As part of FAN-NWO’s non-partisan election awareness work, we invited candidates for Mayor in the Municipality of Oliver Paipoonge 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 Mayor:
Candidate Responses
Bernie Kamphof
What will you do to support food systems in your municipality?
As a municipal leader as well as a dairy farmer, this question is very important to me. On the production side I have a track record of working to improve the viability of local farms by advocating for sensible regulation and land use policies. I also will continue to encourage investment in both farm facilities and support businesses to help the sector thrive. To support food processing, wholesale and retail I will continue to work to simplify and streamline regulation and help encourage local production, processing and consumption of food grown and packaged here.
What will you do to protect farmland, the environment and forest and freshwater food systems?
Proper protection of the irreplaceable resource of productive farmland through zoning and development regulation has been a central focus of my time on council and will continue if I am elected mayor. We have a diverse local landscape that supports livestock, farmed and garden crops as well as hunting and gathering of wild forest foods. Environmental protection through zoning and regulation of development to maintain the viability of both farm production and forest harvesting are important to me, as is the continued ability for people to hunt game animals in our municipality.
What will you do to support access to food for all?
As a primary food producer I recognize that our food system is profit driven and this drives innovation and efficiency, keeping food affordable and accessible for the majority of our population. Unfortunately some members of our community are challenged with financial constraints, transportation logistics or cultural barriers. Supporting the organizations that work in food security is a role the municipality should take part in. Ensuring farmers, food processors and retailers are able to function in a business friendly environment is also vital in keeping the entire food system affordable and accessible to as many of our community members as possible
Rick Potter
What will you do to support food systems in your municipality?
A strong local food system contributes to economic resilience and community health. As Mayor, I would lead Council in building practical connections among local farmers, food businesses, consumers, schools, institutions and community organizations. During the Official Plan and zoning review, we must ensure that agricultural uses and appropriate farm businesses are clearly permitted without unnecessary municipal barriers. I would welcome practical proposals for farmers markets, direct sales and other ways of bringing local products to local consumers. Municipal involvement must be financially responsible and developed with producers and organizations already doing this work.
What will you do to protect farmland, the environment and forest and freshwater food systems?
Our farmland supports livelihoods, food production and our rural quality of life. Oliver Paipoonge is the agricultural heart of the Thunder Bay area. I would lead Council in responsible land use planning that directs growth to appropriate locations, limits unnecessary fragmentation of productive farmland and protects significant natural features. Development decisions should consider the long term effects on agriculture and be supported by sound environmental, groundwater and servicing information.
What will you do to support access to food for all?
No one should have to face hunger or be overlooked when community needs are considered. Food affordability, income support and many transportation and health services are primarily federal, provincial or regional responsibilities, but Oliver Paipoonge can be a constructive partner. I would lead Council in maintaining communication with local producers, schools, faith groups, businesses and the Thunder Bay District Health Unit. Council can work with organizations such as the Regional Food Distribution Association and the Rural Cupboard Food Bank and consider practical assistance within its authority, based on need, available resources and fair, transparent criteria.
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
