Montreal, Quebec
Stephanie Valenzuela wins council seat for Côte-Des-Neiges–Notre-Dame-De-Grâce
Analysis
Teodoro ‘Ted’ Alcuitas
Editor, Philippine Canadian news.Com (PCN.Com)
The City of Montreal has elected its first Filipino-Canadian councillor in last night’s ( November 7, 2021) civic elections.
Stephanie Valenzuela was elected councillor for Côte-Des-Neiges–Notre-Dame-De-Grâce, one of the most densely populated and ethnically diverse neighbourhoods in Canada with over 100 different ethnic communities. It is one of the few Montreal neighbourhoods where neither the French nor English language dominate. Both national languages are spoken equally, along with many others by a high number of multilingual speakers.
The McGill University political science graduate run under the Ensemble Montréal party lead by Denis Coderre who lost his bid for Mayor of Montreal.
Born and raised in Côte-des-Neiges, Valenzuela is a First Generation Filipino-Canadian. She began her involvement in her community at an early age. A Government Relations Professional, she developed a strong belief in giving back to the community and to those in vulnerable situations.
She focused her efforts on non-profit organizations and community initiatives. In 2014, post-graduation, she volunteered and worked in Monterrey, Mexico for an NGO called “La Paz Comienza Con Los Niños” (Peace Begins with Children). Through her work, she learned and acquired skills in project management, public relations, and fundraising.
She is part of the Strengthening Families Program team led by the Côte-des-Neiges Black Community Association and director of Communications for the Filipino Heritage Society of Montreal. Growing up in an ethnically populous borough, she quickly learned that diversity is not a threat, but a strength.
It was her deep understanding of the needs in her district and her involvement in the community that inspired her to embark on this political journey with Ensemble Montreal.
A graduate of Vanier College’s Social Science DEC and International Development, she is currently 
a fundraising coordinator/Public Relations Director.
Meanwhile, another candidate, France Stohner, failed in her bid for councillor for Snowdon. Stohner posted this message her Facebook page after the election.