I was born and raised in Penetanguishene, the son of Annette Huffman (nee Marion, of the Dusome- Clermont family line) and my father Henry Bisschop, a Dutch immigrant who moved to Penetanguishene in the mid-1960s to become a teacher. I grew up knowing little about my Metis heritage and began to explore it my two sons in 2015, when pair of Chigamik Board colleagues took me under their wings and helped me begin to understand my Metis roots.

I have since taken interest in the local Metis Council and began to join monthly Council meetings to listen and learn. I was honestly surprised to hear of all the good work done by and through the Council. The councillors were warm and kind people who took the time to orient me to their team, their meetings, asked my opinion as a citizen, and invited me to participate in gathering and all the community events. I started to learn more about our Metis community and felt inspired by what seemed possible for our community. So, I ran for council in 2022.

I have a varied history of volunteerism that includes protecting our wilderness (Founder – Friends of McCrae Lake), engaging youth (Penetanguishene Minor Hockey Association; Scouts Canada), community and international service (Rotary Club International) and advancing the social determinants of health (Board Chair – Centre de Sante Communautaire Chigamik Community Health Centre).

Professionally, I have more than 25 years of experience in local healthcare, including leadership at Huronia District Hospital, Penetanguishene General Hospital, Orillia Soldier’s Memorial Hospital and Waypoint Centre for Mental Care.

I hope to use my time with Council to help develop successful local and regional partnerships to address the social determinants of health, so members of our communities can live the most rewarding and healthy life possible for each of them.