Innisfail Pride

Innisfail Municipal Election

october 20, 2025

Hear from the Candidates

Pride is about visibility, inclusion, and action. To help voters understand where candidates stand, we asked each to share their views on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Their unedited responses are shared below.

Email sent to candiates: Tuesday, Sept 30th

On behalf of Innisfail Pride, we are reaching out to all candidates in the upcoming municipal election to understand your stance on an issue that is deeply important to our community: diversity, equity, and inclusion.

 

In recent years, Innisfail has taken meaningful steps forward in creating a more welcoming and inclusive town. Initiatives led by previous councils, as well as the ongoing work of local organizations such as Innisfail Pride and the Innisfail Welcoming and Inclusive Community Committee, have played a vital role in supporting marginalized groups and building a stronger, more connected community.

 

With this in mind, we respectfully ask:

 

If elected, will you commit to continuing to support the important work of previous councils on diversity, equity, and inclusion in Innisfail — including supporting the representation of marginalized groups and the efforts of local organizations like Innisfail Pride and the Innisfail Welcoming and Inclusive Community Committee?

 

We believe this work is essential to the health and vibrancy of Innisfail, and we hope to see council candidates affirm their support for these values.

 

Thank you for your time. We look forward to your response.

 

Sincerely,
Innisfail Pride Board

Mayoral Candidates

Jean Barclay

Hi Pride.
 
I have demonstrated over the past eight years as a member of council that I understand the importance of supporting and engaging with our community groups such as Pride, and the Innisfail and Welcoming Inclusive Community Committee, who are always working towards the goal of ensuring Innisfail is a safe and welcoming place for all. At the beginning of this council term when we were crafting our Strategic Plan and defining our values, one of the values we chose was the word “belonging”. I have referenced this value many times in the past four years. I want people who may have felt they lived here, but not necessarily felt like they belonged in this community to know that they do. I have had the privilege to listen and learn from those who face challenges, learn how to be a better ally, have taken opportunities to educate myself on my own unconscious biases, and I hope all of this has resulted in me being a more compassionate leader. I have a much greater understanding of what marginalized people face on a daily basis, and I will continue to learn, listen, and support, as I always have. 
 
Jean Barclay

Sarah Verburg

I believe that we are all equal under God. I treat everyone equally and respectfully. I believe in individual freedoms including the rights of individuals to host private events. I will neither support nor hinder the Innisfail Pride events. I pray that we can all live peacefully in Innisfail despite different beliefs and values.

Council Candidates

Angie Teertstra

Hello Innisfail Pride Board Members, 
 
Thank you for reaching out to me.  If I am fortunate enough to be elected to Town Council, I will 100% be committed to, as well as look forward to, supporting diversity, equity & inclusion in the Town of Innisfail.
 
I am also fully committed to supporting  existing marginalized groups, and any other marginalized group that may be unsupported in the future.
 
I appreciate the important work you and other groups, along with council, have done to help make our town inclusive and safe for everyone.
 
I believe that holding a key municipal role involves representing the entire town and community.  No one should be picking and choosing who they’d like to represent and support.  They should be representing and supporting everyone.
 
In summary, regardless of the outcome of the election, I will continue to offer you my full support & respect now & in the future.
 
Sincerely,
Angie Teertstra

Janice Wing

Dear Innisfail Pride;

Thank you for this important question.

Coincidentally I just published a blog post on my website on this very topic

www.reelectjanicewing.ca/blog

I would never align myself with an organization whose core values didn’t match mine. One of the Town’s five stated values are:
“Belonging. The town strives to be an inclusive and welcoming community where everyone feels at home and connected.”

I absolutely commit to continuing to support diversity, equity and inclusion, including supporting the work of Innisfail Pride and the Welcoming and Inclusive Community Committee and other community based organizations with shared values and mandates.

Warmest regards to you all – thank you for your work in this lovely place we call home.

Janice Wing (she/her)

Curtis Hillgardner

No thank you

Lyle McKeller

Dear Innisfail Pride and the Welcoming and Inclusive Community Committee,

 

Thank you for your message and for the work you continue to do in fostering a more inclusive, respectful, and welcoming Innisfail.

 

I wholeheartedly support the ongoing efforts to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in our community. If elected, I will absolutely commit to continuing the important work of previous councils in this area, including supporting the representation of marginalized groups and working alongside organizations like Innisfail Pride and the Welcoming and Inclusive Community Committee.

