As part of FAN-NWO’s non-partisan election awareness work, we invited candidates for Reeve in Conmee Township to respond to the same three questions about local food systems and the issues that affect people, communities and our region.

FAN-NWO does not endorse or oppose any candidate. Candidate responses are presented verbatim, as received, and have not been edited by FAN-NWO.

Candidates for Reeve:

• David Halvorsen – No response received
• Sheila Maxwell
• Crystal Olsen
• Tara Wupori

Candidate Responses

Sheila Maxwell

What will you do to support food systems in your municipality?

To sustain food sources in our municipality we have a lower tax base for farming. We also work with any kind of business of farming or food service by having provisions or finding or letting them know about any king of funding. We also support our local food bank which we have so e for them to build off our office.

What will you do to protect farmland, the environment and forest and freshwater food systems?

Any kind of infrastructure we will consult with any type of food / wildland base infrastructure to preserve it. LRCA is a consultation always.

What will you do to support access to food for all?

As always we support our residents whether it be promoting in newsletters , invitations to informational events etc. we do put on a vendor’s fair for locals and we also support the Rural food bank located at our municipality and have made the supportive decisions with them. Working together.

Crystal Olsen

What will you do to support food systems in your municipality?

I will work to strengthen Conmee’s collaboration with government agencies, nonprofits, neighbouring municipalities, and regional organizations supporting agriculture, food sustainability, and business growth. Re-establishing the Conmee Economic Development Committee will help connect residents and businesses with grants, programs, training, and best practices that are often overlooked in rural communities. By fostering collaboration and creating opportunities for innovation, agribusiness, tourism, and local food networks, we can support businesses of all sizes, grow our local economy, and strengthen our tax base. Supporting microbusinesses and community-based food initiatives can also create opportunities for young families while preserving Conmee’s rural character.

What will you do to protect farmland, the environment, and forest and freshwater food systems?

Protecting farmland, forests, freshwater, and local food systems is a key value of rural residents. Conmee has a strong tradition of living sustainably from the land through gardening, hunting, fishing, and harvesting wood. I will work with conservation organizations, government agencies, nonprofits, and post-secondary institutions to promote credible information, safe farming practices, environmental monitoring, and land-based research. I will encourage local training and information sessions, including opportunities to learn about animal waste management and sustainable farming practices. Finally, I will ensure information is accessible through multiple social media and print formats, so all residents can access resources and supports.

What will you do to support access to food for all?

I will support food access for all by working with the Rural Cupboard Foodbank and other food sustainability organizations to strengthen local initiatives. As the Foodbank is located in Conmee and serves residents throughout the region, I believe Conmee can play a stronger role in supporting its mission. I will explore grant opportunities for community-based projects, such as gardens on Township property that support the Foodbank while building residents’ gardening and other food skills. I will also bring evidence-based research and best practices to Council to identify and address barriers such as transportation and funding gaps, while advocating to Provincial and Federal governments for solutions.

Tara Wupori

What will you do to support food systems in your municipality?

The Township of Conmee is a rural community, and while we don’t have a large amount of agriculture production, we do have farmers and producers who are an important part of our community. I would continue to support our local farmers and look for ways the Township can help where it makes sense. I also think it’s important to support the organizations already doing this work in our area, including the Rural Cupboard Food Bank. Keeping communication open and working together with farmers, residents and local organizations is a practical way to support our local food system.

What will you do to protect farmland, the environment and forest and freshwater food systems?

Living in a rural community, I think we all have a responsibility to take care of the land and natural areas around us. As Mayor, I would support responsible development while making sure we consider the impact on farmland, forests, waterways and the environment. I also think it’s important to listen to the people who live and work here, especially farmers and other residents who are directly connected to the land. We need to find a balance that protects our natural resources without making it unnecessarily difficult to live and work in a rural community.

What will you do to support access to food for all?

I would continue to ensure that the township is working closely with the Rural Cupboard Food Bank and supporting the work they already do in our community. The Township currently has an elected official who sits on the Food Bank’s board, which helps keep communication open between the township and the Food Bank. I would continue that relationship. I think supporting the organizations that are already helping people in our community is one of the best ways we can make sure that all rural residents have access to food when they need it.

Looking for candidate responses from another community?

FAN-NWO invited candidates for mayor or reeve in seven municipalities in the Thunder Bay area to respond to the same questions. Responses are organized by community and published verbatim, as received.

View all 2026 municipal election candidate responses here

Election Day: October 26, 2026