As Ontario heads into election season, the Schreiber Media Centre (SMC) explored the possibility of hosting a local candidates' night to inform voters. Jason Nesbitt of the Aguasabon Chamber of Commerce in nearby Terrace Bay, who had moderated civic elections in the past, was eager to bring the event to Schreiber. After initial discussions, a Zoom meeting with area candidates emerged as the best format, with the township of Schreiber offering the community hall as a venue for residents to watch and possibly participate.

However, coordinating such an event locally proved too challenging, prompting Nesbitt to seek support from the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce. With experience hosting debates and collaborating with a local television station for live broadcasts, Thunder Bay offered a viable alternative. Various community groups stepped in to assist, and with the help of Rogers TV, the event was at least able to be recorded for future broadcast.

Kim Krause from SMC engaged with producer Danilla Carlino to explore the possibility of posting the recorded debate on SMC’s YouTube channel. Given SMC’s existing agreement with Rogers/Shaw to share content on the Shaw Network, expanding this collaboration made sense. Station Manager Sarah Love granted permission for SMC to use the footage, aligning with the media centre’s mandate to serve the community’s interests.

The debate, hosted at Confederation College, was organized through a partnership between several regional organizations, including the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce, the Anishnawbe Business Professional Association, the Aguasabon Chamber of Commerce, the Thunder Bay and District Labour Council, the Thunder Bay Public Library, and the Thunder Bay Real Estate Board. Charmaine McCraw, Vice Chair of the Thunder Bay Public Library Board, moderated the discussion.

All 13 candidates from the region’s various political parties were invited to participate, though only four candidates—representing the NDP and Liberal parties in the Thunder Bay–Superior North and Thunder Bay–Atikokan ridings—were able to attend. Organizers acknowledged that the vast distances, weather conditions, and road challenges may have prevented some candidates from participating.

By making this debate accessible to its viewers, the Schreiber Media Centre continues its commitment to keeping residents informed and engaged. Through ongoing partnerships, SMC remains dedicated to fostering positive change in Schreiber and surrounding communities.