List to our first conversation hereDarrin was first elected to Chatham-Kent Council in 2014. He served for one term as Councillor for Ward 6 before being elected Mayor in 2018 and re-elected in 2022. He has a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Wilfrid Laurier University, he is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA, CA) and has a Chartered Director's designation from McMaster University (C/Dir). Prior to becoming Mayor, Darrin was the Director of Finance and CFO of Transform SSO and held various positions at Union Gas, including Director of Strategic Development.Sitting on several boards and organizing and supporting many charitable events, Darrin’s passion is giving back to the great community he lives in. He co-chaired the 2018 International Plowing Match and introduced Positivity Day, Festival of Giving, CK Amazing Race, Concerts for Kids, among many other events. His goal is to empower all citizens and encourages them to get involved with their community.You can follow support Council Conversations on the following platforms.Twitter: https://twitter.com/SwoCouncilFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/SWOCouncilSupport on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/SWOCouncilWatcherLike or rate and leave a comment on your favourite podcast platform.Please like and comment where you get your podcasts!Music notesDeadly Roulette by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3625-deadly-rouletteLicense: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Margaret is a passionate community builder, business developer, volunteer and mom. Prior to election, Margaret served as the Kitchener Trustee on the Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) where she supported Kitchener students, parents and staff. She worked with fellow trustees and staff to manage a budget of over $638 million and serve the WRDSB's 63,000 students and 5,000 staff.As a Business Developer at the University of Waterloo, Margaret helps businesses find the talent they need to succeed by creating meaningful jobs for coop students and develop new business partnerships.Margaret has a long history of serving her community as a member of both the City of Kitchener Economic Development Advisory Council and the City’s Property Standards Committee. She also served on the Service Review Panel for Co-operators of Canada and the Victoria Hills Neighbourhood Association. In addition, Margaret is an Elder at Knox Presbyterian Church. She has served as Chair and Board Member of Emmanuel at Brighton Child Care Centre, Co–Chaired the St Jacob’s Family Birthing Home Board and served as chair on three school Parent Councils.She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Wilfrid Laurier University and a Post–Graduate Degree in Adult Education from Brock University. Margaret raised her daughters Allie and Sydney in Ward 8. She lives in Ward 8's Westmount neighbourhood with her golden retriever, Angus.You can follow support Council Conversations on the following platforms.Twitter: https://twitter.com/SwoCouncilFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/SWOCouncilSupport on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/SWOCouncilWatcherLike or rate and leave a comment on your favourite podcast platform.Please like and comment where you get your podcasts!Music notesDeadly Roulette by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3625-deadly-rouletteLicense: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Dr. Audrey Jamal is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Management and the interim Assistant Dean (Strategic Partnerships and Societal Impact) in the Gordon S. Lang School of Business and Economics.You can follow support Council Conversations on the following platforms.Twitter: https://twitter.com/SwoCouncilFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/SWOCouncilSupport on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/SWOCouncilWatcherLike or rate and leave a comment on your favourite podcast platform.Please like and comment where you get your podcasts!Music notesDeadly Roulette by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3625-deadly-rouletteLicense: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Peggy Brekveld is the president of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture. She and her husband Gert have been farming together for over 28 years. They own Woodstar Farm, a 75-cow dairy farm in Murillo, near Thunder Bay and have five grown children.Peggy is also the chair of President's Council, Vice Chair of Canlead Solutions, Vice Chair of Canadian Agriculture Human Resources Council and Vice Chair of Agricultural Adaptation Council. She is a Class 12 AALP grad and a proud advocate for farming and agriculture wherever she goes. When given the opportunity Peggy capitalizes on her love for walking and singing a good tune.You can follow support Council Conversations on the following platforms.Twitter: https://twitter.com/SwoCouncilFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/SWOCouncilSupport on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/SWOCouncilWatcherLike or rate and leave a comment on your favourite podcast platform.Please like and comment where you get your podcasts!Music notesDeadly Roulette by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3625-deadly-rouletteLicense: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Jim Morrison was born and raised in Northern Ontario, in a little mining town called Wawa. He attended St. Clair College and completed a 3-year diploma in Business Administration. While at the college, Jim was elected to the Student Athletic Association. He was in charge of intra-mural sports and skipped the Varsity Curling Team to an OCAA Championship.Jim left Windsor after graduating but enthusiastically returned twenty-five years ago when he accepted the opportunity of a company transfer. He has lived in Ward 10 ever since. Jim has been a bank manager for over 30 years, most recently employed by National Bank of Canada. During his career, Jim earned the designation of Personal Financial Planner with the Institute of Canadian Bankers. Throughout