About Solange

I haven’t had a straight career path. I have been a teacher, a communications professional, an investigator, a public servant and a military officer. I have worked in universities, regulatory and government organizations, and alongside small businesses and community projects. Along the way, I have learned that good leadership has less to do with having all the answers than with listening carefully, understanding the problem in front of you, bringing the right people together, and being willing to do the work.

I went to Saint Mary’s here in Brockville, and like many, left the city only to return afterward. My professional life began in education, teaching French in Mexico before returning to Canada. Later, I studied at the University of Ottawa. I hold an Honours BA in Psychology and an MA in Communication from the University of Ottawa; both of my theses explored Canadians’ values and morality.

For eight years I worked in communications with the Canadian Broadcast Standards Council, where part of my job was helping members of the public and broadcasters navigate the complaints process and understand Canada’s broadcasting standards. I later became an investigator with the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages, investigating and helping to resolve complaints under the Official Languages Act.

From there, I moved into senior advisory roles in the federal public service. At the Canada Revenue Agency and later Public Services and Procurement Canada, my work centred on policy, strategic planning, organizational change, official languages, employment equity, diversity and accessibility. Much of that work involved large complex problems, listening to people with opposing perspectives, understanding legislation and policy, coordinating national projects, all to find practical ways forward and keep the ball rolling.

In 2026, I made a significant change. I left my civilian career in the federal public service to devote my time to service here in Brockville and to the projects my husband and I are building in our community.

I joined the Canadian Armed Forces Reserve in 2023 and serve as an officer with the Brockville Rifles. I have had the privilege of leading new soldiers as a platoon commander and working with experienced colleagues who train and mentor them. More recently, my work with the Regiment has also involved administration, governance and financial responsibilities—less dramatic than the parts of military life people see in photographs, perhaps, but essential to keeping an organization functioning well.

Outside the Regiment, I serve on the Brockville Municipal Accessibility Advisory Committee. I am also working with my husband, Paris, at Dusk Till Dawn Studio 3D printing, and currently setting up Creative Technology Workshop Brockville. These experiences are bringing me into contact with entrepreneurs, artists, tradespeople and people with disabilities, and are giving me a more immediate understanding of both the opportunities and the obstacles involved in trying to build something here.

My life beyond Brockville has also been rich with exciting experiences. I studied for a year in India as an exchange student, lived and taught in Mexico for several years, and speak English, French and Spanish. My community involvement has ranged from adult literacy and volunteer language teaching to Francophone and Hispanophile educational organizations, university governance and community events. I think those experiences have made me curious about people and fairly comfortable listening to someone whose life or point of view is very different from my own.

My husband and I have made Brockville our home, and watched our kids grow into young adults who are now finding their own way in the world. Brockville is where we are building our projects and where we hope to remain for many years to come. I enjoy the ordinary things that make this such a good place to live: being outdoors, cycling, hiking, kayaking and skating, reading when I finally sit still, and spending time with my family.

I don’t think any résumé, degree or job title automatically qualifies someone to be a good city councillor. What I believe my experience gives me is something more practical: I know how to read policy and ask questions about it; I know how organizations and budgets work; I have experience dealing with disagreement and complaints; I have led people and worked as part of a team; and I am accustomed to being accountable for the work entrusted to me.

This is the experience and skills I would be proud to put to work for Brockville.