Women dominate election results and make Medicine Hat history

“I think it is epic actually, liberating in all ways. Sister Suffragette runs through my head as I’m thinking about it. But all day yesterday I was wearing a shirt that said ‘real queens fix each other’s crowns’ and so I think that’s the point moving forward is working with the women and men on council to do the best we can for Medicine Hat,” Robins said.

Finishing third in the councillor race was Allison Knodel, a high school visual arts teacher.

“I am over the moon. I think to be part of a team of women who I admire and respect and think will make a great impact on the community, to have my name beside there’s is an honour,” she said.

Throughout the campaign, there was a push or change and to eradicate the “old boys club.” Cassi Hider, who placed sixth, believes a disconnect from previous council over the years may have prompted people to vote differently.

“I think we are coming out of the water here, and it’s time for change. Women need a voice at the table, and I think all of the women candidates ran a really solid campaign. Very vocal, very communicative in the city and it is something really fresh to see, and I think women connected well with our citizens, and I think they went that extra mile so that people knew who we were,” she said.

Shila Sharps, who finished behind Hider, agreed that a disconnect with the previous council may have influenced the outcome of the election.

“The whole ‘old boys club’ and network means there is a standardized way of thinking that isn’t breaking out and yes I believe that was happening, and I heard when I put my name in some of the incumbents say, ‘ugh Shila, she’s just a pain, she will go away no one is going to vote for her.’ And the reality is, I’ve been trying to tell them, it’s not just me… we represent a part of the population that wants to be heard,” she said.

Sharps, also said that females bring unique qualities to leadership roles, including a difference in perception.

“When you look at things differently, you communicate differently. When you look at things differently your outcomes are different. So I think what is going to happen, is women tend to be more empathetic, we talk a little bit more. But the reality is women tend to be more comfortable I find with conflict,” she said.

Alison Van Dyke finished fifth and said the election outcome is a monumental moment for young women in the community. She has two daughters herself, ages 13 and 16.

“I always raised them to be strong, independent, and believe that they are able to do whatever it is they want to do but, you need to be able to see that. So I think it is really powerful to see representation,” Van Dyke said.

Her two daughters Leah and Sadie agreed said election night was a sign that Medicine Hat is moving in the right direction.

“I think (the youth) will view this and feel like they are actually able to make a difference, and that things don’t just stay the same all the time, and they can actually change where they live, and how they live,” said 16-year-old Sadie.

And for many of the newly elected female councillors, inspiring other female youth to take on leadership roles in the future is a goal.

“If I could inspire a young person to do something hard because I did this, then I’ve won,” said Knodel.

by Tiffany Goodwein

Women dominate election results and make Medicine Hat history

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