 

Innisfail is strongest when everyone feels they belong—regardless of background, identity, or lived experience. I believe local government plays a key role in setting the tone for respect, acceptance, and meaningful inclusion. I also believe that fostering safe spaces, equitable access to community resources, and opportunities for dialogue and celebration enrich the entire town.

 

I am proud to stand with you and support a vision of Innisfail that is truly for everyone.

 

Lyle McKellar

Shawn Russell

Thank you the email. I believe that everyone regardless of race, religious beliefs, colour, gender, gender identity, gender expression, physical disabilities, mental disabilities, family status or sexual orientation should be treated with dignity and respect. 
 
When I was the Associate Superintendent with Chinook’s Edge School Division I was responsible for writing many policies and procedures over the 19 years I was in that role. Here is a link to one that I wrote that is posted on the school division webpage. 
 
 
Thanks,
Shawn 

Jason Heistad

Always an ally with the Innisfail Pride.
 
If elected, I will always support this committee & their commitment to an inclusive community.
 
 
Jason Heistad 

Chris Strong

Hi,
 
Thank you for reaching out. I can appreciate your concern, as you’ve mentioned Innisfail has taken great steps forward creating a more welcoming and inclusive town and with a new incoming council that could be quite unsettling. 
 
I have LGBTQ+ family members, so this is something that’s personal to me. I want them, and everyone in our community to feel accepted and supported so my statement to this topic would be  ” I believe everyone in our community deserves to feel safe, respected and included regardless of who they are or who they love. I support our LGBTQ+ residents and am committed to ensuring our town is welcoming and fair for all “
 
Again thank you for reaching out. If any board members have any other questions please don’t hesitate to call.
 
Chris Strong 

Sara Peppinck

Hello Innisfail Pride,
 
Thank you for connecting. An aspect of Innisfail that I have long appreciated is the abundance of human and social capital here. The relationships, collaboration, and mutual support that have been cultivated in town are a foundational piece of what makes Innisfail a positive place to live. Organizations such as Welcoming Communities and Pride support the fostering of social connections, cooperation, and the cultivation of understanding, which continue to enhance the community’s strength, resilience, wellness, and vitality. I have seen the positive impact that the efforts of community members and these organizations have had, so if elected, I believe in supporting organizations like those listed and ensuring that marginalized groups are heard. I believe that my previous experience in intercultural capacity building, community involvement, and working with marginalized populations will be a valuable asset to the town council.
 
Thank you again for your question. 
Regards,
Sara Peppinck 

Donnie Hill

I Would first like to start with acknowledging the importance of all the work  the pride and welcoming and Inclusive committee has done in our community. With breaking down barriers and opening new doors to allow everyone in our community, the ability to love who they love and be who they want to be without judgement!I would be committed to lending my support to keep the progress of the committees moving forward.
 
It is clear that Innisfail needs these committees and just like other service clubs in town each and every committee plays a vital role in filling the gaps and making up short falls in the community. I understand what it is like to put service above self, and I commend all the volunteers past and present for all the hard work that they do. At times, it seems like it is a thankless job, but to be part of a Bigger picture makes it worth while. 
 
Innisfil pride and welcoming and inclusive committees have my support and I have always had the ” how can I help” attitude with Service groups, and other organizations.  From donating the scaffolding for the mural projects on the old theatre or Helping out with lending something as small as rebar to hold down tents at the last pride event. I have and will continue to assist wherever I can as a corporate citizen or a counsellor. 
 
 I see the value that both these committees as well as others committees bring to the youth. I see the future of the communities growing and I would one day like to see the schools recognize non-For profits, Service clubs And committees as organizations that students could acquire work experience hours. I believe There will be mutual benefits to both students and organizations to grow the awareness and empower the youth to want to make a difference in the community.
 
In closing, I would Like to accurately address your question . My support for innisfail to continue to grow in is diversity, equity, and inclusion will continue Whether I am elected or not! These committees have grown to become a staple in our community And it is undeniable that they are making a much needed impact. 
 
Thank you for your time
 
Sincerely, Donnie Hill

Shane Johnson

Thank you for reaching out to me.
 
I draw upon the root words of your e-mail ‘Inclusion/Inclusive’ meaning: ” to not leaving anyone out”.
 
In order for this to happen we must show Respect for each other and when we do, Respect will be returned and nobody will be left out.
 
This is what I believe and support.

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