the years, he has represented his financial institutions in the community by serving on various donations committees.Jim has had extensive experience and involvement with charitable organizations. He was the president of a start-up Rotary Club in Strathroy, which was the first to charter female members in Canada. He has also served on the Board of Directors of the Easter Seals Society and this year had the privilege of taking on the role of Chairperson of the 2018 Easter Seals Telethon, held on March 25th. Jim's personal interests include playing hockey and golf, and avidly following professional sports. He is a die-hard fan of both the Detroit Lions and Toronto Maple Leafs. Jim has been married for over 37 years to his wife Kathy. Together they have three grown children: Stacey, Brittany and Tom.You can follow support Council Conversations on the following platforms.Twitter: https://twitter.com/SwoCouncilFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/SWOCouncilSupport on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/SWOCouncilWatcherLike or rate and leave a comment on your favourite podcast platform.Please like and comment where you get your podcasts!Music notesDeadly Roulette by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3625-deadly-rouletteLicense: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Dr Moffatt is our second returning guest. You can listen to his first episode at this link below or scroll back to Season 2 Episode 1 in your feed. https://www.spreaker.com/episode/44522097 You can follow support Council Conversations on the following platforms.Twitter: https://twitter.com/SwoCouncilFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/SWOCouncilSupport on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/SWOCouncilWatcherLike or rate and leave a comment on your favourite podcast platform.Please like and comment where you get your podcasts!Music notesDeadly Roulette by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3625-deadly-rouletteLicense: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Mayor Ryan is our first returning guest, you can listen to his first episode that builds on this one at the link below or scrolling back in the podcast feed to Season 1 - Episode 2https://www.spreaker.com/user/13674182/episode-1-2-marcus-ryan-zorra-townshipMarcus Ryan grew up in rural Clarington Township and attended Queen’s University where he graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He has been married to his wife Theresa for 25 years and they are raising two children, Charlie and Fiona, near Uniondale.Marcus worked in the automotive industry for 10 years in a variety of Engineering positions. He got involved in politics through his community’s efforts to save A. J. Baker P. S. He has been a Zorra Council member since 2014, and this is his first term as Mayor and member of Oxford County Councillor. He was re-elected in 2022 as Mayor and selected as Warden of Oxford County.You can follow support Council Conversations on the following platforms.Twitter: https://twitter.com/SwoCouncilFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/SWOCouncilSupport on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/SWOCouncilWatcherLike or rate and leave a comment on your favourite podcast platform.Please like and comment where you get your podcasts!Music notesDeadly Roulette by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3625-deadly-rouletteLicense: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Greg Layson is the digital and mobile editor at Automotive News Canada. He was born, raised and educated in Windsor, Ont., long considered the automotive capital of Canada. He joined Automotive News Canada in in 2016 after a five-year stint at the CBC where he helped train the public broadcaster’s next generation of digital journalists from coast to coast to coast. Before that, he was an award-winning journalist at The Guelph Mercury, where he covered sports, spot news and federal politics. He attended both the University of Windsor and St. Clair College before a career that has spanned seven media outlets in three provinces. During his time away from work the father of three coaches youth baseball and basketball. His first car was a 1986 Pontiac Firebird, but he has always longed for a Porsche 911.You can follow support Council Conversations on the following platforms.Twitter: https://twitter.com/SwoCouncilFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/SWOCouncilSupport on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/SWOCouncilWatcherLike or rate and leave a comment on your favourite podcast platform.Please like and comment where you get your podcasts!Music notesDeadly Roulette by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3625-deadly-rouletteLicense: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

A announcement and short teaser for Season 6 of Council Conversations. One of our returning guests gives a shout out to an event this weekend in Oxford County. More info below about that. https://oxfordpride.ca/pride-2021/https://www.oxfordcounty.ca/en/news/oxford-county-warden-s-pride-challenge.aspxSeason 6 launches June 29th at 7pm You can follow support Council Conversations on the following platforms.Twitter: https://twitter.com/SwoCouncilFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/SWOCouncilSupport on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/SWOCouncilWatcherLike or rate and leave a comment on your favourite podcast platform.Please like and comment where you get your podcasts!Music notesDeadly Roulette by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3625-deadly-rouletteLicense: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Cathy (she/her) has been a member of the ONN team since June 2012. Throughout her 20 years working in the nonprofit sector, including as the founding Executive Director of the Volunteer Centre of Guelph/Wellington, she has been passionate about collaboration and leadership in the sector. Cathy works with sector colleagues from across Ontario and Canada, as well as private sector and government officials, to create an enabling policy environment for nonprofit