Christine McKenzie For Ward 5 Councillor
About Christine
Christine and her family put down roots in Uxbridge 15 years ago when deciding where to raise their children.
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Christine’s heart and strengths lie in stewardship and service to others. She is experienced and effective.
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Christine is a mediator, a former human resources manager and labour negotiator, and a passionate community volunteer. She holds a degree in Zoology and a Master of Laws in Dispute Resolution.
Christine chairs the Uxbridge Environment and Sustainability Advisory Committee and sits on the Uxbridge Library Board and Fence Viewers Committee. She is also a scout leader with 1st Uxbridge Scouts, and the Drum Major of Uxbridge Legion Pipes and Drums.
Integrity, committed leadership, and respect: for every individual, for our history, and for our bright future.
Good Governance Through:
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Accountable Government
Good governance starts here. Accountability to our community as a whole and to you as an individual means functional transparency, effective communication, meaningful engagement, fiscal responsibility, evidence-based decision making, strategic planning, and follow through.
Responsible Growth
Responsible growth means looking for opportunities to increase housing options and economic development, protecting Uxbridge's rural and heritage character, and thoughtful revitalization. It means long term planning for a resilient, vibrant, and liveable community.
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Community Connections
The ability to build relationships is one of the most critical skills of any municipal leader. Our community thrives because of the work of volunteers, community organizations, local businesses, and strategic partnerships beyond Uxbridge. A strong community is built through connection and relationship.
Strong Infrastructure
Taking care of our assets requires careful planning, diligent oversight, and attention to the important day-to-day work of taking care of what we already have. It doesn't make headlines, but it quietly underpins the functionality and liveability of our community, and ensures our readiness to take advantage of other opportunities.
Community Wellbeing
A community where people can thrive at every stage of life supports safety, mental health, recreation, accessibility, community spaces, transportation, and wellness. Community wellbeing means creating a culture of belonging and participation where everyone can be their whole selves and find support in their community.
Environmental Stewardship
Protecting the natural heritage that defines Uxbridge is a core value of mine. To me, that means leveraging expertise in our community, prioritizing resilience and preparedness, and making smart decisions that don't compromise or chip away at the community we'll be leaving future generations.
"A society grows great when old men plant trees in whose shade they shall never sit." Greek Proverb
A New and Experienced Voice on Council
Good governance requires more than intentions. It requires committed leadership, sound judgment, and experience. Here's what I bring to the table:
Strategic Leadership and Human Resources Expertise
As a former Human Resources Manager, I served as a strategic business partner responsible for helping navigate complex organizational challenges while supporting every organization's most valuable asset: their people.
My work required balancing diverse perspectives, managing risk, developing policy, planning for the future, and ensuring decisions aligned with organizational goals. In today's often rapidly changing environment, successful leadership demands adaptability, clear communication, and the ability to anticipate challenges before they become problems.
These are the same skills required for effective municipal governance. Council must balance competing priorities, make informed decisions, steward public resources responsibly, and maintain a clear vision for the future. I bring that experience and perspective to the table.
Resolution-Focused Leadership
Throughout my career, I have worked extensively in negotiation, mediation, labour relations, and conflict resolution.
Most conflict is not about winning or losing. More often, disputes arise when people feel unheard, misunderstood, or excluded from the process. Effective leaders take the time to listen, understand different perspectives, and find common ground.
I believe good governance depends on procedural fairness, respectful dialogue, thoughtful decision-making, and a willingness to work collaboratively toward solutions. My experience helping people navigate difficult conversations will allow me to contribute constructively, even when issues are complex or opinions differ.
Community Service and Human Connection
For many years, I have dedicated my time to serving others in a variety of roles, including as a Kids Help Phone crisis responder, a leader with 1st Uxbridge Scouts, a board member of the Uxbridge Public Library, Manager of Uxbridge Legion Pipes and Drums, a member of Uxbridge Legion Branch 170, and a volunteer with Ontario Corps.
Whether supporting someone through personal difficulty, mentoring youth, or helping community organizations succeed, I have learned the importance of empathy, patience, and service.
As a Kids Help Phone responder, I help people move from moments of fear and uncertainty toward calm, practical next steps. As a scout leader, I help young people develop confidence, independence, and a sense of civic responsibility. Through my other volunteer roles, I have built strong connections across our community and gained a deeper appreciation for the people and organizations that make Uxbridge such a special place to live.
These experiences have strengthened my belief that leadership is not about directing people - it's about listening, supporting, and helping to remove barriers.
A Science-Based Perspective
I spent a decade at the Toronto Zoo working on conservation programs involving some of Canada's most endangered species. Closer to home, I serve as Chair of the Uxbridge Environment and Sustainability Committee. Through this work, I have gained a deep understanding of the environmental opportunities and challenges facing our community.
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I believe the best decisions are informed by evidence, guided by long-term thinking, and achieved through collaboration. Environmental stewardship and economic prosperity are not competing goals; they both depend on thoughtful planning and responsible decision-making.
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I bring a science-based perspective to Council that values facts, practical solutions, and partnerships that deliver meaningful results for our community.
