Women Leading the North: A Conversation with Two Northern Ontario Mayors

Leadership in Northern Ontario looks different. It means knowing your community, earning trust, and making tough decisions in places where resources are limited and expectations are high.In this episode of the Backroads Bill Podcast, we sit down with two Northern Ontario mayors, Michelle Boileau of Timmins and Cheryl Fort of Hornepayne, to talk about what it’s really like to lead as a woman in local politics.They share their paths into public office, the challenges they’ve faced, and why representation matters in towns and cities across the North.5:37 Cheryl Fort’s path to becoming mayor of Hornepayne8:00 Michelle Boileau on leadership, representation, and returning north17:03 How the Northern Ontario Women’s Association was created31:50 Barriers women still face in politics and what needs to change49:57 Final reflections on leadership, resilience, and the future