organizations. Cathy’s roots are in the environmental movement and she has been active in municipal politics. She holds a degree in political studies and history from Queen’s University, and attended the Maytree-York University Executive Directors Leadership program. Outside of work, she enjoys time with her family and her garden in Erin, Ontario.You can follow support Council Conversations on the following platforms.Twitter: https://twitter.com/SwoCouncilFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/SWOCouncilSupport on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/SWOCouncilWatcherLike or rate and leave a comment on your favourite podcast platform.Please like and comment where you get your podcasts!Music notesDeadly Roulette by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3625-deadly-rouletteLicense: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Megan Stacey is the city hall reporter at The London Free Press. When not live-tweeting political debates or covering local government decisions, she also writes about social issues. She's picked up Ontario Newspaper Awards for reporting on healthcare serial killer Elizabeth Wettlaufer, as well as the explosion that rocked London's Old East Village. She lives in London and loves to explore the best of the Forest City, including new restaurants and the beautiful Thames Valley Parkway. You can follow support Council Conversations on the following platforms.Twitter: https://twitter.com/SwoCouncilFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/SWOCouncilSupport on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/SWOCouncilWatcherLike or rate and leave a comment on your favourite podcast platform.Please like and comment where you get your podcasts!Music notesDeadly Roulette by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3625-deadly-rouletteLicense: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Dan Mathieson is in his fifth term as Mayor of the City of Stratford and has sat on municipal council since 1995. He is past Chair of the Ontario Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC), Past Chair of Kings University College at Western University, Chair of the Stratford Police Services Board, a member of the Board of Directors of Festival Hydro and Rhyzome Networks and the Stratford Shakespeare Festival. Dan is also a Governor on the Board of i-Canada and a Board Member of Hampton Financial Corporation.You can follow support Council Conversations on the following platforms.Twitter: https://twitter.com/SwoCouncilFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/SWOCouncilSupport on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/SWOCouncilWatcherLike or rate and leave a comment on your favourite podcast platform.Please like and comment where you get your podcasts!Music notesDeadly Roulette by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3625-deadly-rouletteLicense: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Mayor/Warden Warwick is stepping away from politics in Thames Centre and Middlesex County. In 2014 she was elected as Ward 3 councillor for Thames Centre and in 2018 was elected Mayor. She currently is serving as the Warden for Middlesex County. She also is chair of the Kettle Creek Conservation Authority and chair of South Central Ontario Region Economic Development.You can follow support Council Conversations on the following platforms.Twitter: https://twitter.com/SwoCouncilFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/SWOCouncilSupport on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/SWOCouncilWatcherLike or rate and leave a comment on your favourite podcast platform.Please like and comment where you get your podcasts!Music notesDeadly Roulette by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3625-deadly-rouletteLicense: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

My first ever returning guest! Dr. Zachary Spicer returns to talk public policy in SW Ontario including the 4 day work week pilot in Zorra Township, his 2 new books and Strong Mayors. You can follow support Council Conversations on the following platforms.Website: swontariocouncilwatcher.caTwitter: https://twitter.com/SwoCouncilFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/SWOCouncilSupport on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/SWOCouncilWatcherLike or rate and leave a comment on your favourite podcast platform.Please like and comment where you get your podcasts!Music notesDeadly Roulette by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3625-deadly-rouletteLicense: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Mayor Aldo DiCarlo is stepping away from politics after 8 years as Mayor of Amherstburg. You can follow support Council Conversations on the following platforms.Twitter: https://twitter.com/SwoCouncilFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/SWOCouncilSupport on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/SWOCouncilWatcherLike or rate and leave a comment on your favourite podcast platform.Please like and comment where you get your podcasts!Music notesDeadly Roulette by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3625-deadly-rouletteLicense: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

I fell off the face of the earth but now I am back.... A new season of Council Conversations right in time for municipal elections You can follow support Council Conversations on the following platforms.Twitter: https://twitter.com/SwoCouncilFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/SWOCouncilSupport on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/SWOCouncilWatcherLike or rate and leave a comment on your favourite podcast platform.Please like and comment where you get your podcasts!Music notesDeadly Roulette by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3625-deadly-rouletteLicense: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Last week Stephen MacKenzie and I recorded our episode 4.04. Less than 48 hours later, news broke of the LG/Stellantis Battery Plant. Stephen agreed to come back on for a rapid response mere hours after the announcement to talk through how it happened, what comes next and more!

