Get to Know Catherine Better
My journey in public service is rooted in a deep commitment to community representation and fiscal responsibility.
I believe in a leadership style that is both approachable and firm, ensuring that every voice in Walkerville is heard and respected.
With a focus on respectful debate and transparent governance, I want to work with you to build a future where Walkerville thrives through collaboration and shared success.
My vision is to lead with integrity and a steadfast dedication to the people I serve.
Municipal politics is a 2-way street. Come talk to me. I welcome your thoughts.
Professional & Community
Leadership
For 36 years, I have been involved in federal, provincial and municipal governments – running campaigns, fundraising, and successfully advocating for policy changes.
I also understand the needs of business, especially small businesses, that are the foundation of Windsor’s economy. Many businesses in Walkerville and the adjacent Windor core have shut their doors; customers and clients are nervous about visiting dirty, unsafe areas of our community.
The experience I gained as one of the founders of a Business Improvement Association (BIA) in one of Toronto’s most desirable neighbourhoods—The Beaches—I can apply to our Walkerville community right away. I am also a former member of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB).
Fighting against food insecurity is also something that I believe in; I am proud of the work I did to address food insecurity at a not-for-profit organization. We are all suffering "sticker shock" when paying for groceries every week.
Building on the success of other cities, and learning from the pilot projects that they initiatived, I want to propose that we start our own pilot projects to address food insecurity and the housing crisis, learn from these pilot projects, and improve upon existing intitiates, too, to implement them more broadly.
On the heels of recovering from Stage 4 breast cancer, and also being afflicted with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) since the age of 23, I defied the odds and competed nationally for Canada, including competing at Olympic trials, three weeks after my eigth and final chemotherapy treatment in the 20-km racewalk. I was bold (and bald, too!) and determined. This is the type of resolve and effort that I will give to the residents of Ward 4, as your councillor.
For 8 years, I served as the Vice-President of Women in Politics in Ontario provincially.
As a former active member of the parent council for my children’s schools (my children are now in their early 20s), children's education is very important to me. We need to ensure they have safe and clean places to play. I welcome speaking engagements in Walkerville schools, to show them how every student can make a difference in the community.
My education includes Journalism, Political Science, and English at Carleton University in Ottawa.
I was an international youth ambassador of Rotary International and affiliated with various other regional boards involved in community initiatives. That's how I became multi-lingual. Through this, I learned to respect the cultural fabric that is Canada; diversity of thought, customs, history, literature, art, and cuisine strengthen Canada's leadership in the world--and are so proudly present in Walkerville.
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Proven track record of respectful and constructive debate.
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Deep commitment to listening and acting on behalf of the unique needs of Walkerville residents.
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Commitment to transparency on how our tax dollars are spent; I invite residents to become part of the process, to respect community input.
Personal Stuff
What is your most marked personality trait that would make you a great Ward 4 Councillor?
Once I commit to something, I will deliver. I have proven this over and over again during my career in both business and personal endeavours. I am would love to serve and represent the residents of Walkerville, to improve their lives. Tenacity and resolve!
What is your connection to Walkerville?
Windsor was home to my Franco-Ontarian grandfather. Detroit was home to my mother. The town of Corunna, just up the St. Clair River, was my home growing up. I care deeply about Canada’s communities and especially historic Walkerville. I feel like I have come home.
We hear you are multilingual. How many languages do you speak?
I am fluent in English and functional in French, Portuguese and Spanish, with the ability to communicate in Italian and other languages, too.
I find that other languages have other ways of expressing the same concepts with different and important nuances. Other languages are windows into other cultures which I appreciate.
Why the hot pink colour on this website?
I’m a breast cancer "graduate" because I grew from the experience. The hot pink is a nod to my fellow breast cancer survivors and those currently battling it.
I was the Executive Director and spokesperson of “Rethink Breast Cancer.” In three months, I raised $250,000 in financial contributions from Citibank, Manulife, Porsche, Bell Canada, National Post, Rogers, MasterCard, and CI Financial while while was undergoing cancer treatment.
I am also the founder of “Kickbox for the Cure,” a breast cancer awareness event and fundraiser.