Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus Advocates For Rural Needs At AMO 2024 Conference In Ottawa
by Bob Montgomery
The Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus strengthened its vital partnerships with representatives from the Province of Ontario during the Association of Municipalities of Ontario Conference held in Ottawa from August 18 to 21st.
Throughout the conference, the WOWC engaged in productive discussions with Provincial Ministers and Opposition Parties, effectively advocating for its strategic priorities. For the 2024-2025 year, those priorities are:
Housing
Infrastructure
Workforce to Support Economic Growth
Mental Health, Addictions and Homelessness
“During our recent delegations with provincial representatives, we were pleased with the positive response to our discussions,” stated WOWC Chair Glen McNeil. “We emphasized the unique needs of our rural and smaller communities across Western Ontario, underscoring that the support required in these areas differs significantly from the needs of urban centres. Our recommendations aim to ensure that these distinct challenges are effectively addressed by the government.”
In advance of the conference, Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus members engaged closely with regional MPPs and senior provincial staff to present comprehensive briefings, research, and recommendations on key priority issues. Representatives at the WOWC’s delegations with the government included;
Hon. Kinga Surma, Ministry of Infrastructure
Hon. Lisa Thompson, Ministry of Rural Affairs
Hon. Michael Kerzner, Solicitor General
Parliamentary Assistant, Patrice Barnes, Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.
The WOWC also met separately with MPP Marit Stiles, Leader of the Ontario NDP and the Official Opposition; Ontario Liberal Party Leader Bonnie Crombie and MPP Mike Schreiner, Leader of the Green Party of Ontario.
“The WOWC remains committed to ensuring that our research and insights help inform policies across the province,” stated WOWC Vice Chair Andy Lennox. “We value the constructive dialogue with our provincial partners and are hopeful that these discussions will lead to tangible outcomes. Our advocacy for rural Western Ontario will continue with the goal of securing the support our communities need to thrive.”
Photos courtesy of Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus
Left to Right: Warden Kevin Marriott, Lambton County; Warden Marcu Ryan, Oxford County; Vice Chair Warden Andy Lennox, Wellington County; Hon. Kinga Surma, Minister of Infrastructure; Chair Warden Glen McNeil, Huron County; Warden Brian Milne, Grey County; Warden Chris Peabody, Bruce County; Mayor Amy Martin, Norfolk County; PA Robert Bailey, Ministry of Infrastructure.
Left to Right: Warden Marcus Ryan, Oxford County; Warden Basil Clarke, Simcoe County; Chair Warden Glen McNeil, Huron County; Mayor Amy Martin, Norfolk County; Hon. Lisa Thompson, Minister of Rural Affairs; Warden Brian Milne, Grey County; Steve Pinsonneault, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Rural Affairs; Warden Darren White, Dufferin County.
Left to Right: Rick Byers, MPP Bruce – Grey – Owen Sound; Vice Chair Warden Andy Lennox, Wellington County; Warden Darren White, Dufferin County; Warden Ed Ketchabaw, Elgin County; Mayor Amy Martin, Norfolk County; Solicitor General Michael Kerzner; Hon. Rob Flack, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness; Hon. Trevor Jones, Associate Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response; Warden Brian Milne, Grey County; Warden Marcus Ryan, Oxford County; Warden Chris Peabody, Bruce County.
