Sarnia all-candidates debate a revealing evening
Elementary teachers’ union head mourned
September 27, 2017
The man who lead the union for local public elementary school teachers has died. 
Ron Rivait was the president of the Lambton-Kent Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario for eight years and had been an elementary teacher since 1988.
He spent much of his teaching career in Lambton County including in Sarnia, Forest, Mooretown and for a time at Lambton Centennial School in Enniskillen.
“A lifelong teacher, leader, mentor, community supporter and friend, Ron made a significant impact on the students and staff of the Lambton-Kent District School Board,” says Director of Education Jim Costello in a news release.
“Ron was very dedicated to his family, all of whom are a part of the LKDSB community. “Our sympathies and prayers go out to his family and friends.”
Rivait was also an advocate for inclusion of those with disabilities in sport.
Rivait died Friday after a short battle with cancer.
Flags at public schools across the region were lowered on Monday in his honour.
Front Page
Sarnia all-candidates debate a revealing evening
October 21, 2026
Cathy Dobson/The Independent With less than a week until election day, 28 candidates vying for eight council seats, spent four hours Tuesday trying to stand out as the right choice for Sarnia voters. They gathered at The Imperial Theatre in front of an audience of 200, with another 500 streaming the marathon event online. Compared to Monday night’s mayoral debate,
Read More
Front Page
St. Clair will be reimbursed for help at Chatham ethanol plant fire
October 21, 2026
Heather Wright/The Independent St. Clair Township Councillor Brad Langstaff wants to know what it cost for the fire department to help fight an ethanol plant fire in Chatham. Sept. 16, 15 firefighters, the township’s two tower trucks and its drone headed to Chatham to help battle a massive fire at Greenfield Global. St. Clair was called on because it has
Read More
Front Page
Enniskillen rejects request for ATVs on township roads
October 21, 2026
Blake Ellis/The Independent ATVs won’t be allowed on Enniskillen roads. A request by Enniskillen Resident Mark Braet failed to sway Enniskillen Township Council to allow all terrain vehicles on township roads. Braet made a presentation to council on Oct. 8 along with representatives from the Tri-Shore ATV Club. Braet wanted to be allowed to drive ATVs on roads in the
Read More
Front Page
LAMBTON VOTES: Petrolia Candidate Surveys
October 21, 2026
The Independent sent a questionnaire to each candidate for Petrolia Council. Below are the unedited responses from the candidates: Work Experience: Policy Advisor, Sarnia-Lambton Chamber of Commerce; former Constituency Assistant to MPPs Bob Bailey and Billy Pang; former parliamentary intern with MPs Marilyn Gladu and Jake Stewart; former Town of Petrolia Parks & Recreation Summer Labourer; former Dietary Aide at
Read More