Candidate Conversations
Electing the Next Huron County Council
Candidate Conversations is a series of public municipal election events hosted by the Huron Chamber of Commerce.
Each event has two parts:
Candidate Conversation
A moderated, on-stage conversation with candidates for Huron County Council.
Candidate Connections
An informal meet-and-greet open to all municipal council candidates, including candidates for local councillor positions.
Events are being held in Huron County municipalities where there is a competitive race for a position on County Council.
Help Shape the Conversation
The Chamber is inviting everyone to help identify the issues candidates should be talking about.
Use the Submit a Question or Topic button on this page to suggest a question, concern or issue for the moderator to consider. You do not need to write a formal question. Tell us what you want candidates to discuss.
A Conversation, Not a Debate
The on-stage portion of the event is not a traditional political debate.
Candidates will take part in a moderator-led conversation about their priorities, their approach to leadership and the issues facing their municipality and Huron County.
The format gives candidates more time to explain their views and allows the moderator to explore issues in greater depth than a traditional debate built around short answers and rebuttals.
Questions will cover both local municipal issues and Huron County issues. The discussion will not be limited to business or economic development.
Who Will Be On Stage?
The moderated Candidate Conversation is specifically for candidates for Huron County Council.
In Huron County, people do not run for County Council on a separate ballot. Depending on the municipality, candidates for Mayor, Reeve, Deputy Mayor or Deputy Reeve are also candidates for a seat on Huron County Council.
That means these candidates are running for two jobs: a position on their local municipal council and a position on Huron County Council.
The responsibilities are different, and the issues can be different. The conversation will look at candidates in both roles and include issues from both levels of municipal government.
Mayors also have greater authority under Ontario's relatively new strong mayor powers. That makes an in-depth conversation about their priorities, leadership and approach to decision-making even more important.
Candidate Connections
For all candidates
Candidate Connections is the second part of each event.
All municipal council candidates will be invited to take part, including candidates for councillor positions who are not part of the on-stage conversation.
This informal meet-and-greet gives voters an opportunity to speak directly with candidates, ask questions and discuss issues that matter to them.
Together, the two parts of the event give voters an opportunity to hear in depth from candidates for Huron County Council while also meeting candidates seeking other positions on their local council.
What Will Be Discussed?
Questions will cover both local municipal issues and Huron County issues. The discussion will include a broad range of fiscal, social, economic, infrastructure and community issues.
Topics may include:
Although the series is organized by the Huron Chamber of Commerce, the conversations will not be limited to business or economic issues.
The questions and topics will vary from community to community.
Why the Chamber is Hosting Candidate Conversations
Municipal decisions affect taxation, infrastructure, housing, community services, development, public safety, economic growth and quality of life.
Candidate Conversations is intended to help residents better understand the people seeking municipal leadership and the choices facing their communities in the 2026 municipal election.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Candidate Conversations a debate?
No. The on-stage portion is a moderated conversation rather than a traditional debate. Candidates will answer questions and discuss issues with the moderator, with more opportunity to explain their positions than a typical debate format allows.
Who takes part in the on-stage conversation?
Candidates for Huron County Council.
In Huron County, there is no separate election for County Council. Depending on the municipality, candidates for Mayor, Reeve, Deputy Mayor or Deputy Reeve are also running for a seat on County Council.
Are they running for Mayor or Reeve, or for County Council?
Both.
A candidate for one of these positions is seeking two elected roles at the same time: a seat on their local municipal council and a seat on Huron County Council.
Candidate Conversations is designed to explore how candidates would approach both jobs.
What about candidates for councillor?
They are part of the event too.
All municipal council candidates are invited to Candidate Connections, the informal meet-and-greet portion of the event.
The on-stage conversation is focused specifically on candidates for Huron County Council.
Why aren't councillor candidates included in the on-stage conversation?
The Candidate Conversations series is primarily focused on the election of the next Huron County Council.
Focusing the moderated conversation on County Council candidates allows enough time for a meaningful discussion of both local and county-wide issues. It also provides more time to examine the candidates seeking senior municipal leadership positions, particularly as Ontario's strong mayor powers have increased the authority held by many mayors.
Candidate Connections gives voters an opportunity to meet and speak directly with candidates for the other positions on their local council.
Why isn't there an event in every municipality?
Events are being held in municipalities where there is a competitive race for a position on Huron County Council.
Where all County Council positions have been acclaimed, there is no County Council race for voters to decide.
Will the discussion only be about County issues?
No. These candidates are running for positions at both their local municipality and Huron County. The conversation will cover issues at both levels.
Is this mainly a business-focused event?
No. The Chamber is organizing the series, but the conversations will cover a broad range of community issues, including fiscal, social, infrastructure, economic and governance issues.
Will every event have the same questions?
No. Some issues are common across Huron County, while others are specific to individual communities. Questions will reflect both.
Can the public suggest questions or topics?
Yes. Use the Submit a Question or Topic button on this page. You can suggest a specific question or simply tell us about an issue you think candidates should discuss.
Will the events be recorded or livestreamed?
No. Candidate Conversations will be in-person events only. They will not be recorded or livestreamed.
Residents who want to hear directly from the candidates are encouraged to attend the event in their community.
Who can attend?
Everyone. Candidate Conversations is open to the public. You do not need to be a Chamber member or a business owner to attend.
The Huron Chamber of Commerce is one of Canada’s fastest growing Chambers, connecting community leaders since 1990. Representing businesses across Huron County, the Chamber focuses on growing the local economy, supporting business success, and strengthening our towns and villages. As an independent, non-profit organization, the Chamber advocates for business and community interests, facilitates collaboration, and convenes stakeholders to develop and support a vibrant and thriving county.
