2022 Election

I worked for thirty-one years in education, advocating for a strong, effective publicly-funded system. I now want to bring that experience, advocacy, and commitment to the Grand Erie District School Board …as trustee in Brantford.

As a former classroom teacher for over a decade, I understand the impacts of educational decision-making at the ground level. I know the contributions that are made by all members of the education team in their various crucial roles in our schools. I am committed to evidence-informed approaches to the pursuit of educational excellence and equity.

As a leader within the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation, I worked provincially, nationally, and internationally to support high-quality public education. I have presented at conferences inside and outside Canada. Experience has given me an exceptionally strong grasp of governance issues, including having earned the ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors – Rotman School of Management. More

"My experiences don't define me, they inform me."

My background includes:

Television Production: from CHCH-TV, 'Hilarious House of Frightenstein' to CBC 'Hockey Night in Canada'; an evolution …of over 50 years of media to our digital technology in communication; a passion for using strategic planning through governance on public and private boards to effect positive change. I have 25 years experience as a college Professor; and business acumen through governance in multi-million dollar corporations to small business ownership ,'Dive Bell Scuba' and '4Brant.com'.

Most recently my role at the Lansdowne Children's Centre is as the current President of the Corporation and Chair of the board. Because of the Covid-19 experience, the need for integration and educational direction is just as critical in Special Needs as in conventional career planning for our youth. We must address the lost years of interpersonal relationship building for our kids and the physical/mental/financial drain on the human resources including staff and support workers.

I wish to be YOUR voice at the board table, whether your interest is as an employee, a neighbour or as the family of kids in the system. I am accountable to you as the constituents that elect me. I bring no partisan politics and seek positive outcomes on your behalf. More

As a wife, mom of 4, Registered Nurse, patient care leader, current trustee and active volunteer, Susan excels at balancing priorities while serving her community. Susan was first elected to the GRAND …ERIE DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD in 2018 and has been elected by trustees as the current Board Chair. She has also served as Vice-Chair of the Board and Chair of the Committee of the Whole.

She has over 25 years dedicated to health care, including over 22 years working for the current Home and Community Care Support Services - Hamilton, Niagara, Haldimand Brant (HCCSS - HNHB, formerly known as HNHB LHIN and HNHB CCAC) including leadership roles in Palliative Care, Health Planning, Long-Term Care Placement and currently leading the Mental Health & Addictions Nurses and the Rapid Response Nursing team.

In her spare time, she has volunteered, for over a decade, on the Board of the Brantford Aquatic Club and also supports the local Dolly Parton Imagination Library. She has continued her education to complete a Bachelor of Health Administration and a Masters of Arts (Leadership). More

I'm a musician, educator, actor, and voice talent. I was born and raised in Waterford as were my parents. Even one of my grandmothers attended Waterford Public Schools. Our family includes proud United …Empire Loyalists and successful farming immigrants from Belgium and the Netherlands. My husband Bob and I raised three daughters, and await grandchildren with an open heart!My university degrees and permanent Teaching Licence were earned at Acadia and Dalhousie, in Nova Scotia.

I have served as President of Brant Toastmasters, as well as the Haldimand-Norfolk Concert Band. I've served my community as a volunteer for many years with Strong Start to Reading, and the AWANA children's club. As you can see, I have been involved in the community for more than forty years, and hope to continue in service to my fellow constituents in Norfolk and Brant Counties. More

My name is Eric Gilbert, I am 37 years old, and have been a lifelong resident of Norfolk County. I have 3 children. Two of my children are enrolled in the elementary French immersion program at Walsh Public …School. My third child will begin JK in September 2023.

I work for a municipality as an Urban Planner, responsible for reviewing development applications, implementing land use policies, and providing strategic advice and professional recommendations to numerous municipal Councils. I have also served on the Norfolk County Committee of Adjustment.

My professional experience with demographic studies, other professional disciplines, managing and directing new development and growth, infrastructure planning, and working with municipal Councils and the public will provide a new skillset to the GEDSB. More

My name is Elizabeth Whiton, and I am running for the public school board trustee position. I have 35 years of experience working as a teacher, consultant, supervisor and principal in the former Norfolk …board of Education, and the Grand Erie District School board. I also worked in the Teacher Education programs at Nipissing and Redeemer Universities.

Over the years I taught at Doverwood Public School, Port Dover Public School and Port Dover Composite School and coached the schools’ basketball and soccer teams.

My children are all graduates from local Norfolk schools and my grandson is poised to enter school here in a few years, so I have a vested interest in keeping Norfolk schools strong.

Budgeting, special education and student success are my three areas of focus. All students of diverse backgrounds, with or without special needs, deserve quality education. We must work together to help raise all of the “children in our village”, in a safe and integrative environment.

We need to have mature graduates who are hard working, and have the required skill set for local Norfolk jobs as well as enable them to be competitive locally and globally. They need to be strong academically, socially and emotionally to move forward in their job and career goals.

Keeping our local small schools open is another pressing issue in Norfolk. We need to protect and preserve our unique small town qualities and characteristics. Our schools are vitally important to our families and the community at large. I will cooperatively work hard to that end.

I believe that I have the necessary experience, skills and educational insight to be a strong voice for Norfolk. I ask the local people to support me at the polls. More