D'Arcy McGee

Joyce Stoliar Shanks

Joyce Stoliar Shanks is an empathetic, engaging leader and social entrepreneur with the unique ability to see the interconnectedness in all things. Whether she is rallying communities, advocating for wellness and the environment, or supporting small businesses, she is a catalyst for positive change. She has been guided by service—first to her family, then to her community, and always by a deep commitment to helping people thrive. For more than three decades, Joyce's leadership, collaboration, volunteerism, and innovation have inspired people to work together to succeed. Fluent in both English and French, she has built bridges across communities and sectors, guided by the belief that progress is achieved through respect, dialogue, and a shared commitment to the common good. A graduate of Concordia University's Hospitality Management program, Joyce spent her early career in Banff National Park in the hospitality, corporate tourism, and events industries. She shared her awe of nature and her commitment to environmental stewardship while showcasing Canada's majestic beauty as a certified guide and tourism professional. Later, while raising a young daughter, Joyce's personal health journey led her to become a certified Reflexologist and CranioSacral Therapist. She operated a successful complementary wellness practice from her home for more than a decade. Believing that collaboration creates even greater success, she founded the West Island Complementary Health Alliance (WICHA), bringing complementary health care professionals and sustainable businesses together to strengthen their collective impact while helping each business succeed. Joyce's entrepreneurial spirit and her belief that healthy people and a healthy planet are inseparable inspired her to create eCause Canada Inc., an innovative fundraising company that helped schools and charitable organizations raise tens of thousands of dollars with environmentally responsible products. Her vision was simple yet transformative: support children, families, and community organizations today while helping build a healthier, more sustainable future. As a volunteer and advocate, Joyce served on the regional Board of the Quebec Federation of Home and School, supporting and advocating for families and their rights in public education. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she became the spokesperson for the Maimonides Family Advocacy Committee, lending her voice to residents and their families to ensure they were heard and respected during the most challenging period in Quebec's long-term care history. Reflecting her commitment to environmental protection and her pride in the city and province she loves, Joyce has served on the governing board of Les Amis de la Montagne, as well as the Board of Directors of Café des Amis, Mount Royal's food service organization. Today, Joyce is the General Manager of the Quartier Greene Merchants Association in Westmount, working closely with local businesses, community organizations, and municipal leaders to strengthen neighbourhood economies, foster collaboration, and create a vibrant community where businesses and residents can flourish together. Her lifelong commitment to service, collaboration, and community leadership has led her to seek public office as the candidate for Darcy McGee. She considers it an honour to have the opportunity to serve her community and to continue building bridges through respectful dialogue, collaboration, and principled leadership. Joyce believes the strongest communities are built when people work together with respect and a shared commitment to co-creating a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.