Tracy Calogheros ran as a Liberal Candidate for federal office in 2015 and in last year's fall election.

By Veronica Beltran

women in politics

International Women’s Day: Women in politics

Mar 6, 2020 | 3:08 PM

PRINCE GEORGE–International Women’s Day is this weekend on March 8th 2020 and it’s a day where the social, economic, cultural and political successes of women are celebrated globally.

Locally, we spoke with 2015 and 2019 Federal Liberal Candidate, Tracy Calogheros about her experience involved in local politics. Calogheros moved to Prince George in the early 90’s from Toronto, choosing the location randomly off a map.

Calogheros in the guise of Fort George Museum mascot Digger is fearless as she tries on the latest addition to musem menagerie Friday. The toothy meat-eating reptile is a fiberglass replica of anm Albertasaurus and he arrived at the expanded museum Friday along witha smaller cousin Struthiomimus.

During her early years in Prince George, she volunteered and had a few jobs before landing one at the Exploration Place, where she’s climbed the ranks since, becoming its CEO. During her time as a volunteer, she made connections with local media and politicians which served her handy in somewhat kickstarting her political career. She began to participate in provincial and national boards.

“What became evident to me based on the community here in Prince George and the level of access we were given here to federal and provincial politicians was that we could really punch above our weight class and I felt like I had something to say,” said Calogheros.

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And that’s when she caught “the bug,” she was hooked on making change.

“When you start to see your ability to take an idea from your home town to Ottawa or Victoria…have some input, have and impact and then watch that play out back at home it really is not just exciting but empowering.”–Calogheros

In 2015 Calogheros was the only woman in her riding but that changed last fall, as five out of the six candidates in the Cariboo–Prince George riding were female.

Calogheros has a piece of advice for young females, “we need to support each other. Support your peers, look for some of that wisdom coming to you from the older generations…which I wish I’d listened to more when I was 24. Be patient, be kind to yourself and stand up for what you believe in.”

by Veronica Beltran

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International Women’s Day: Women in politics

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