Every candidate for Mayor, Councillor and School Trustee is offered the option of submitting candidate profile information to provide information to the voters of Thunder Bay.
Candidate profiles are posted below as they are received, and are not edited by the City; incorrect spelling, grammar, or other obvious errors, will not be corrected. It is the responsibility of the candidate to review their profile before submitting.
The following profiles were provided by the candidates and posted verbatim with no changes by the Office of the City Clerk.
The views and opinions presented are of the candidates only and are not endorsed
by the City of Thunder Bay or the Returning Officer for the 2026 Municipal and School Board Election.
Mayor
| Donald Baxter |
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807-630-1098
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| Maureen (Moe) Comuzzi |
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807-624-8234
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| Peter Mark John Diedrich |
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807-633-1697
For too long urgent problems in our neighbourhoods, downtowns and our city have been studied while residents, families and businesses wait. And wait... |
| Trevor Giertuga |
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807-630-2889
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| Shane Judge |
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807-708-1953
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| Volker Kromm |
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807-627-6511 Website: votevolker.ca
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| Peter Panetta |
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807-622-5666
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| Aldo Ruberto |
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807-629-5171
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| Wolfgang Schoor |
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807-344-3746
I'm Wolfgang Schoor, and I'm seeking to serve you as the Mayor of Thunder Bay, a city I called home for over 30 years.
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| Doug Vincent |
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807-867-0786 My entire life has been in the service of the public in many capacities; 20 yrs in Natural Resources protection and the last 20 yrs in 4 municipalities helping them grow and move forward.
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At Large Councillor - Five (5) to be elected
| Rajni Agarwal |
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807-626-3842
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| Mark Bentz |
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807-474-6412
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| Gene Capar |
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https://www.facebook.com/groups/1782214149442200
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| Gary Christian |
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807-867-0468
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| Julie Colquhoun |
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807-630-1784
Thunder Bay is a wonderful city that offers a balanced lifestyle where people can build meaningful lives while enjoying work, recreation, and our incredible natural spaces—and it’s worth stepping up for.
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| Patrick George Cully |
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807-633-7033
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| Heather K. Dahlstrom |
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| Stephanie Danylko |
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807-474-7050
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| Kasey Taylor Etreni |
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807-630-8198 FB: Kasey Taylor Etreni
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| Tyler Goode |
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807-709-2803 Before I am a candidate, before I am anything else, I am a father.
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| Dino Menei |
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807-626-3421
Born and raised in Thunder Bay with 3 brothers and 4 sisters i have seen this city grow in good, sad and bad ways but always turned out good.
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| Jamie Nichols |
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807-631-3259
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| Robert Trevisan |
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807-624-8745 |
| Peng You |
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807-628-4305
Chinese Canadian Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2001 Peng is result driven, always implementing his Tai Chi philosophy, hard work, action and determination.
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Current River Ward Councillor - One (1) to be elected
| Andrew Foulds |
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andrewfouldsforcurrentriver@hotmail.com
It has been a privilege to serve as your City Councillor. As a father,educator and community advocate, I care deeply about our city and its future. I am seeking re-election because I believe Thunder Bay is poised for great things. Achieving that potential requires strong leadership,proven experience and integrity. During times of economic and social challenges, we need practical solutions, thoughtful decision-making and a clear vision for the future. I have proudly served on Council, working collaboratively to deliver results and address the issues that matter most to residents. My colleagues elected me Speaker of City Council, a role that demands fairness,accountability and respect. I am proud to have supported the revitalization of our downtowns, the transformation of Red River Road into a vibrant destination for small businesses, tourism, and community gatherings. Investments in Marina Park have helped create welcoming spaces enjoyed year-round. I will continue to champion investments in infrastructure, parks, recreation, and environmental stewardship while advocating for solutions to housing, poverty, mental health, and addictions. I want to be your voice and your champion at City Hall. |
| Stéphane Léonard Kuziora |
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506-688-1197 Facebook: DrStephane Kuziora
Growing up in Thunder Bay I remember when you would struggle to see even a single homeless person. After returning home from my studies in Norway, I found myself in a deep melancholy as I commuted the city. Not only are those struggling with poverty distressed but even those who are financially secure have become fearful of walking the streets we once enjoy freely.
