In recognition of International Women's Day, Mayor Al McDonald handed over the reins as chair of Tuesday's regular meeting of North Bay City Council to Deputy Mayor Tanya Vrebosch.
Earlier in the evening, Coun. Johanne Brousseau, the City of North Bay's other elected female representative, served in her customary role as chair of the Council's community services committee.
"As a Council we stand united to break down barriers. We stand as equals and shape our society of one that is free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination," said McDonald to open the meetings. "Imagine a gender-equal world. A world and a city that's diverse, equitable, and inclusive."
McDonald saluted the women who are inspiring leaders and who have made a positive change that he has encountered in his years as an entrepreneur and politician.
Council members then posed to "Break the Bias," as seen in the photo above.
In thanking McDonald for recognizing International Women's Day, Vrebosch noted the day is not just about women, but also "for men, standing up for women and trying to break that bias."
Vrebosch said she has noticed a change in the treatment of women in politics here in North Bay and across Ontario.
"The gentlemen around this table have never treated me as anything but a peer and an equal," she said. "I thank you, not just for me but for Councillor Brousseau — and other women in the chambers over the years — and we also have women working for the council."
Vrebosch has often encouraged women to get involved with politics.
"Know your worth, know that women can do anything, and know that, yes, you can do it," she advised. "We do have an election coming up, so if you are interested in politics, now is the time to think about that."
