All-Candidates Meeting Scheduled in Owen Sound Ahead of April 28 Federal Election

Join the Owen Sound & District Chamber of Commerce for a federal All-Candidates Meeting on April 23, 2025, at the Bayshore Community Centre.

With the federal election just weeks away, the Owen Sound & District Chamber of Commerce is hosting an All-Candidates Meeting to give voters in the region a chance to hear directly from those seeking to represent them in Parliament.

The event is set for Wednesday, April 23, 2025, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Bayshore Community Centre.

The meeting is open to the public and free of charge, with seating available on a first-come, first-served basis. Residents and local business owners are encouraged to attend to learn about the priorities and platforms of each candidate.

The Chamber emphasizes that this will be a non-partisan and respectful forum designed to promote civic engagement and help voters make informed decisions ahead of the federal election on Monday, April 28.

Who's Running in Bruce–Grey–Owen Sound?

Voters in the Bruce–Grey–Owen Sound riding will see six confirmed candidates on the ballot:

• Natasha Akiwenzie – Green Party of Canada

• Ann Gillies – United Party of Canada

• Christopher Neudorf – New Democratic Party (NDP)

• Alex Ruff – Conservative Party of Canada

• Pavel Smolko – People’s Party of Canada

• Anne Marie Watson – Liberal Party of Canada

All candidates have been invited to participate in the Chamber of Commerce forum. Attendees can expect a structured evening where candidates will present their platforms and respond to moderated questions, with opportunities for discussion on key local and national issues.

Important Election Information

The 45th federal general election takes place on Monday, April 28, 2025. Elections Canada reminds voters of several ways to cast their ballot:

• Election Day Voting: Monday, April 28, at your assigned polling station

• Advance Polls: Open April 18–21, from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily

• Vote by Special Ballot: At any Elections Canada office before April 22 at 6:00 p.m.

• Vote by Mail: Apply by April 22, 6:00 p.m.

To vote, electors must be Canadian citizens, at least 18 years old on election day, and must provide proof of identity and address. Voters can check or update their registration at elections.ca or by calling 1-800-463-6868.

Elections Canada will also send voter information cards to registered electors by April 14, with personalized details on where and when to vote.

Community Engagement Encouraged

The Owen Sound & District Chamber of Commerce says it remains committed to strengthening democratic participation through open dialogue and informed debate. Chamber CEO Diane Austin stated in a release that the forum provides “a vital opportunity for the public to directly engage with those who seek to represent them.”

As the campaign period continues, voters are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the platforms and priorities of each candidate, attend local events like the All-Candidates Meeting, and make a plan to vote.