Ok, 2020 was a tough year, no doubt about that. And we're glad to put it in the rearview mirror.
But it also gave some citizens a chance to shine, while others disappointed.
Last year's winner was Canadore employees voted 'Newsmakers of the Year' for 2019.
BayToday readers chose, by a wide margin, the allegations of sexual discrimination and abuse at Canadore College as the area's top news story.
Overall, with 2,129 votes cast, the ongoing sexual harassment and abuse scandal at Canadore picked up 736 votes or 35 per cent of the total for top newsmakers.
BayToday reporters wrote over 4,000 local news stories in 2020.
So which person or group deserves it this year? Time to put on your thinking cap and help decide the "Newsmaker of the Year" for 2020.
Remember, it's who made news...good or bad...that earns the title. What was the impact on the area and its citizens? Was there large public interest/controversy generated? Achievement? Base it on 2020 only, not a history of newsmaking.
If we missed someone, let us know in the comments section.
Cast your vote on our poll page here on our front page.
Here are your choices.
- Dennis Chippa, Gathering Place
- Scott McLeod, NFN Chief
- Shane Moyer, homeless activist
- Frontline health care workers
- Jim Chirico, Medical Officer of Health
- Johanne Brousseau, councillor/new arena advocate
- Chris Mayne, councillor and Cassellholme chair
- Al McDonald, mayor
- Tanya Vrebosch, Deputy mayor and budget chief
- Jaimee Bull, waterski world record holder
- Kevin Ferris, filed Freedom of Information requests for CAO scandal and Invest North Bay conflict of interest
- Hariett Madigan, Clean Green Beautiful
- Francine Desormeau, first female CAO of Mattawa
- Mike Anthony, former councillor
- Dr. Sharon Goodwin, National health award winner
- Leanna Farr, first female chief of Teme-Augama Anishnabai
- Vic Fedeli, MPP
- Anthony Rota, MP and House speaker
