Eric Savoie: Ready to Serve Ward 3
Last month, I shared why I’m running for City Council in Ward 3.
The short version is this: Saint John can look like it’s doing well on paper, but everyday life is getting harder for too many people. Housing costs are rising. Feeling safe isn’t guaranteed. And in Ward 3, 44% of our children are growing up in poverty. That should stop all of us in our tracks.
These aren’t abstract problems. They show up on our streets, in our schools, and in the choices families have to make every day.
That’s why I’m running.
Today, I want to share a bit more about me, and why I believe I can do this job well.
I Grew Up Here
Saint John is home.
I grew up going to the local YMCA, graduated from Saint John High School, and studied at UNB Saint John, where I earned both my undergraduate degree and my Master’s in Business.
These places shaped me. They taught me about community, opportunity, and the importance of showing up for others.
I still show up in everyday ways using local spaces, staying involved, and running into neighbours going about their lives. That keeps you grounded in what living here actually feels like.
Ward 3 is a mix of renters and homeowners, seniors and students, families putting down roots and families struggling to stay afloat. I understand how much people rely on the basics: safe streets, decent sidewalks, working transit, and a City Hall that listens and responds.
Showing Up Has Always Mattered to Me
Giving back has always been part of my life.
The YMCA was a big part of my childhood, and later I was honoured to be named a Red Triangle “Leader to Watch”, a reminder of how much it matters to invest in people early.
Since then, I’ve stayed involved in different ways, including serving as a Saint John Parking and Transit Commissioner, co‑chairing the Saint John Fundy Pride Society, and volunteering with the Siminovitch Theatre Foundation.
These are just examples. What matters most to me is showing up, learning how local systems work, and helping where I can.
I Lived Away and Then I Came Home
Like a lot of Saint Johners, I spent time living and working elsewhere.
After the pandemic, I moved home because it made me realize how much home means to me, my family, lifelong friendships, and a deep belief that Saint John can be the change we want to see if we work better together.
I lived in Melbourne, Australia, often ranked as one of the most liveable cities in the world. While there, I took part in a cross‑sector leadership group focused on city‑building and was mentored by former Lord Mayor Sally Capp.
That experience showed me what’s possible when cities plan with people in mind, and how much collaboration matters.
Experience That Matters When Things Get Hard
For nearly twenty years, I worked with governments through one of the world’s largest professional services firms, helping teams deal with complex, real‑world problems. Along the way, I was recognized internally as a global change‑maker, not for big ideas, but for helping people get things done.
I also worked with the Victorian State Government as Director of Planning and Coordination for bushfire recovery, during a time marked by natural disasters and the pandemic. The work was about staying calm, making practical decisions, and keeping people at the centre.
I was later invited to speak at Salesforce’s Dreamforce conference about how governments can better support communities during crisis.
I don’t share this to impress anyone. I share it because it shows how I work:
steady under pressure
practical, not theoretical
focused on people
committed to follow‑through
That’s the same approach I’d bring to City Hall.
Why This Is Personal
I’ve always loved Saint John, even during times when I didn’t feel like I fully belonged.
For years, I stayed quiet about who I was, worried about judgment. Coming out later in life taught me how powerful belonging really is and how much stronger communities become when people feel safe, respected, and included.
That experience shapes how I listen and how I lead.
What You Can Expect From Me
If elected as your Ward 3 councillor, I will:
listen first
be honest, even when it’s uncomfortable
focus on practical results you can see
work respectfully with City staff
keep showing up
Being a City Councillor isn’t about speeches. It’s about answering emails, returning calls, and sticking with problems until something changes.
Stronger Communities, Brighter Futures
This campaign is about turning growth into good lives for people.
It’s about neighbourhoods where kids have a fair shot, families can afford to stay, and people feel safe and supported where they live.
If that’s the kind of city you want, I’d be honoured to earn your support.
Together, we can build stronger communities, and brighter futures.
