Goderich - 2026 municipal candidate questions and responses

We emailed every candidate in Huron County running in the upcoming municipal election (including those who were acclaimed).

We asked four questions.

Everyone was given the same timeframe to respond.

1. If elected, will you support your municipality declaring June to be Pride Month, in support of 2SLGBTQIA+ residents and the work of inclusion in our communities?

Candidate’s name	Role	Yes	No	Unclear	Did not answer
Trevor Bazinet	Mayor	X
Steve Buchanan	Mayor	X
Randy Carroll*	Deputy Mayor				X
Jacob Bjerg	Councillor	X
Chris Garnier	Councillor	X
Will Kernohan	Councillor	X
Katherine (Kate) Krouskie	Councillor	X
Vanessa McMillan	Councillor	X
Rishad Dell Mohammad	Councillor				X
Charles Oliver	Councillor	X
Elizabeth (Liz) Petrie	Councillor	X
John Thompson	Councillor	X

2. If elected, will you support your municipality flying the Pride Flag during the month of June, showing tangible support for 2SLGBTQIA+ residents?

Candidate’s name	Role	Yes	No	Unclear	Did not answer
Trevor Bazinet	Mayor	X
Steve Buchanan	Mayor	X
Randy Carroll*	Deputy Mayor				X
Jacob Bjerg	Councillor	X
Chris Garnier	Councillor	X
Will Kernohan	Councillor	X
Katherine (Kate) Krouskie	Councillor	X
Vanessa McMillan	Councillor	X
Rishad Dell Mohammad	Councillor				X
Charles Oliver	Councillor	X
Elizabeth (Liz) Petrie	Councillor	X
John Thompson	Councillor	X

3. Would you attend Huron County Pride events, including its Pride Week, year-round programming, and support its decal program and other educational events?

Candidate’s name	Role	Yes	No	Unclear	Did not answer
Trevor Bazinet	Mayor	X
Steve Buchanan	Mayor	X
Randy Carroll*	Deputy Mayor				X
Jacob Bjerg	Councillor	X
Chris Garnier	Councillor	X
Will Kernohan	Councillor	X
Katherine (Kate) Krouskie	Councillor	X
Vanessa McMillan	Councillor	X
Rishad Dell Mohammad	Councillor				X
Charles Oliver	Councillor	X
Elizabeth (Liz) Petrie	Councillor	X
John Thompson	Councillor	X

4. What do you see as your responsibility, as an elected official, towards the 2SLGBTQIA+ residents and allies in our communities?

TREVOR BAZINET, Mayor candidate

What do you see as your responsibility, as an elected official, towards the 2SLGBTQIA+ residents and allies in our communities?

"As an elected official, my responsibility is to represent and serve every member of our community with respect, fairness, and compassion. That means listening, learning, and working to ensure everyone feels safe, welcomed, and included. Over the years, I have continued to have conversations to better understand the experiences of 2SLGBTQIA+ residents and allies because I believe learning is an ongoing process. Strong communities are built when everyone feels they belong, and I will continue to support initiatives that promote inclusion, dignity, and respect for all.

"I would like to admit that several years ago I did make a mistake by not supporting the installation of the Pride Crosswalk. I did mention this during my remarks at the opening ceremonies at the inaugural Pride Festival. Unfortunately, I made my decision based on my conversation with the Mayor of the time, Kevin Morrison, who is part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. It was by far one of the toughest votes I experienced on council. After much reflection and a lot more conversations with a lot more people, I learned more about the importance of a Pride Crosswalk and being an inclusive community. Thankfully, when the Pride Crosswalk came back to council for a vote, I voted to support it. It was a proud moment for me because I took the time to educate myself better, have open conversations, and maybe ask some really dumb questions throughout, but I opened my mind and my heart, and that is something that I am proud of." 

STEVE BUCHANAN, Mayor candidate

What do you see as your responsibility, as an elected official, towards the 2SLGBTQIA+ residents and allies in our communities?

"As with every citizen, regardless of elected status or not, it is my personal duty in life to always believe in human dignity, respect, and equality towards members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community."

JACOB BJERG, Councillor candidate

What do you see as your responsibility, as an elected official, towards the 2SLGBTQIA+ residents and allies in our communities? 

"As an active board member of Huron County Pride as well as a member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, I will continue to show and voice my support and to advocate for more education around the community.

"As an elected representative, my responsibility would be to help create and foster a better community for all members of the community. I believe my work thus far as a board member on Huron County Pride has shown this and I look forward to being able to do this on a larger scale." 

