The advice wasn’t about policy or political experience.
Instead, it was about something far more basic: getting involved.
What was billed as a lively panel on women in politics on Friday in Barrie quickly evolved into a broader conversation about civic participation — who feels welcome in it, who doesn’t, and why more people are needed at the table ahead of the next municipal election.
The panel, featuring city councillors Ann-Marie Kungl and Amy Courser as well as Politics for Women co-founder Jennifer Armstrong, mentioned trends for women entering the political sphere, but gravitated more to some of the misconceptions of local office.
BREAKING THE MYTH
Research suggesting women are less likely to run without encouragement resonated with panelists, with both Kungl and Courser saying they only considered entering politics after being urged repeatedly by friends, colleagues or members of their community.
Still, panelists acknowledged barriers remain — particularly in getting women to see themselves in those roles.
"There is a lot of research that suggests that women do approach conversations differently," Armstrong said. "There is greater interest in collaboration and consensus building... That impact, especially with a small group like a council of Barrie's size, can strongly impact the dynamics at the table."
The former Canadian diplomat pointed to the value of lived experience, noting that different personal and professional backgrounds can shape how issues are understood at the council table.
She pointed to an example of a British Columbia community that had one female councillor, whose presence at the table directly influenced the direction of a particular piece of leftover funding for flood relief to getting running water for the local nursery.
"Had there not been a woman there, whose experience was taking care of babies in the nursery, that need would have been unnoticed," Armstrong explained. "Not unvalued, not desired to support, but (the men were) just not aware."
Attendees took away a broader idea, decisions change depending on who is in the room, whether they're men or women, and especially in municipal politics where parties don't exist.
"If you have more people who are looking to build that consensus and you have more people who are willing to listen and find those areas of collaboration, then you're going to have a different feel at the table," Armstrong added.
But panelists said expanding representation is only one part of the equation—getting people engaged in the first place remains a separate challenge.
A DISENGAGED PUBLIC
According to the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), Barrie's muncipal election was voted on by just 31,604 eligible voters, or 30.84 per cent.
While the low figure is aided by two councillors earning office by acclamation, Thursday's panellists believe the mark leaves more to be desired leading up to this fall's vote.
Disengagement usually stems from contention surrounding federal, provincial, or even U.S. politics. That kind of division, they said, can push people to tune out altogether.
"All they see is this nastiness and they don't want to hear it," Kungl says. "How many people just say 'I don't want to hear it?'... we need to get to know people in real life."
That same openness, a key to being a strong representative, matters for the voting public too in order to have direct, real-world conversations with their potential representatives.
Door-knocking is a huge part of council candidates' campaigns, which offer a direct platform for curious residents to ask questions about pressing issues in the city.
Kungl said those kinds of conversations can shift perspectives on both sides.
"I got to know people with amazing backgrounds and experiences I never would have known just because I asked a couple of different questions and I spent five extra minutes being present."
"Their opinion will not affect you directly, but understanding their opinion and where it comes from can change the entire way our society connects each other," Armstrong adds.
Panellists also suggested that engagement tends to be stronger when local politics feels closer to everyday life. When residents can directly connect municipal decisions to their communities—or are invited into those conversations—participation becomes more likely.
Another notable barrier to engagement is the belief that running for office requires specific qualifications or experience. The two councillors refuted that idea, emphasizing that local politics is far less about credentials than many people assume, for both men and women.
“Nobody knows what they’re doing when they get to that table (for the first time),” said Courser, who described her background before politics as "blue collar." "It's a serious learning curve to anyone, it doesn't matter your background."
She noted councillors are supported by city staff with expertise in specific areas, allowing them to learn on the job.
THE NEXT GENERATION
Among those in attendance on Thursday was former student mayor Jada Simpson, a Grade 12 student at Innisdale Secondary School whose term ended on Wednesday.
In her farewell address at city council, she mentioned how inspired she'd to continue in politics, especially locally. Hearing the panellists speak furthered that sentiment.
"The thing that I learned the most was kind of just how to communicate," she told Barrie360, reflecting on her time. "I learned how they all coexist. Not everyone is going to agree on everything. And that's OK, but to have a conversation about it is important.
"And also to have empathy for the residents in Barrie, especially with what's going on downtown right now, what they were talking about last night (Wednesday). It invoked some emotions for me. And that's when I knew,' OK, it's time to make a change.'"
She said she felt inspired to pursue politics as a career after post-secondary studies, and sees similar societal issues within her school community.
But Simpson also recognized the need for more female representation, referencing that Barrie's city council is comprised of just 30 per cent women.
"We are changing, especially on social media," she explains, referencing what some might call a fourth wave of feminism. "Maybe [women are] a bit scared just because it has been that way for so long. We're kind of stepping on eggshells."
Relaying the message from the panelists, Simpson also encouraged more women to get involved, but also her peers, especially as they approach voting age.
Kungl and Courser each offered further advice to Simpson after the panel finished, expressing their support in her furthering a potential career in politics.
NOW'S THE TIME
With nominations now open for the 2026 municipal election, the conversation around civic participation is moving from discussion to decision-making.
As of Saturday, Deputy Mayor Robert Thomson and Coun. Nigussie Nigussie have already confirmed their nomination to run for re-election. Meanwhile, Norm Costello has already made official his intent to challenge for the city council seat in Ward 9, currently held by Coun. Sergio Morales.
For others interested in running for City office or considering registering as a third-party advertiser, there will be two information sessions in Barrie covering different aspects of running for positions and determining if its the right fit.
They'll be held on May 11 (hosted by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing) and May 28 (hosted by the City of Barrie's election team) at City Hall.
The nomination window closes on Aug. 21, and residents will head to the polls on Oct. 26.
