Ann MacLean Award

The Ann MacLean Award for Outstanding Service by a Woman in Municipal Politics recognizes women municipal politicians who have shown exemplary service to their community and constituents and to mentoring women who want to run for elected office. It is named in honour of FCM Past President, Ann MacLean, who led FCM´s campaign to increase the number of women in municipal politics across Canada.

2011 Recipient

Wendy Bisaro

Yellowknife, Northwest Territories

Wendy Bisaro's 18-year career as an elected municipal official with the City of Yellowknife included five terms on the School Board, the last as chair. She ran for Council in 2000 - the only woman to do so that year - and she won the most votes of any candidate. After retiring as deputy mayor in 2006, she continued to encourage and mentor women seeking municipal office. In the most recent Yellowknife municipal election, each of the three women elected to council had been mentored by Ms. Bisaro. Currently a member of the Legislative Assembly of the NWT, she continues to be a role model and mentor for many northern women interested in entering municipal politics.