Stephen MacKenzie is the President and CEO of Invest WindsorEssex responsible for advancing economic development to grow and sustain prosperity in Southwest Ontario, Canada.He has spent 27 years in economic development organizations in Connecticut, Nova Scotia and now Ontario. Prior to joining IWE, he served as the Executive Director of the Southeastern Connecticut Enterprise Region and previously held the position of Senior Vice President of the ConnecticutEconomic Resource Center.Before joining CERC, he was the Director Economic Development in Stamford Connecticut. In Halifax, Stephen was a Senior Executive Major Projects for the Nova Scotia Department of Economic Development's Investment and Trade Division. Previously he spent four years with the TD Bank, and later served in sales and marketing functions at different organizations in both Canada and Belgium.Stephen has been a part-time lecturer at European University and Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax. He received a bachelor's degree in Commerce from Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia, completed his MBA at European University in Belgium, and is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma Economic Development Institute. He is a member of the International Advisory Committee of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), and a Board member for the Canada-United States Business Association (CUSBA).You can follow support Council Conversations on the following platforms.Twitter: https://twitter.com/SwoCouncilFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/SWOCouncilSupport on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/SWOCouncilWatcherLike or rate and leave a comment on your favourite podcast platform.Please like and comment where you get your podcasts!Music notesDeadly Roulette by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3625-deadly-rouletteLicense: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

After serving 14 years as Councillor for Ward 1 in North Dumfries, I entered the race for mayor and was elected in 2014. Seeking re-election in 2018, I was once again successful in confirming my place as mayor of North Dumfries and Region of Waterloo Councillor for the 2018 to 2022 term. I believe in a strong Regional Council which enables and reinforces the strength of the seven municipalities which make up the Region of Waterloo. I proudly serve and cherish North Dumfries and its people.I graduated from Conestoga College from the Recreation and Leadership Program as well as the Advanced Business Application and holds a Canada Customs Introduction to Customs and Customs Duty Drawback. For 32 years I organized and Chaired the Community Police Advisory Committee for North Dumfries, I also Chaired the Seniors Advisory Group, was a member for the North Dumfries Smart and Caring Foundation and a Warden of Christ Anglican Church.I was a volunteer at a grassroots level organizing blood donor clinics, teaching learn to skate and swimming as well as coaching hockey and ringette.Past employment included Youth and Preschool Director, Life Skills Coach, Assistant Aquatic Director, and Inventory Planning /Logistics Coordinator. When I was successful in winning the seat as the Mayor of North Dumfries, I retired from my job and choose to dedicate my time working for the people of North Dumfries.At the present time I sit on Administration and Finance Committee for the Region of Waterloo, Budget Committee for the Region, Community Services, Library, and I am Vice-Chair of Planning and Works at the Regional Level. I also sit on the Grand River Accessibility Committee as the Regional representative. Some of my other appointments are, Vice- Chair of the Grand River Conservation Authority, Jack Young Civic Award Committee, Board member of Southwestern Integrated Fibre Technology, was Chair of the Top Aggregate Producing Municipalities of Ontario for 5 years and presently I sit as a Board member of TAPMO. I also sit on the Board of Energy.You can follow support Council Conversations on the following platforms.Twitter: https://twitter.com/SwoCouncilFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/SWOCouncilSupport on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/SWOCouncilWatcherLike or rate and leave a comment on your favourite podcast platform.Please like and comment where you get your podcasts!Music notesDeadly Roulette by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3625-deadly-rouletteLicense: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Al Strathdee was first elected Mayor in 2014 and is now serving his second term. He is a graduate of Wilfrid Laurier University, with an Honours BA in History and Political Science and also is a graduate of the University of Ottawa with a Bachelor of Education. Al is a business  small operator and has always been actively involved in several community organizations. Al and his wife Gloria have three children. Al enjoys travel, music and spending time with family.You can follow support Council Conversations on the following platforms.Twitter: https://twitter.com/SwoCouncilFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/SWOCouncilSupport on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/SWOCouncilWatcherLike or rate and leave a comment on your favourite podcast platform.Please like and comment where you get your podcasts!Music notesDeadly Roulette by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3625-deadly-rouletteLicense: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license