Helen-Claire is committed to community. She holds Certificates in Mental Health and Public Relations, a Diploma in Community Service, and degrees in English and Law. Using the arts to effect change, she has worked with Indigenous Elders on anti-racism in the Ontario Public Service and performed in award-winning theatre productions to educate about social issues such as sexual abuse in children, and violence against women. As Chair of the Equal Opportunities’ Committee for the Alliance of Canadian Television and Radio Artists, Helen-Claire served on panels for Advertising Standards Canada and the Centre for Research Action on Race Relations. She has participated in Performers for Literacy, led workshops addressing mental health, harassment, and accommodation; and advocated for performers with disabilities. Her play, “Living Will”, which looks at end-of-life issues and for which she received an Ontario Arts’ Council Award, was produced at the 2018 Toronto Fringe Festival. https://www.livingwillplay.com/about

Chad Richards was born and raised in the Bruce-Grey region, Chad has been a long-time advocate for the advancement of the health and vibrancy of the local community. Chad was raised in Chesley, Ontario before moving to Ottawa and working for the federal government for nearly a decade. Chad has now moved home to the region and resides in Port Elgin with his wife Samantha. Chad has been active personally and professionally in helping to build up the Bruce-Grey region. His work at the Nuclear Innovation Institute focuses on demonstrating the impact of the clean energy sector across the region while also demonstrating the contribution the region makes to the provincial and national economy. Chad has also served on the Community Council for the Grey-Bruce Ontario Health Team and has been active in several community initiatives. As a Type 1 Diabetic, Chad is passionate about advancing policies that enable health systems to achieve optimal results for patients and providers.

Nick Saunders serves as the elected Chair of the Grey Bruce Public Health Board of Health, bringing a wealth of leadership experience and a deep commitment to improving community well-being. A retired Fire Chief with a distinguished career in public safety, Nick has dedicated his life to serving and protecting others. His expertise in crisis response and community advocacy informs his strategic vision for public health in the Grey Bruce region.

Currently in his fourth term as a councillor for the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation, Nick is a trusted leader known for his hands-on approach and compassion. He has championed initiatives to address critical issues, including the opioid toxicity crisis, by spearheading resolutions and impact statements that strengthen public health and judicial responses, particularly for Indigenous communities. His collaborative efforts with local health units, agencies, and community stakeholders reflect his dedication to health equity and resilience.

Since 2020, Nick has been a steadfast member of the Grey Bruce Public Health Board of Health, serving through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and contributing as a key member of the Board Executive Committee. His leadership during this critical period helped guide the region through unprecedented public health challenges.

Nick’s leadership is grounded in a commitment to listening, acting decisively, and fostering partnerships that uplift the health and safety of all residents in Grey Bruce. He continues to advocate for innovative, community-driven solutions to build a healthier future for the region.

Beverly Wilkins lives on a farm in Grey County adjacent to the lovely town of Owen Sound. She has served as a Registered Nurse for over 40 years with specialties in Palliative Care, End of Life, wound care, education, and mentorship of many precious fellow nurses. She has spent a large part of her time volunteering and fundraising particularly for children and degenerative disease. She currently serves on the local and national boards for Family and Children's Services and the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada.

Andrea Matrosovs became the Warden of Grey County in December 2024. Originally elected to the Town of The Blue Mountains Council in 2018, she was subsequently elected Mayor in 2022. Committed to collaborative regional leadership, Warden Matrosovs is a member of the South Georgian Bay Mayors & CAOs Forum, as well as the Western Ontario Wardens Caucus.

At a national level, Warden Matrosovs is a member of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative and serves as the Ontario Co-Chair for the bi-national Mayors Commission on Water Equity and as a Regional Lead for Grey, Simcoe, and Georgian Bay. As a result of her commitment and passion for the organization, she received the Ontario Member of the Year Award in 2024. Internationally, she was invited to attend the 28th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 2023. Her COP28 delegation was at the first sub-national leaders Local Climate Action Summit and Ministerial Meeting on Urbanization and Climate Change.

Warden Matrosovs specialized in Community Studies for her Master of Arts degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Athabasca University, highlighting her dedication to understanding and improving the communities she serves. Prior to her public service career, she was a high school French teacher and concluded her teaching career at the college level as an academic English instructor for international students. Warden Matrosovs has dedicated the last two decades to volunteer work in the South Georgian Bay region, currently volunteering as a Royal Canadian Legion member and for local environmental stewardship projects.

Through her extensive experience and passion to serve her community and region, Warden Matrosovs is an influential force for positive change within The Town of the Blue Mountains, the County of Grey, Ontario, and beyond.

Shirley Keaveney, Deputy Mayor for the Municipality of Meaford, is deeply rooted in her community as a fourth-generation Meafordite. Her upbringing on a fruit and dairy farm along Highway 26 East instilled in her a profound love for the area and a commitment to its growth and prosperity.

With over 43 years in the Dairy Queen business, owning and operating both the Collingwood and Meaford locations with her late husband, Shirley has demonstrated strong entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to local business development. This experience has equipped her with invaluable insights into economic matters, which she now channels into her role on Council.

Currently serving her third term on Meaford Council, second as Deputy Mayor and second on Grey County Council, Shirley is actively involved in various committees pivotal to advancing both Council’s strategic priorities. She leverages her expertise in fostering sustainable economic growth through active roles in committees with the Municipality of Meaford as well as Grey County.

Shirley recognizes the impact that volunteer-based community groups have in the community and participates in several of them. Shirley is a proud member of the Rotary Club of Meaford where she chairs the Rotary House Committee.

Shirley’s commitment to local sustainability and economic vitality is unwavering. She advocates passionately for the preservation of Meaford’s heritage and small-town charm while supporting responsible development aligned with community goals. Shirley recognizes the challenges, such as the expansion of our wastewater plant, that Council must overcome this term through critical decision making rooted in meaningful community engagement.

Outside of her civic duties, Shirley finds joy in spending time with her two sons and cherished grandchildren, nurturing her love for walking, attending local events, and supporting community initiatives.

It is an honor for Shirley to serve the community of Meaford and Grey County,  she is dedicated to continuing her efforts to shape a community where residents and visitors alike can 'love it here.' Through her leadership and engagement, Shirley looks forward to the sustainable growth of this area where all can experience a vibrant, safe and inclusive place to live and work.

Mayor of Huron Kinloss

Deputy Warden Bruce County