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Red River Ward Councillor - One (1) to be elected
| Cory Bagdon |
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807-708-7065 My name is Cory Bagdon, a candidate to represent the Red River ward. I was born here in Thunder Bay and grew up in the Red River ward. |
| Dino Cicchitano |
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807-473-7554
Hi, I’m Dino Cicchitano, and I am proud to be running for City Councillor in Red River Ward. I was born and raised in Nipigon by my parents, Sam and Mary Cicchitano. When I was 15, my family moved to Thunder Bay, and I have called Red River Ward home for most of my life. I attended Hammarskjold High School and earned a Bachelor of Business degree from Lakehead University. My career has been built on business and entrepreneurship. I opened Thunder Bay’s United Colors of Benetton store and, with my father Sam, established Homelife Cicchitano Realty. I later opened three Great Canadian Bagel locations and spent more than 30 years in the real estate industry. I was Sales Manager with Sun Life and operated my own Co-operators Insurance and Financial Services franchise. Community involvement has always been important to me. I created Bagel Day for the United Way, chaired Kinsmen Ladies Night Out, and organized the Queen of Hearts Golf Tournament for the hospital foundation. Recently I’ve supported the DEK Foundation, a cause that is especially meaningful to my family. I believe my business experience, community involvement, and lifelong connection to Thunder Bay have prepared me to serve our community. |
| Michael Giardetti |
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807-633-3577
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| John Murray |
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807-286-0045
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| Jamie Scrimger |
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807-631-6071
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McIntyre Ward Councillor - One (1) to be elected
| Albert Aiello |
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807-628-6378
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| Brian Phillips |
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807-632-1566
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McKellar Ward Councillor - One (1) to be elected
| Marco Cupelli |
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416-721-4119
I spent eight years in Toronto, earning a Specialized Honours in Theatre from York University, working in theatre and film as a set designer. Set design taught me how changing a space can influence people and create new possibilities. In 2019, I brought that thinking home and founded Legacy Property & Rental Management. I have improved housing, supported tenants and property owners, and worked with the City’s engineering, planning, permitting, zoning, water, roads, parks, and housing departments. I understand where systems work, and where delays, disconnected departments, and administrative barriers prevent ideas from becoming results. Now I want to apply that experience to McKellar Ward. I want a safer, active and economically vibrant South Core; stronger partnerships among the City, residents, landlords, businesses, and developers; and more housing created by reusing existing buildings and infrastructure. I am running to bring practical leadership, higher standards, and greater accountability to City Hall. Residents deserve responsive service and value for their tax dollars. McKellar needs a councillor who understands the ward, knows how to move projects forward, and is prepared to do the hard work.
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| Tony DiPaolo |
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807-473-6056 website : tonyformckellar.ca
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| Brian Hamilton |
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| Tracey MacKinnon |
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(C) - 8076329662 LinkedIn - Tracey MacKinnon
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| Donnalee Morettin |
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807-357-9845 Website: www.morettin.ca
Hi, I'm Donnalee Morettin, and I am running for City Council to represent you in the McKellar Ward. I have lived in McKellar ward for the past 57 years. I went to school at McKellar Park School, Isabella School and FWCI and Lakehead University. I am a proud parent of two daughters who attended Ogden School. My goal is simple: I want to make our neighbourhood a safer, stronger and more welcoming place for everyone!
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Northwood Ward Councillor - One (1) to be elected
| André Gagné |
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807-251-4455 @André Gagné for Northwood 2026
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| Syed Kabir |
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807-252-8575
At a time when the cost of living continues to rise and families, seniors, and businesses are feeling the pressure, Northwood needs leadership focused on thoughtful investments, sound financial decisions, and better value for every tax dollar.
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| John Ongaro |
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807-577-3306
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Westfort Ward Councillor - One (1) to be elected
| Angel Gamble |
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807-356-5488 VoteAngelGambleWestfort@gmail.com Hello Thunder Bay, I am a lifetime resident who calls this harbour city I love, my Hometown. School began at Cornwall Elementary, middle at McKellar Elementary, high school at FWCI and Native Family Worker Program at Confederation College. Completing PARO – Microloan Foundation for Entrepreneur/Circle creation program igniting my passion to encourage all into entrepreneurship. Later, completing a Union Pipefitter apprenticeship plus Engineering Design & Drafting Technology and Process Piping & Drafting.
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| Clinton Harris |
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807-632-3229
I have spent decades doing my small part helping our community in every way.
