North Huron - 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
William G. Darling	Reeve				X
Stephen Buck Hill	Reeve		X
Trevor Siep	Reeve	X
Mitch Wright	Reeve	X
Kevin Bate	Councillor, Blyth ward	X
Fred de Boer	Councillor, Blyth ward		X
Kevin Falconer	Councillor, Blyth ward				X
Chris Palmer*	Councillor, East Wawanosh ward				X
Anita van Hittersum* *	Councillor, East Wawanosh ward
Stacey Boyd	Councillor, Wingham ward		X
Brad Carther	Councillor, Wingham ward				X
Paul Heffer	Councillor, Wingham ward				X
Randall McGrail	Councillor, Wingham ward				X
Debbie Ritchie	Councillor, Wingham ward				X

*acclaimed

** candidate had a discussion with Huron County Pride but requested her answers not be published

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
William G. Darling	Reeve				X
Stephen Buck Hill	Reeve		X
Trevor Siep	Reeve	X
Mitch Wright	Reeve	X
Kevin Bate	Councillor, Blyth ward	X
Fred de Boer	Councillor, Blyth ward		X
Kevin Falconer	Councillor, Blyth ward				X
Chris Palmer*	Councillor, East Wawanosh ward				X
Anita van Hittersum*	Councillor, East Wawanosh ward
Stacey Boyd	Councillor, Wingham ward		X
Brad Carther	Councillor, Wingham ward				X
Paul Heffer	Councillor, Wingham ward				X
Randall McGrail	Councillor, Wingham ward				X
Debbie Ritchie	Councillor, Wingham ward				X

*acclaimed

** candidate had a discussion with Huron County Pride but requested her answers not be published

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
William G. Darling	Reeve				X
Stephen Buck Hill	Reeve		X
Trevor Siep	Reeve			X
Mitch Wright	Reeve	X
Kevin Bate	Councillor, Blyth ward	X
Fred de Boer	Councillor, Blyth ward	X
Kevin Falconer	Councillor, Blyth ward				X
Chris Palmer*	Councillor, East Wawanosh ward				X
Anita van Hittersum* *	Councillor, East Wawanosh ward
Stacey Boyd	Councillor, Wingham ward	X
Brad Carther	Councillor, Wingham ward				X
Paul Heffer	Councillor, Wingham ward				X
Randall McGrail	Councillor, Wingham ward				X
Debbie Ritchie	Councillor, Wingham ward				X

*acclaimed

** candidate had a discussion with Huron County Pride but requested her answers not be published

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

STEPHEN BUCK HILL, Reeve candidate

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

"My answers are based on a simple principle: live and let live. I genuinely do not care who another adult falls in love with, lives with or chooses as a partner. That's their life, their business and their freedom. Nobody should be mistreated, excluded from municipal services or denied a voice because of their sexual orientation—or because of their religion, politics, family structure or any other personal characteristic.

"Where I differ with Huron County Pride is on the role of Town Hall. I don't believe municipal institutions should provide moral guidance, endorse people's private relationships, or elevate one identity or special-interest group above another. Municipal governments should remain neutral, protect everyone's rights equally and concentrate on the things residents actually depend upon: roads, sidewalks, water, sewer, infrastructure, responsible spending and accessible public services. Who you love is none of Town Hall's business. Town Hall's job is to serve you equally.

"As Reeve, I would work to ensure that 2SLGBTQIA+ residents can address council, criticize their municipality, participate in municipal life, use municipal services and public spaces, and receive fair and respectful treatment without discrimination.

"The Reeve also has an important responsibility as chair of council meetings to ensure orderly, open debate and that elected representatives have the opportunity to represent their constituents.

"I do not believe municipal officials should serve as moral authorities over people's private lives. Town Hall should not care whom you love, whom you live with, where you worship, how you vote, or what lawful personal choices you make.

"It should care whether your road is safe, your sidewalk is cleared, your water runs, your taxes are spent responsibly, your rights are respected, and your voice can be heard.

"That is what equality means to me: your municipality works for you because you are a resident—not because you belong, or do not belong, to a particular group."

TREVOR SEIP, Reeve candidate

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

"I see as an elected official it is my responsibility to ensure the policies of the municipality that I am running for including the county provide all residents a sense of inclusion.  As well as provide 2SLGBTQIA+ residents and allies in our communities with an avenue to provide suggestions and or recommendations to how a municipality to incorporate inclusion acts that maybe are not currently being offered in the municipality."

MITCH WRIGHT, Reeve candidate

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

"I am a strong supporter of 2SLGBTQIA+ community.  I have very close family in the community (B&T), and I see them just as 'normal' people.  But many people don't and maintaining the status quo only supports the bullies and prejudice.  We need to treat people equitably to help them see that they belong, which means interacting with people where their needs are. 

"In North Huron we had a flag flying policy that required special flags to be requested each year.  I made the motion that the pride flag would be flow each year, which, fortunately, was carried.

"[My responsibility is] to ensure those of the community are treated equitably and feel included.

"I'd love to see a pride crosswalk on main street.  At the south entrance to town would be perfect.  Feel free to send a delegation to North Huron Council after the election."

KEVIN BATE, Councillor, Blyth ward 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 and as a resident, my responsibility is to ensure every resident feels safe, respected, and heard. That means fostering inclusive policies, encouraging open dialogue, and standing up for fairness in all municipal decisions. Representation and empathy strengthen our community."

FRED DE BOER, Councillor, Blyth ward candidate

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

"I was brought up with religion background. I don't judge people on religion, color, gender etc. l believe in treating everyone equal. I won't flavor (sic) one group or other. I am not racist. If l was invited to Huron Country Pride event, l will attend. Prohibited the pride flag on North Huron building doesn't condone followers. l wouldn't limit it to just the pride flag. North Huron should be unbiased and non-influential. l believe to treat everyone equally."

STACEY BOYD, Wingham ward candidate

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

"My responsibility is to represent all residents fairly and respectfully, regardless of their background, identity, or beliefs. As an elected official, I would listen to concerns, treat people with dignity, and work to ensure that municipal services are accessible and provided fairly to everyone.

"I believe we can support one another as neighbours without government necessarily being involved in every aspect of community life. My commitment would be to a municipality where everyone can feel safe, respected, and welcome."