confidence to speak up, and take the time to learn about important issues. Being informed and knowledgeable will serve you well if you have to participate in a debate.
Most of all, have fun with it! When you win, your life will change, but if you surround yourself with positive energy and good people, you'll become an excellent leader and be an effective change agent! It's so rewarding!
Looking back at your first year in office, what were the most rewarding aspects of serving in your municipal role?
For me, one of the best feelings is knowing that all the hard work and time invested in a project has been worth it when it's finally realized, despite the odds! Hearing from your constituents about how appreciative they are, or having people acknowledge seeing an interview on the News or reading a quote from me from a Council meeting; commenting on my ability to speak so professionally and so respectfully, being seen as knowledgeable, that means so much to me! I strive so hard to be a true Ambassador for my City and to lead by example always.
Meeting people from all of the Wards across the City is one of the most rewarding aspects of this position, hands down. I have the distinct honor and privilege to be invited to so many community events and galas. It's fun to dress up, but it's also important to recognize the achievements and volunteers who help make our City greater! I've committed to learning and sitting on various committees. I look back and I'm so much more confident now. I know when residents come to me, I can navigate things quicker and more effectively for them.
I've made trusted and respectful relationships with Staff in all levels of the Corporation as well and that's so important. Relationship building is key because politics always has to be about the people.
What were the significant milestones or accomplishments you achieved during your tenure?
At the very first Council meeting after being elected, I realized my first successful Motion to request proper Public consultation regarding the Fire Station Asset Management plan. It was the catalyst that drove many more successful accomplishments. That process made and continues to make such an important impact in so many people's lives.
I was able to improve some sections of rural roads that had been affected by erosion in parts of my Ward, be involved with improving relationships between Volunteer Firefighters and the City, advocating hard for training opportunities for Volunteer Firefighters, getting a major repair done to the Skead Fire Station (scheduled to close permanently, it will now be reopened later this year)!
I also used my leadership and team-building skills to develop a stronger sense of team within Council by supporting and attending community events together in other Wards. It's helped to improve the overall opinion of residents who are paying attention. They see us working together instead of disagreeing, and it's a true impression of leading by example. I believe that contributes to helping people have a more positive opinion and faith in us as leaders, to make informed, difficult, and sometimes unpopular decisions to grow our City. I'm truly so very proud of that, and there's more to come!
On the flip side, what were the challenges you faced during your first year, and how did you navigate or address them?
It's very difficult to navigate the pressures of social media. People can say whatever they want with no repercussions. We won't please everyone, and it's very frustrating when I read comments that are being made by those who have only read the headlines. They haven't done the work to be informed, and they share their knee-jerk reactions to decisions being made by Council. Just because someone says it doesn't mean it's true, but many will believe comments without making sure it's true. It's almost a full-time job to mitigate social media. Sometimes we just have to choose our battles.
Another challenge is managing all the pressure that is put on us as community leaders to make the right decision. There's so much riding on the choices we make. It's an incredible responsibility to make decisions that impact the quality of life for so many people. But that's why it's important to spend the time to learn as much as we can, from all sides of an issue, to make an informed decision we can stand behind. I've been in a position where I felt I needed to vote a certain way for the sake of solidarity with my colleagues. I've learned that it takes its toll on me in a negative way, and I've resolved to not compromise my values like that anymore. I don't want to become resentful of the process or the immense pressure, so I am just going to do what's right. There's never a wrong time to do what's right.
Were there specific instances or experiences that significantly impacted your approach to governance or leadership?
I feel that it's very discouraging to not feel like I can completely trust in the process. I believe that some staff feel they only need to provide the information they want Council to have. I shouldn't have to work so hard to get answers or to feel confident I'm getting all options presented to me in order to help me with a decision.
I also struggle with the Budget process and trying to be fair about services that impact people in their everyday lives and how the Tax Levy affects those outcomes and voter apathy.
What valuable lessons have you learned or insights gained that you'd like to share with others considering a similar path in politics?
You don't have to be the smartest one around the table, but it sure helps if you put in the time to read, be prepared, and ask the right questions — nobody can teach you how to do that either; you learn over time. Most of all, you need to care and never stop caring, even when the process feels like you're David vs. Goliath. Never compromise who you are. That will serve you well and be your guidepost to succeeding in your role. Find your people and never let anyone dim your shine!
Always believe you deserve a seat at the table and don't miss an opportunity to introduce yourself to other community leaders. It's important to learn from others in similar positions. It will only make you a stronger leader.
What do you wish people knew about working as a politician, based on your experience?
I want people to understand what a hard job this is. It's important to recognize and understand the role of a Councillor; what we can and can't do. There needs to be some level of grace in that. It's a significant commitment and not without personal sacrifice. We put ourselves out there to be scrutinized unfairly, criticized, and personally attacked. I've even been "fat shamed" online by two women (with fake accounts) that I've never even met. It's beyond ridiculous but it says way more about them than it does about me.
We shouldn't ever be told that we need thicker skin or bigger shoulders if we can't take it. Nowhere in the job description does it say I have to be anyone's doormat. It's one main reason why more good people don't step up into the role. That's why it's so important to have a good support network.
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.
