• Throughout my school years I won several public speaking awards as well as many young author awards.(still have the incredibly old certificates)

• Throughout my childhood I did the Food Bank drives with my family. Back when we used to drive around with trucks and fill up the boxes door to door. 

• In my teenage years I volunteered for the Food Bank in Quebec. It operated out of the old train station; it was quite unique and beautiful.

• October 2008 had October 9th to October 15th proclaimed as Baby Loss Awareness Week in Elliot Lake.

• 2009- Private members bill with Carol Hughes Bill C 4-10. An act to establish National Infant Loss and Child Loss Awareness Day.

• October 2009- held Elliot Lake’s 1st October 15th Wave of Light Service.

• October 2009- I began a journey with PBSO(Perinatal Bereavement Services Ontario) which later rebranded to PAIL Network.

• 2010-2016-I offered peer Support across the Province with PAIL Network as a volunteer and later board member.

• 2010-Voluntered for PBSO Butterfly release in Ajax, ON

• 2010- RTS Bereavement Certification t

• In 2014 volunteered and helped restore the Lasalle theatre with Save the Lasalle non-profit in Kirkland Lake. Offered guided tours, fundraised and restoration work. 

• 2014 Organized Ladies Night Fundraiser for Society for Animals in Distress in Elliot.

• 2015 Organized 2nd Ladies Night Fundraiser for Society for Animals in Distress

•  Wave of Light Service at Church

• 2015- Presentation to the Minister of Health and Minister of Finances for pre-budget consultations. 

• 2015-Hosted Wave of Light Service in Elliot Lake with the powerful healing beat of the sacred drums.

• 2015- Pinwheels for PAIL campaign fundraiser and memorial service.

• 2015-Volunteered for Butterfly release in Ajax, ON. Organized as a board member with PAIL Network, MPP Mik Colle, the Minister of Health and the Minister of Finances.

• 2015- Attended the Legislative Assembly of Ontario with over 400 signatures of support from Elliot Lake.(collected in 2 days)

• 2015- Worked with PAIL Network to have legislation changed successfully and October 15th proclaimed provincially. Board Member from 2014-1016

• 2016-Opened A Charming Touch-Boutique and Custom Events in upper plaza

• 2016- Created Rock’n’Lakettes- Women's Peer Support Group with 3 other women local led businesses.

• 2016-PARO Centre-For Women Enterprise- Enterprising Women Award for entrepreneurial achievement and community leadership.

• 2016-Had October 15th Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day proclaimed in Elliot Lake. Had the CN Tower lit up pink and blue.

• 2016- Assisted with Elliot Lake Block Party

• 2016-Elliot Lake style Minecraft-Free Community event 75+ children partook in at Westview Park

• 2016- Organized Elliot Lake Go- Local Event supported by 30 local businesses at Westview Park.

• 2016-Held October 15th Wave of Light Service in Elliot Lake

• 2017-Organized VFJ Presents Elliot Lake’s Got Talent with the Parents Council

• 2023-NISSA Training-Peer Support training for Older Adults 

• 2023-Completed Waabann Program at Counselling Centre of East Algoma(CCEA).

• 2023-Commenced academic journey at Laurentian University.

• 2023-SMART Scholarship Winner- Strong Mothers Achieving Remarkable Triumphs Bursary 

• 2023-2026 Successfully co-founded non-profit- Elliot Lake Growing Together Community Gardens Inc. As well as securing Nordic Park location and Sproutbox donations by the Elliot Lake Accessibility Committee and City of Elliot Lake.

• 2023-2024-Volunteer for CMHA Beehive-Canadian Mental Health Association

• 2024- Participated in the Glyphosate Protest organized by the TEK Elders- Successfully stopping aerial spray in our area.

• 2025- Volunteer for the Rod and Gun Club

• Mature Student at Laurentian University 2023-

Elliot Lake has always been in its own bubble in the north. A snowglobe, so to speak. Time to shake things up, and when the storm settles, together we will be glorious. Leaders of change highlighting the heritage, resiliency, and true beauty of Mooshgodne’gamiig, the “Lake of Plenty,” and the City of Elliot Lake.I can't stress enough where privilege lies; so does responsibility. Elliot Lake needs a change of discourse; it's time we go back to our roots and celebrate the diversity that makes us beautiful. Show off our strengths, culture, heritage and resiliency. We can be leaders of change, and that is my challenge to you. I challenge all the citizens of Elliot Lake to be the challenge for change.

