Talk Truth 04.22.26 – Lisa Vanderkwaak | Lisa Vanderkwaak—speaker, author, and Mayor of Beaumont—breaks down what it really takes to step into leadership at the municipal level. She shares what led her to run, the pressure that comes with leading one of Alberta’s fastest-growing cities, and how local decisions shape everyday life more than most people realize. From navigating public criticism to addressing growing division, Vanderkwaak makes a clear case: if people want change, they can’t sit on the sidelines—local government is where it starts.

00:00 – Introduction
02:32 – Guest introduction: Lisa Vanderkwaak, mayor of Beaumont
05:06 – Discussing civic engagement and encouraging people to get involved
06:38 – Lisa Vanderkwaak shares her path to running for mayor
08:10 – Beaumont’s growth and bilingual status
09:27 – Decision process: why run for mayor instead of council
12:13 – Family and community support for running
13:56 – Facing opposition during the campaign
15:59 – Balancing public opinion as mayor
17:17 – Importance of listening and community feedback
19:13 – Practical ways citizens can engage with local government
20:09 – The value of public input in decision-making
22:09 – Navigating political divisions and striving for unity
24:09 – End