The all-female council of a vibrant community in eastern Newfoundland was re-elected this week with an almost perfect voter participation rate.
Mayor Kelly Power mentioned in an interview that the few residents who didn’t vote were either away or fishing. Elected in 2013, the 51-year-old mayor has been serving alongside four other women, maintaining an all-female council since then.
Mayor Power highlighted the support of the community’s strong men, including their husbands, emphasizing their crucial role in the council’s success.
Situated on the southwest coast of Newfoundland’s Avalon Peninsula, Branch overlooks St. Mary’s Bay and has a population of 223 based on the 2021 census, with crab fishing as its primary economic activity.
With over a third of its residents being seniors, the council organizes various community activities, such as dances, dinners, photo presentations, seasonal events, and school festivals, to ensure social engagement and combat loneliness.
The exceptional voter turnout of more than 95% in Branch’s recent municipal election was praised by Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador, setting a remarkable record.
The council’s re-election aligns with Newfoundland and Labrador’s history of women holding significant leadership roles in fishing communities, reflecting a tradition of female shore skippers managing essential fishing tasks on land.
Mayor Power expressed the significance of being re-elected in 2025, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage in Newfoundland, highlighting the community’s appreciation and approval of their work.
Stay updated with CBC News by downloading our free CBC News app to receive push notifications for CBC Newfoundland and Labrador. Subscribe to our daily headlines newsletter here. Visit our dedicated landing page here.
