Make Your Voice Count: Meet the Local Candidates for Nipissing
Feb 26, 2025 | Ishmael Van Der Rassel, Student Storyteller
Election day is fast approaching, and this is your opportunity to shape the future of our community. As a student at Canadore College, your vote is powerful - it helps decide who will represent Nipissing at Queen’s Park and what direction our province will take for the next four years.
Taking the time to learn about the candidates and their platforms is the first step in making an informed decision. Here’s a look at who’s running in our riding:
Ontario Progressive Conservative Party – Vic Fedeli
Vic Fedeli has been Nipissing’s Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) for four terms and previously served as the Mayor of North Bay from 2003-2010. He has held key roles in government, including Minister of Finance and currently, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation, and Trade.
During his tenure, Vic has championed investments in infrastructure, healthcare, and economic growth in Northern Ontario. Under his leadership, initiatives like expanding high-speed internet, bringing back the Northlander rail service, and enhancing emergency healthcare services have been prioritized.
He is committed to job creation, reducing costs for families, and investing in vital infrastructure - especially in unlocking economic opportunities through Northern Ontario’s critical minerals and the Ring of Fire project.
Ontario NDP – Loren Mick
Loren Mick, a lifelong resident of Mattawa, is a dedicated advocate for the Nipissing region. He has worked in his family’s restaurant as a chef and served as a dietary aide at a local nursing home. Passionate about mental health, he pursued a Master’s in Counseling Psychology to help improve access to care.
Elected twice to Mattawa Town Council, Loren has consistently fought for increased services and opportunities for the community. He also serves as Chair of the Mattawa Library Board, Vice Chair of the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Board, and Vice Chair of Dreamcoat Fantasy Children’s Theatre.
His platform focuses on addressing homelessness and addiction, expanding mental health services, and ensuring fairness and well-being for all residents of Nipissing.
Green Party of Ontario – Colton Chaput
Colton Chaput is a dedicated community leader with a strong passion for service and sustainability. During the pandemic, he contributed to local initiatives by sewing handmade masks, delivering Meals on Wheels, and working in a pharmacy to help ensure people had access to medication.
Currently in his final year of nursing, Colton has been an active student leader, serving in roles such as Director of Bilingualism, Vice President of Academic Affairs, and President of the Undergraduate Nursing Student Association. He has also represented the Faculty of Health Sciences at the university’s Senate.
Colton’s platform prioritizes environmental protection, social equity, and fostering productive community engagement to address local issues.
Why Your Vote Matters as a Canadore Student
As students, we often juggle studies, work, and life responsibilities - but taking a few minutes to vote can make a real difference. The decisions made at Queen’s Park impact tuition, public transit, healthcare, housing, and job opportunities - issues that directly affect student life.
If you care about affordability, education, sustainability, or community growth, now is the time to have your voice heard. Your vote influences the policies that will shape your future in Nipissing and beyond.
🗳 Election Day: February 27
Find your local polling station, bring your ID, and cast your ballot! Make sure your voice is part of the conversation.
Let’s show that Canadore students care about their community - get out and vote!