Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound PROVINCIAL ALL CANDIDATES DEBATE.

Ontario Liberals in Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound have nominated Selwyn Hicks, the 3-term Warden for Grey County and Deputy Mayor of Hanover, as their Ontario Liberal Party (OLP) candidate for the next provincial election.

Hicks moved to Canada when he was nine years old and has studied and worked in social services for years, assisting homeless youth in downtown Toronto. He also served as a consultant with two Royal Commissions – The Royal Commission on Canada’s Future and the Royal Commission on Learning.

In 1992, Hicks received the prestigious Gardiner Award and was pronounced Citizen of the Year for Metropolitan Toronto. He was also a recipient of the Lincoln Alexander Award of Distinction and the Canada 125 Medallion.

After working in the social services sector, Hicks completed his Bachelor of Law degree and a Master of Business Administration degree and started operating a law firm in Hanover, Ontario. He also demonstrated his passion for municipal affairs which led him to serve two terms as a councillor, two terms as a Deputy Mayor and is currently serving his third term as Grey County Warden.

Having grown up in Owen Sound, James is deeply connected to his community. As a community organizer, he has been heavily involved with social organizations such as Solidarity Sundays and Food Not Bombs. James is ready to fight for the needs of his community by protecting our health care, education system, and environment from corporate greed.

James works as a camera operator for a video production company. He is often seen at local venues and open-mic nights as a singer/songwriter playing in the tradition of Woody Guthrie.

Joel Loughead is a municipal councillor in the Municipality of Grey Highlands, in Grey County, Ontario. Joel felt compelled to enter local politics in order to safeguard his community’s greenspaces, sensitive watersheds, and world class farmland from increasing development pressures.

When Joel isn’t fighting for a healthier community and environmental stewardship at the council table, you can find him fishing, paddling, rock climbing, or skiing in the beautiful Niagara Escarpment lands surrounding his Beaver Valley home. Joel holds degrees in both philosophy and English from the University of Toronto. Before his election to town council, he was a full time wine and cider maker, showcasing the best of what Grey and Bruce can grow.

Joel lives in the historic village of Kimberley with his wife Frances, and their young son Calvin.

As a candidate for the New Blue Party, Vincent Grimaldi is dedicated to bringing practical solutions, fiscal responsibility, and sustainable economic growth to Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound. His experience as a small business owner, educator, and problem-solver gives him the insight to address the challenges facing local communities.

Born and raised in Port Colborne, Ontario, Vincent Grimaldi comes from a strong European family background that instilled in him the values of hard work, integrity, and perseverance. His passion for innovation and problem-solving led him to pursue education in computer technology, bio-electronics, and engineering, equipping him with the technical and analytical skills that would define his career.

With over 35 years of experience spanning multiple industries—including technology, construction, home renovation, film, and music—Vincent has built a reputation for strategic thinking, business development, and hands-on leadership. His journey has taken him from teaching in post-secondary institutions to leading sustainable business initiatives, always with a focus on innovation and efficiency.

Dr. Ann Gillies and her husband Bob are residents of Grey County. Ann grew up in Meaford and, after she married, moved to husband's family farm in Dundalk. This is where they have raised their children and where they have served in the local church.

Dr. Gillies is trained in both psychology and theology, and through her counselling practice in Grey County, has helped those suffering with Complex Traumatic Stress Disorder. She is author of several books and is an international speaker on the subjects of trauma, gender, and sexuality.

Dr. Gillies is extremely concerned with the direction of education and the deconstruction of family in our country and wants to help parents reclaim the ability to parent their children as they see fit and as primary educators of their children.