Guelph Wellington MPP Liz Sandals is quoted as saying, “Guelph accepts that women can do the job as well as men.” Thompson still wonders why.

In response, the Civic Affairs Group of the Canadian Federation of University Women/Guelph (CFUW/Guelph) offers their experience and perspective as a possible explanation for this local political aberration.

With a membership of over 200 University Women graduates from many different universities across Canada and the world, CFUW/Guelph has been active locally for over 50 years. The Civic Affairs group was formed around 1970 for members to learn about municipal matters and issues. Activities of this group have evolved from monitoring city council meetings, to making presentations to council about issues of concern to them, to encouraging and supporting women to run for election to city council, and to apply for positions on boards and commissions. Women from this group fanned out and served as chairs of the Police Commission, the Hydro Board, the Hospital Board, the Transportation Board, the Museum Board, and other positions. The Civic Affairs Group has also organized municipal candidates’ meetings for many years which are open to the public.

Thompson mentions trailblazers Marg MacKinnon and Ann Godfrey who were the second and third female councilors. They were soon joined by councilors Linda Lennon, Clara Marrett, and Marilyn Shapka in breaking the gender barrier. We are proud to say they are all members of CFUW/Guelph as are current councilors Maggie Laidlaw and Leanne Piper.

Thompson also states that “Women are this city”. We would proudly argue that many are also CFUW members. We therefore suggest that CFUW Guelph and the Civic Affairs Group are major contributors in influencing Guelph’s culture of accepting and supporting women.

While our local playing field has been leveled it is regrettable that issues of family and careers have remained for both sexes, particularly at the provincial and federal level. At least Guelph has a good mix of men and women who are gaining experience in the municipal and school board positions. We can anticipate that there will be some among them who be representing us at Queen’s Park or in Ottawa in the future.