CHRIS GARNIER, Councillor candidate

What do you see as your responsibility, as an elected official, towards the 2SLGBTQIA+ residents and allies in our communities? 

"My job is to listen, lead by example, and make sure 2SLGBTQIA+ residents and allies are treated with dignity and respect. I’d support inclusive policies and services, push back on discrimination, and consider how municipal decisions affect the community.

This is personal for me. My sister is gay and has been married to a wonderful person who has been part of our family for more than 35 years. Who people love or how they identify is only one part of what makes them unique. Growing up, I was involved in marching bands, colour guards, cheer and dance squads, and theatre—communities where 2SLGBTQIA+ members were welcomed and acceptance was the norm, unlike in many other activities. I’ve seen the struggles and discrimination people can face, but my family and I have always judged others by their actions, attitude, character, and how they treat people—not by their sexual orientation or gender identity. I understand the importance of Pride Month, and for me, inclusion isn’t the exception; it’s simply how we should treat one another."

WILL KERNOHAN, Councillor candidate

What do you see as your responsibility, as an elected official, towards the 2SLGBTQIA+ residents and allies in our communities? 

"As an elected Town Councillor, my responsibility would be to lead by example with a commitment to treating everyone with dignity. I would work to inform myself and listen to 2SLGBTQIA+ residents and allies. I would endeavour to understand the diversity of lived experiences within our community. I believe Town of Goderich leadership should help create safer and more welcoming spaces where everyone can participate fully in community life.

"I would support inclusive municipal services, policy and guidelines for safer public spaces and community events, and would support clear responses when discrimination or harassment is raised. I would see participating in Pride programming as both a responsibility and an opportunity to build community. I see it as a responsibility of elected officials to promote education and respectful dialogue that builds understanding and challenges intolerance. Most importantly, I would be an active liaison between the Town and 2SLGBTQIA+ residents, ensuring their voices are heard and considered in municipal decisions."

KATHERINE (KATE) KROUSKIE, Councillor candidate

What do you see as your responsibility, as an elected official, towards the 2SLGBTQIA+ residents and allies in our communities? 

"I’m a strong believer in equality, fairness and inclusion. It is the responsibility of elected officials to serve all residents fairly, including 2SLGBTQIA+ residents. I believe in inclusion for all, everyone deserves to be treated with kindness and respect."

VANESSA MCMILLAN, Councillor candidate

What do you see as your responsibility, as an elected official, towards the

2SLGBTQIA+ residents and allies in our communities? 

"I view my responsibility as one who leads by example to foster a sense of belonging and inclusion in my community. I bring lived experience and understanding of how important this is."

CHARLES OLIVER, Councillor candidate

What do you see as your responsibility, as an elected official, towards the

2SLGBTQIA+ residents and allies in our communities? 

"First and foremost, elected officials must model acceptance and inclusion through their own behaviour. Most elected folks are out in the community participating in non-Council related activities and groups, and it is critical that their conduct outside of Council sets a standard across the board.

"For me, this encompasses being vocal when behaviour is offside in both casual and formal settings. As a Council member, there are (limited) opportunities to voice support in Chambers, and I intend to do so in these instances. I consider myself an ally and will endeavour to listen and learn about how I may continue

to stand with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in Huron County."

ELIZABETH (LIZ) PETRIE, Councillor candidate

What do you see as your responsibility, as an elected official, towards the 2SLGBTQIA+ residents and allies in our communities?

"I am a very fierce and proud supporter of the 2SLGBTQIA+ communities as I have many friends and a family member who are part of this equation I know and have seen how they are treated differently. It is also important to note that I was part of the executive when HCP started to form and create an organization. I am very proud to have been on the grassroots beginning along with some strong, dedicated people who knew it was time to be recognized and included.

"My responsibility, in my mind, is what it is if I were not an elected person. It means that I treat every person with dignity, kindness and respect. I don't see anything other than a human being who is trying to live a life that is true to them. It is what all of us should strive to do. I do not judge those who chose a specific item of clothing to wear, a religion to embrace or a way of life that is true to themselves. My role as an elected official embraces my core values and those must be shared amongst our community in order to provide safety, inclusion and equality."

JOHN THOMPSON, Councillor candidate

What do you see as your responsibility, as an elected official, towards the 2SLGBTQIA+ residents and allies in our communities?

"As a member of Goderich Town Council, I accept that I have some responsibility to ensure that all residents of the Town of Goderich, whatever their race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation, are treated equitably and in accordance with the Town's policies and standards regarding discrimination against individuals and organizations."