FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Equal Voice Niagara Launches “Seat at the Table” Program to Support Women and Diverse Candidates in 2026 Municipal Elections
Niagara Region, ON — November 3, 2025 — Equal Voice Niagara is proud to announce the launch of Seat at the Table. This program is designed to inform, inspire, and prepare women and diverse community members to run — or support others running — in the 2026 municipal elections.
The program will offer a mix of virtual and in-person sessions, providing participants with practical tools, mentorship, and encouragement to take the next step in civic leadership.
The first event in the series — a free virtual webinar on Tuesday, January 13 at 4:00 p.m. — will feature two municipal leaders: Town of Lincoln Mayor, Sandra Easton and Past-Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) President and Strathroy-Caradoc Mayor Joanne Vanderheyden, offered in collaboration with the GNCC WIN Council. Together, they will share their personal journeys, insights into local governance, and advice for women and underrepresented candidates considering a run for office.
“Representation matters — at every level of government,” stated Co-Chair, Diana Huson, Equal Voice Niagara. “With Seat at the Table, we’re helping women and diverse voices gain the knowledge, confidence, and connections they need to step forward and shape the future of their communities.”
The Seat at the Table program reflects Equal Voice Niagara’s ongoing commitment to advancing gender parity and diversity in political leadership. Whether participants are exploring the idea of running, supporting a candidate, or simply interested in understanding municipal government, the program offers an inclusive space to learn and engage. This program was informed and influenced by past Seat at the Table programming offered in Niagara leading up to past municipal elections. Additional sessions will be announced at equalvoiceniagara.ca early next year.
Event Details: What: Government 101: Understanding Roles, Jurisdictions, and Civic Participation – Webinar with Mayor Sandra Easton & Joanne Vanderheyden
When: Tuesday, January 13, 2025, at 4:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual
Registration: https://gncc.ca/events/events2025/#id=219&cid=1185&wid=1010601
When: Tuesday, January 13, 2025, at 4:00 p.m.
Where: Virtual
Registration: https://gncc.ca/events/events2025/#id=219&cid=1185&wid=1010601
For more information about Seat at the Table or to register for the launch event, please visit equalvoiceniagara.ca or contact niagara@equalvoice.ca.