Rachel Canton is running for Division 2 in Brazeau County because she wants to serve the community.
Canton moved to the area in 2002 after graduating from high school. She met her husband here, and they decided this was the place they wanted to raise their kids. Her parents also moved to the area and are living with Rachel’s family.
Currently, Canton is the vice chair for the Brazeau Housing Foundation and a trustee on the Drayton Valley Library Board. She is also the Provincial Executive Director for a non-profit, a fundraising volunteer for the Eleanor Pickup Arts Centre and a volunteer at the museum. She has also served on the Subdivision and Development Appeals Board and the Assessment Review Board for Brazeau County.
“This community rewards effort, and I love being part of that and feeling like I’m helping support a community that supports my family in turn. I have always been adamant that if you want to know what is really going on, you need to go to the ‘boots on the ground,’ and that’s part of what I love about municipal politics,” says Canton in an email interview.
Her love of her community is behind her decision to run for council. Canton believes she can accomplish more for residents in that capacity.
“I think that it’s important if you are running for this type of position that you always remember that you are in no way elevated above the taxpayer but are, in fact, their employee,” she says.
Fiscal responsibility and accountability are at the forefront of her mind when she thinks about what she would like to accomplish.
“My priorities are practical and local: keep taxes low by focusing on essentials; rebuild our depleted reserves with clear targets; and end private-benefit roadwork by using a transparent, road-prioritization policy,” she says.
Canton says her experience as a financial controller and small business owner will allow her not only to understand the County’s budget but also to work to make it sustainable.
Since deciding to run for council, Canton says she has spoken to many residents and has heard some concerns as well as some practical solutions.
“My decision style is to listen, do the homework, and ask questions. I want residents’ input to shape the outcome of the decisions made at council,” she says.
She believes a community should have the infrastructure and services in place for all residents, from children to seniors, but she says there are ways of achieving these goals without breaking the bank. Collaboration between organizations is one thing that Canton has been working for in her volunteer work.
“I want to continue pushing for creative grant applications that help secure already available funds for projects that our many volunteers and organizations are working towards for the betterment of our community while reducing duplicate projects and encouraging collaboration,” she says.
Canton encourages anyone who has questions about her platform to reach out to her by email at rachel6233@hotmail.com or by phone at 780-264-7859.