If you would like to contact me: youcanreachshannon@hotmail.com

Or follow Polishing the Jewel in the Wilderness: Shannon Bernard on Facebook.

The environment we are situated in, the forests that surround us, the people that built this city and the diversity that has founded it all. It seems to be forgotten and set aside for a selected few.Remove stigmas and barriers, to close system gaps, enhance community engagement, while fostering an environment built on social cohesion. It will take bravery and humility to be honest and wisdom to move forward with truth and respect. All this needs to be built on love for our community, environment and our shared humanity.

I have a lot to offer the community. I'm taking this step informed and intentionally. I’ve gone through our systems and know it's possible to be simultaneously thankful for the services and resources we have, while knowing we deserve better. Our children deserve better.

I've planned community events, block parties, talent shows, worked to change systems, offered peer support across the province, advocated and helped change legislation. I know what it takes to achieve a goal, even if it takes years of work and tears. I have carried the citizens of Elliot Lake's voices all the way to Queen's Park in the past, and I will again. I was instrumental in passing the Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness, Research and Care Act, 2015, S.O. 2015, c. 37 - Bill 141. Allocating funds to the cause for the first time in history as well as proclaiming October 15th Pregnancy and Infant Loss Day across Ontario.

Elliot Lake is filled with opportunity; if we take the time to think critically and look around, and not just in the usual spaces, think outside the box or the bubble Elliot Lake has always been in. It is possible if we truly see one another and work together, our community will thrive again.I truly believe under the right leadership with passion and drive guiding our community the true heart of Elliot Lake will shine through once again. Attracting the right people will become effortless. As everyone will want to see the true beauty of Mooshgodne’gamiig, the “Lake of Plenty,” and the City of Elliot Lake.

"To transform disconnection into community connection by fostering progressive, transparent leadership and collective action. We are committed to building an equitable Elliot Lake where no citizen is left to brave dangerous, narrow winter highways just to secure basic groceries. By holding government agencies accountable and advocating for external provincial funding, we will protect our vulnerable residents, safeguard city resources, and ensure we heal, grow, and build resilience together."

There's no perfect person for the job, only people who will give it their all.Learning from our mistakes is invaluable hands on knowledge. As a candidate it is my mission to foster a positive safe environment for all.I stand for strength based approaches, unity, equity, social cohesion and lifelong learning. Together, we can build a true community and be leaders of change that value its citizens, shared humanity and environment. I truly believe that until we acknowledge the perspectives of others and lived experiences through their eyes and not as we wish to see it, we will fail. I will not be complicit in that.

If you want to know more and how we will do this, then we will just have to work together! Follow my campaign on Facebook to learn more on how I see us working together for the betterment of the entire community in a sustainable way. Polishing the Jewel in the Wilderness: Shannon Bernard

1- Vulnerable Populations

• Affordable housing and smart growth. Balancing  new housing with existing infrastructure. 

• Accessible information with open data initiatives. Public input need to be reconsidered and transparent multi directional communication. Serpent River First Nations has a community app available for download an example of true community.

• Senior Engagement and Social Wellness. Volunteerism is down, and most not-for-profits are run by retired individuals who should be enjoying their lives while younger generations need to step up to the plate, shaping the community they wish to see. Not because we expect they can't do it but out of respect. Opening up inter-generational wisdom sharing.

• Youth in politics, Youth committee under age friendly committee.

• Accessible pool year round with innovative programming increasing their funding.

• Veterans Walk. Supporting our heritage and all veterans.

• Buses- Accessibility and suitable buses for the needs of Elliot Lakes residents needs to be considered.

• Bus stops at the hospital and Foodbank. Why is the Provincial Government not assisting with establishing accessible services to basic needs of life.

• Agency supports such as the CCEA needs a home. Our community is in dire need of there services.

• Outreach workers are needed. Opportunities to engage vulnerable citizens as well as opportunities to improve systemic barriers and gaps. 

