10/07/2026
Candidate Spotlight
Heather Jackson - Councillor
Current Position:
- Former Mayor (2010-2018)
Contact Information:
- 519-870-3079
- [email protected]
https://www.facebook.com/heatherlynnejackson
Do you feel you have a basic understanding of the identities which comprise our 2SLGBTQ+ community?
- Maybe
Are you open to some education?
- Yes
What do you feel would be the current priorities for your 2SLGBTQ+ constituents? (ie. What do you feel is under threat or is most at risk?)
- I believe one of the most important priorities for our 2SLGBTQ+ community is ensuring that people feel safe, respected and welcome in their own community. I am concerned about the increase in hate, harassment and divisive rhetoric we have seen in recent years, particularly toward transgender and gender-diverse people. No one should feel unsafe at school, at work, in a public space, or simply going about their daily life because of who they are.
What steps do you feel our municipal leadership can take to build a community of inclusion, regardless of our personal or religious views?
- Municipal government has a role to play in creating an inclusive community. I was Mayor when St.Thomas first began recognizing Pride Week with a proclamation and raising the Pride flag at City Hall. I was proud to be part of that important step in recognizing and supporting our 2SLGBTQ+ community. That commitment to inclusion must continue. It means ensuring our public spaces, programs and services are welcoming and accessible, supporting community organizations and events that bring people together, and responding seriously when discrimination or hate occurs. St. Thomas should be a community where everyone knows they belong. As a Councillor, I would continue to listen to members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community about the challenges they are experiencing and work with them to ensure our city remains a safe, respectful and welcoming place for everyone.
Would you encourage 2SLGBTQ+ members of your administration to “come out”?
-No
What are your concerns?
- I would not encourage or pressure anyone to "come out". That is a very personal decision and every individual should be able to decide for themselves if, when and how they share a part of their identity. What I would encourage is a workplace culture where 2SLGBTQ+ employees feel safe and supported enough to be themselves if they choose to be open about who they are. That means treating everyone with dignity and respect, having clear expectations that discrimination and harassment will not be tolerated. It means respecting confidentiality and privacy, and ensuring employees know they will be supported if they experience discrimination. Leadership also matters. I believe that those in leadership positions need to make it clear through both our words and our actions that everyone belongs and deserves the same opportunities to contribute and succeed.
Do you feel it is important to raise the Pride flag each year? Why or why not?
- Yes, I believe it is important to continue raising the Pride flag each year. I was Mayor when St. Thomas first began recognizing Pride Week with a proclamation and raising the Pride flag at City Hall. It was an important step for our community then, and I believe it continues to have meaning today. Raising a flag may seem like a small gesture, but symbols of inclusion matter. Especially at a time when members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community continue to experience hate, harassment and discrimination. It sends a visible message that everyone is a valued member of our community.
How do you respond when people indicate they would not support a Pride flag raising in our community because Pride goes against their beliefs?
- I respect that people have different personal, cultural and religious beliefs, and no one is required to participate in a Pride flag raising or change their personal beliefs. At the same time, we live in a growingly diverse community and respecting one another means recognizing that everyone has the right to feel safe, welcome and included. Raising the Pride flag at City Hall does not ask anyone to change their beliefs. It is a public expression that members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community are valued members of St. Thomas and deserve the same dignity and respect as everyone else. I believe we can respect freedom of belief while also standing against discrimination and making it clear that everyone belongs in our community.
Representation is important. As we are unlikely to have an "out" 2SLGBTQ+ municipal leader in City Hall this term, how will the voices of this community be heard?
- I agree that representation is important and when there is not an openly 2SLGBTQ+ voice at the council table, I believe it becomes even more important for council members to make a deliberate effort to listen and engage. No single person can, or should, speak for an entire community. I would want to hear directly from 2SLGBTQ+ residents, local organizations, youth and others about their experiences, concerns and priorities. And engagement should not happen only during Pride or when an issue arises. It should be an ongoing conversation. I would make myself accessible, listen without making assumptions, and make sure the concerns I hear are brought forward when decisions are being made at City Hall.
I would support opportunities for members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community to participate in City committees, consultations and other forms of civic engagement, including the creation of a 2SLGBTQ+ Advisory Committee. I would want members of the community involved from the beginning in determining the committee’s mandate, structure and priorities. An advisory committee could provide a direct connection between the 2SLGBTQ+ community and Council, identify barriers or emerging concerns, and provide input on City policies, programs and services.
Do you think City Hall would ever consider forming a 2SLGBTQ+ Advisory Committee?
- Yes
Statistically, members of marginalized communities face higher risks of experiencing poverty and unstable housing with less access to affirming healthcare and addiction supports. What projects, policies or actions would you advocate for to support change?
- I would advocate for services and supports that are not only available, but welcoming and affirming for 2SLGBTQ+ people. No one should avoid seeking housing, mental health, addiction or other support because they are afraid of discrimination or feel they will not be accepted. The City can help by working with community organizations to identify gaps, advocating for appropriate services from other levels of government, and ensuring our own programs and facilities are inclusive.
Anything else you’d like to add?
- I believe that those with lived experiences should be at the table when community projects are being considered. I do not know everything and I am always open to listening and learning.
Disclaimer: The Candidate Spotlights are posted in no specific order. A summary post will be published to recap everything in one place.