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| Stephen Margarit |
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807-620-5634 Facebook: @votemargarit
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Neebing Ward Councillor - One (1) to be elected
| John Warren Beals |
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807-626-3680
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| Greg Johnsen |
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807-577-5230
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English Public School Board Trustee - Eight (8) to be elected
| Susan Frattaroli |
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807-631-2159
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| CJ Goater |
| 905-519-0271
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| Kathleen Heikkinen |
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807-632-2200 I am running to ensure LPSB is a safe, supportive learning environment that encourages students to achieve to the best of their abilities. I am committed to working collaboratively with stakeholders to bring sound judgement into decision-making that will lead to student success and well-being. |
| Patricia Johansen |
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807-683-5647
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| Scotia-Leigh Kauppi |
| 807-251-2891
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| Lex MacArthur |
| 807-620-4060
lex.macarthur.public@gmail.com Website: https://www.facebook.com/LexPublicProfile
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| Deborah Massaro |
| 807-628-3146
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| Ian Morgan |
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www.linkedin.com/in/iansmorgan
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| Vish Nayyar |
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807-357-9155
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| George Saarinen |
| 807-622-2565
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| Ryan Sitch |
| 807-252-5485
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| Trudy Tuchenhagen |
| 807-767-4931
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English Separate School Board Trustee - Six (6) to be elected
| Eleanor Ashe |
| 807-577-2204
Associating with the Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board, has been a priority with my professional and personal involvement for many decades. As a former student, teacher, principal, administrator, parent of five, grandparent of ten and great-grandparent of seven children, being with, for and in this system remains a valuable asset in my present capacity. As a trustee for the past 19 years, interest and commitment to Catholic education remains a foremost life goal. |
| Lawrence Badanai |
807-620-3395
lbadanai@gmail.com I am a husband, a father, an alumnus of our schools, and a proud member of this community. For the past 8 years, I have had the privilege of serving as a Trustee with the Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board. I am seeking re-election because I care deeply about our schools and want to continue the important work we have begun. |
| Mike Bertoldo |
| 807-626-2187
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| Anthony Foglia |
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| Leanne Fonso |
| 807-628- 9880
I am proud to seek re-election as a Catholic School Board Trustee, having served for the past four years, including two years as Vice-Chair. I remain deeply committed to Catholic education and to supporting the well-being, achievement, and success of both students and staff. As a Registered Nurse and Clinical Manager, I bring a strong work ethic, compassion, accountability, and extensive leadership experience to the Board table. I understand the importance of listening, collaboration, and thoughtful decision-making. |
| Olivia Kembel |
| 807-707-9722
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| Matt Pearson |
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| Tony Romeo |
| 807-476-5866
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French Public School Board Trustee - One (1) to be elected
| Anne-Marie Gélineault |
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807-854-0189
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French Separate School Board Trustee - Five (5) to be elected
| Angele Desbiens |
| 807-630-2470
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| Claudette Gleeson |
| 807-620-6857
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| Elodie Grunerud |
| 807-633-7437
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| Victoria Mauro |
| 807-632-5618
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Contact Us
Moe Comuzzi is a lifelong Thunder Bay resident, business leader, community volunteer and proud advocate for the city she calls home.
I am a lifelong Thunder Bay resident, proud husband to Chelsea and proud father to Madison and my heavenly son, Travis. I love Thunder Bay and its people. This is home, and I want to build a stronger future for everyone. At 56, I am the youngest candidate for Mayor, while bringing 25 years of experience on City Council.
If elected, I will focus council’s efforts on fixing our roads. Council’s committee system will be restructured to put basic infrastructure front and centre monthly. Policing our downtowns will become a priority. We’re spending tens of millions of dollars to fix our core areas. But to what end if people don’t feel safe going living, working and visiting our downtowns? Money for the roads will come from eliminating duplication in back office services. We will create a special corporation to provide payroll, billing, Human Resources and IT services for the city, TBaytel, Synergy North, the police department and the District Social Services Administration Board. A new task force on housing will bring together indigenous housing agencies to develop a plan to provide housing for the people moving to the city from the Far North. Once the backlog of road repairs is reached, I will move to create a Sovereign Wealth Fund where the annual TBaytel dividend of about $20 million a year will be invested for 25 years. This fund will be used to pay for big projects we need to do. I will push to eliminate all manual paper processes at city hall and replace them with digital operations. I want to make city hall so efficient that we can actually sell our services such as back office operations, planning and legal services to other municipalities. This will turn city hall into a revenue-generating operation instead of just a place that costs taxpayers.
Thunder Bay is at a crossroads for making the changes required to prepare us for growth, to build healthy homes, and to assemble a transformative team capable of tackling the challenges facing us, while acting in a fiscally responsible manner, listening, responding, and providing manageable alternatives for our residents and business leaders. We need action. I have built a platform on four pillars: Affordability, Leadership, Security, and Sustainability. I bring to the forum my many years in planning and operations with the forest industry, serving as a continuous improvement agent, project manager, and systems analyst charged with product development and improving corporate outcomes. My most recent career was in the charity sector elevating a basement food banking organization, into a reputable regional centre for food security. We the people of Thunder Bay are entitled to affordable housing and local nutritious food. We are charged with the task of creating safe spaces, improving infrastructure, reviewing maintenance practices and responding to concerns in a timely manner. My role is to build a team, accountable to the people, to local businesses, investors, and social agencies that all contribute to a positive future for our children's children, while supporting current community builders and youth. I bring leadership skills that will draw the best people together, inside and outside of council. I am a passionate ambassador, advocate, and cheerleader for Thunder Bay.
