She served as a town councillor until 1992 when she ran for mayor and defeated long-time incumbent Ross Quinn.
The bill was designed to help increase rights for francophone parents and students.
Following Redwater MLA Nicholas Taylor's appointment to the Senate in 1996, Balsillie ran in the ensuing by-election for the Alberta Liberals.
As a member of the Official Opposition, she served on the Law and Regulations Committee.
In the 1997 Alberta general election, Balsillie was defeated by Progressive Conservative Dave Broda by 316 votes.