Dear Frontenac Island residents,

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My name is Judy Greenwood-Speers and I am running for Re-election as Mayor of Frontenac Islands. I have met many of you over the past 4 years and have assisted you all when I could, learning of your concerns from property lines to animal husbandry to ferry transportation. We live on many Islands, so there are some residents that I have yet to have had the opportunity to meet, but I plan to remedy that over the coming months and years. I grew up on Wolfe Island, and returned to live here again in 2008. I lost my dear husband in the fall of 2022 while he was cheering me on in my first campaign. We experienced first hand the challenges of accessing community care while living on our island, with our unreliable ferry. 

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Community led. Community engaged. Accountable to the community and working on our behalf with others, is essential for good government. My Mom used to have a saying about being an Islander, ‘You should not have to spend all of your energy and money, fighting your own government.’ I agree with this, which has guided my actions on many occasions.  I have taken action when needed. Brought together people to work on issues or a common cause for good. It is time for the Council to become more transparent and to work better, together again.

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Since being elected Mayor in 2022 I have served at the County on Governance and Administration Committee, Chaired the Economic Development & Planning Committee and was the County Representative on Board of Health. The Newly formed Southeast Board of Health merged the work of 3 distinct health units the only one who successfully did this so far. I also have repeated surveyed islanders on key issues and shared the results back through the "From the Mayors Desk" and "Notes from Judy" newsletters.

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Before my term as Mayor, I also have been on the Boards of the former WI Business Association, WI Historical Society, Nine Mile Point Lighthouse Preservation Society as well as professional Boards of Gerontological Nurses Association and RNAO. I have also co formed a Task Force style of group called Wolfe Island Simcoe Shores & Homes related to the need for an adequate response and planning before we are hit with another season of high water as we experienced in 2017 and 2019 with little support for anyone from any level of government. It culminated in a meeting with 22 MP representatives in Ottawa that promised to work together to start serious planning for actions along the Ottawa, St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario. It was with bi partisan support that this group was comprised and by the end of the day, all had a clearer understanding that simply doing nothing to prepare, is a BAD plan. This meeting was held less than 3 months after we formed, an example of my results-oriented approach to an issue. Then Covid hit, literally the next day.

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It is time to help bring about improvements and desired changes by ensuring we have a full seat at the table for any actions or inactions by them, that affect our Islands. I promise to engage the other levels of government as the Mayor of Frontenac Islands, for the benefit or our residents. I have been on Provincial, Professional and Community organizations and councils in previous leadership roles which has led to changes in By-Laws, Provincial and Federal Acts as well as Policies and Procedures that have impacted thousands of people. I have spent my career in public service, first for as a Registered Nurse for over 40 years and later after getting my MBA  from Wilfrid Laurier, as a Director of HR and Nursing & Clinical Services at multiple Northern Ontario Hospitals (Ret.). I would like to continue to provide residents of Frontenac Islands, my Skills, Knowledge, Experience and Work Ethic, as your Re-elected Mayor of Frontenac Islands.

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It has been an honour and a privilege to serve as your Mayor for the past 4 years. I look forward to working with a new Council and the community to meet the ongoing needs and future strategic planning of our communities. It would also take the ongoing involvement of some community members, to help both with our many volunteer groups but also with new community ad-hoc and standing committees that will help to ensure, that good governance is maintained strong financial accountability is maintained. Transparency is key and keeping the residents informed of opportunities to share their concerns and opinions about the direction we should be considering, is essential and I am personally committed to this approach, as I have been over the years in my roles.

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While it has been some years since I was in school, perhaps some of you are alumni and it would be great to connect, 

- Wilfrid Laurier U. (MBA), U. 2008

- Waterloo (BA & Gerontology), 1992

- McMaster U. (Leadership/Management) 1995

- Conestoga College (Nursing & Human Resources) 1984 & 2005 

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Election day is Oct 26th 2026 and there will be early voting dates as well and information will be updated on this website as it becomes available. Please ensure you are on the latest Voter list by check Registeron.ca or stop by townhall.

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Thank you for your support and I am happy to speak with you in person at your convenience or at any group meeting that you care to arrange for in order to share your views and get to know me.