MRC Pontiac marks International Women’s Day

MRC Pontiac marks International Women’s Day

MRC Pontiac issued a statement this morning marking International Women’s Day to celebrate the accomplishments of the women they employ.

“In honour of International Women’s Day, the office of the MRC Pontiac would like to highlight and celebrate the women who work in every department within our organization,” the statement reads. “Their hard work and dedication make the MRC Pontiac a great place to work and thrive. The MRC would also like to acknowledge our female elected officials, including our Warden, who make up almost 50% of the Regional Council of Mayors. Without your dedication to your communities and your work, the Pontiac region would not be the same. Thank you all and bravo!”

Of the 18 mayors on the council, 7 (38.8%) are women, or if the warden is included, 42%. This is an increase of one from the previous elected council (though it is the same if you include Fort Coulonge Mayor Debbie Laporte, who filled the position temporarily near the end of the term).

Toller spoke to CHIP 101.9 about the subject as well, and said that the situation today is much different from when she started in Toronto area politics in the 1990s. Toller was a school trustee in East York before sitting on city council between 1998 and 2005. In 2006 she ran for mayor of Toronto, placing second to David Miller with 32% of the vote.

Toller said that if she had any advice for women, she highlighted the courage it takes to put your name forward publically.

The full interview with Toller is available here.