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Elect Peter Diedrich

About

Meet Peter Diedrich

Peter Diedrich is your candidate for Mayor of Thunder Bay to bring practical, urgent action to the issues residents face every day — economic growth, housing, safety, renewed infrastructure investment, and a city government that works.

Portrait of Peter Diedrich

Global Leadership & Experience

  • 35+ years across telecom, technology, venture capital, and global consulting
  • Led major transformation projects for Fortune 1000 companies and governments
  • International experience in China, Australia, Brazil, Venezuela, the Middle East, and the United States

Executive Experience

  • President & CEO, TBayTel — delivered 10%+ annual dividend growth; modernized operations, and grew the company across Northwestern Ontario
  • Vice President Corporate Strategy, Bell Canada and BCE — shaping growth of one of Canada's largest telecom groups
  • Chief Financial Officer roles in high-growth tech companies, including a TSX debut for a Deloitte Fast 50 company

Community Commitment

  • Longstanding engagement in local economic development, education, and community leadership
  • Local Board roles: United Way Thunder Bay, Confederation College Foundation, NWO Innovation Centre, TedX2025

Innovation & Economic Development

  • Managing Partner, RBC Capital Partners' $250M venture fund — financed and scaled emerging tech companies across North America
  • Deep experience building resilient institutions and innovation ecosystems

Education & Credentials

  • M.Sc. (MIT Sloan), executive programs at MIT & Harvard Law
  • M.Eng. & B.Eng. (Carleton), Highest Distinction; Professional Engineer (P.Eng.)
  • Faculty member at Lakehead University teaching New Venture Creation & Moonshot Project Management

What This Means for Thunder Bay

  • A mayor with global perspective, proven operational capability, and deep local commitment — ready to lead Thunder Bay into a competitive, innovative, and resilient future

Why I'm running for Mayor

“Thunder Bay deserves leadership that listens, decides, and delivers. For too long urgent problems in our neighbourhoods, downtowns and our city have been studied while residents, families and businesses wait. I'm running because I call Thunder Bay my home. I will not be a spectator anymore. Change Can't Wait — and this city and I am ready.”

— Peter Diedrich

Peter in the community

Select campaign moments, community visits, and more.

  • Save Our Park Space lawn signs along a Thunder Bay street
  • Peter Diedrich with two community members at a public meeting
  • Peter Diedrich with supporters at a community event
  • Peter Diedrich celebrating with graduating students
  • Peter Diedrich with community supporters
  • Peter Diedrich at TEDx LakeheadU Connecting for Change
  • Scenic view of Thunder Bay with the Sleeping Giant across the harbour
  • Peter Diedrich with supporters at a community event
  • Peter Diedrich at a formal community gathering
  • Thunder Bay Border Cats baseball stadium scoreboard at a community game
  • Peter Diedrich with community members at an event
  • Peter Diedrich with a small dog on a hotel luggage cart
  • Peter Diedrich with a supporter at a community event
  • Thunder Bay flag and waterfront landscape