• Bus stops 

  • Hospital door drop off and pick up should be a priority.Avoiding potential injury or accident on a hill. 

  • Foodbank and Probation office. The Foodbank feeds the most vulnerable. As a society we should be taking every measure to help improve marginalized people's lives. As a non profit board run organization it should not be their responsibility to make the city accessible. We can not have citizens walking down a highway with groceries in the winter. This is a safety concern. Especially in the winter when the roads get narrower. Should vehicles pass a pedestrian at an inopportune time it can be disastrous. With a government agency being next door. Which requires its clients to attend court sanctioned meetings. It should be its priority as a government agency to address this issue. Possibly by directing funding to the city to help offset the costs that will be absorbed by the city ultimately citizens to rectify. 

• The pool remains open year round. Introduce new programming for alternating weekends and rentals. Caters to those with mobility issues and prefer not to swim in lakes. 

Agency Supports:Business spaces The CCEA needs a home. The city of Elliot Lake requires their services direly.Systemic failure is evident when looking at the history of Elliot Lake. We must all help each other.

2- Environmental

• Green initiatives Community Gardens like Growing Together Community Gardens.Line Cutting instead of glyphosate aerial spraying.

• Social Sustainability- Moving Elliot Lake in a long term sustainable direction for future generations to come. 

3- Economic

• Welcome Centre and Welcome Wagon inviting citizens and promoting our city, local area and initiatives. Informing newcomers about life in the north.

• Social sustainability-Economic development is not just supporting businesses and tourism it also includes supporting its citizens well being

4-Governance

• Less closed sessions more transparency

• Floating Economic Development Meetings- Having quarterly economic development meetings throughout the city allows the opportunity for more community engagement and the perspectives of different areas of the city brought to the table.Allowing citizens voices in shaping their community.

5-Reconciliation

• Decolonization and Reconciliation Reminding us, we are all sacred individuals.

• Indigenous monument acknowledging ancestral lands taking actionable steps towards reconciliation. Isaac Murdoch- Ojibway Heritage Sculpture- Representing history and ongoing commitments within the community.

• Duty to consult respected and followed

• Indigenous representation in words on signage. Such as Mooshgodne'gamiing Lake of Plenty

• Truth and Reconciliation crosswalk.

What a wonderful Meet and Great Saturday. We touched base on many important subjects homelessness, the pool, arena, Larrys Place, how the Municipality and Council work, and so much more.

We got to talking about the arena and events that they hosted in the past, which got me to thinking about the past events in Elliot lake

Feeling nostalgic this morning. One of my core memories is the Food Jam, a fundraiser organized to collect donations and raise funds for the Food Bank.💡 I bet a fundraiser like this could help the Foodbank secure transportation for the food to the vulnerable or the vulnerable to the food....

I went with my family and stayed later with my father. Had I stayed till the end, my aunt was going to bring me backstage to meet the bands. Of course was too young and my dad left with me early. I loved Glass Tiger so much I saved up my money from my paper route at the Standard and bought their cassette. I still even have their autographs. Events like these are moments that children hold on to forever, moments like these are what brings individuals, family, and community together.

This council and staff are going to have to start planning the 75th anniversary of Elliot Lake

Where's Glass Tiger going to stay when they come to town for a Food Jam? I'd invite them to my house but I have a feeling it wouldn't suffice. Yes, I'm dreaming big. But I always dream big. Life's too short, not too. When you work hard and together, anything's possible.

It's time to steer this ship around, and it's gonna take us all to change discourse and bring back the old town feels that we all loved. Let's show all the new Elliot Lakers, how amazing Elliot Lake once was and still can be!

🎶"Tell me when that breeze is blowing taking me home to my town"🎶

At the time a horror movie was being filmed there. I have a eerie creepy story to go with it. Here's a few pics. If you'd like to see more or read the tour guide. Come on down to the Renesaince Centre Saturday Sept 26th. Meet and Greet with the candidates from 10-2pm.

For the first time in history the Ministry of Health allocated $1 million to the cause for the first time in history. Sunnybrooke Hospital took over the program extending its reach further across the province helping individuals and families who have experienced loss.

The next will be held October 10-2pm

I hope to see you there