My name is Aldo Ruberto. I am the son of immigrant parents, Salvatore (Sam) and Caterina (Nina) Ruberto. I am married to Lori Ruberto, a former teacher and principal. Lori and I have two children. Casey, (Exercise Physiologist and kinesiologist), Jessi, (Lawyer.) We also have two lovely grandchildren.

My name is Gene Capar. I was born in Thunder Bay and have lived here most of my life. Currently, I live in the McKellar Ward with my wife, son, and two dogs.
Gary Christian brings 37 years of public service and leadership experience to his campaign to serve Thunder Bay. Since 2022, he has served as Executive Director of the North Superior Workforce Planning Board, working with employers, educators, and governments to strengthen the local economy and create opportunities. Before joining the Board, Gary spent 34 years with the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development as a Community Development Officer in Thunder Bay, partnering with municipalities, businesses, Indigenous communities, and governments on practical local solutions. Gary also served 17 years with the Royal Canadian Navy, shaping the leadership, teamwork, and accountability he brings to public service. He currently serves as a Trustee with the Lakehead District School Board and holds an MBA and two degrees in political science/law from Lakehead University. In 2021, he received the City of Thunder Bay's Citizen of Exceptional Achievement Award for his community service. Gary believes Thunder Bay can be stronger, safer, and more prosperous. His priorities are safer streets, tackling homelessness, better roads, responsible spending, and economic growth. He’ll bring a practical, accountable, results-focused approach to City Hall — listening, leading, and delivering for Thunder Bay. 
As a lifelong resident of Thunder Bay, I love our green spaces and park spaces.
I’m not a career politician. I’m a healthcare worker who sits in a political seat.

I was born and raised in Thunder Bay and have spent over a decade building an inclusive, community-oriented coffee-roasting business. I have also worked at both the municipal and federal levels, including in city planning and Indigenous land claims. Those roles, along with running my business, have shown me how public decisions affect residents, local businesses, and community organizations—and why clear priorities and coordination matter.
A Practical Voice for the City
Moved to Thunder Bay (adopted home) in 1990 from Dalian (Port Arthur), China
Leadership, Experience and Integrity


John has been a long-time Red River Ward resident since moving back to Thunder Bay in 2014
I’m proud to call Red River Ward home. Since moving to Thunder Bay in 2009, I’ve built my career and life here. I’m committed to helping our city grow responsibly and sustainably while protecting our green spaces and outdoor recreation opportunities.
Life Time Resident of Thunder Bay
My name is Marco Cupelli, and I am proud to be running for City Councillor in McKellar Ward. The community where I grew up and watched it change. As an Italian-Canadian, I was raised to value hard work, responsibility, and contributing to the place I call home.
For more than 30 years, I haven’t just worked in McKellar Ward—I’ve invested my life, my business, and my energy right here in our community. I live on the North side of the City and work on the South side.
Boozhoo, Aaniin I'm Tracey MacKinnon and I'm running for City Council, Councillor for McKellar Ward. 
I work in business development for my family’s companies and hold a BA in Economics from Lakehead University. Over the past several years, I have also closely followed City budgets, planning decisions and Council processes, including making deputations on issues I care about.
John Ongaro is a longtime Northwood resident, broadcaster, community volunteer and candidate for Thunder Bay City Council.
Hi, I’m Stephen Margarit and I would be honoured to be your next Westfort Councillor.
"Working together for Neebing Ward
Education matters to every family and to the future of our community. As a parent of two teenagers who have grown up through Lakehead Public Schools, I know how important strong schools are to students, families and our community.
Why am I running for a Trustee with Lakehead Public Schools? Because I want to help strengthen the education that has shaped my heart, my life and, my family.
Raised in Thunder Bay and educated in the Lakehead public school system, Dr. Ian Morgan is an educator, scientist, public servant, and lifelong learner. He previously served as Professor and Department Head of Science at Yellowhead Tribal College, teaches as a sessional lecturer at Lakehead University, and serves in management within the Environment Division for the City of Thunder Bay.
I have had the honour to serve as a trustee with Lakehead District School Board since 2006 Serving on many of the committees and the provincial body Ontario Public School Boards Association I was chair of School Council Chairs prior to getting elected I am a community volunteer Age Friendly Thunder Bay United Way of Thunder Bay Thunder Bay Ringette when my children played the sport Special Education Funding there is never enough money for all the needs of the students in our system I continue to lobby the government to increase funding I care and want to see the best possible education for every student to succeed at Lakehead Public Schools Please vote for George Saarinen Trustee Lakehead District School Board
I am currently a trustee with the Lakehead public school board (LPS). During my 24 years with the school board, I have held various positions, notably the vice-chair of the LPS. Currently, I am a member of the special education advisory committee, audit and finance committees, international students committee, and the board development committee. I take pride in our students' education and I find joy in helping them succeed with the programs put in place.


