Three critical priorities dominated dialogue by the Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (WOWC) during the Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) 2024 Conference. Members had a chance to meet with provincial government representatives during the conference held January 21 to 23.
Talks centered on the three main themes of Housing, Workforce Development to Support Economic Growth, and Mental Health, Addictions, and Homelessness.
“The delegations with provincial representatives were very well received, and our members were respectful but firm in our dialogue with the government – outlining very clearly where we supported the government’s initiatives, while emphasizing the unique needs and improvements required in the many rural and small urban communities across Western Ontario,” stated WOWC Chair and Huron County Warden Glen McNeil. “We reiterated the WOWC’s desire to continue building our relationship and collaborating with the provincial government and presented a series of recommendations based on significant research conducted with regional stakeholders over the past year.”
“The WOWC’s recommendations included permanent, predictable funding for mental health and addictions; increased consultation with rural and small urban municipalities regarding housing legislation; measures to address and better prepare for future workforce gaps and an increase to the leave to construct threshold for hydrocarbon projects,” added Central Huron Mayor Jim Ginn, Chair of WOWC’ Economic Development Committee.
Recommendations included permanent and predictable funding for mental health and addictions, increased consultation with rural and small urban municipalities regarding housing legislation, and measures to address and better prepare for future workforce gaps
“We would like to thank the many provincial representatives for attending these delegations, engaging in constructive dialogue with us, and demonstrating how they value our priorities,” stated WOWC Warden Andy Lennox, Wellington County. “We are adamant that the work being conducted by the WOWC – and the recommendations being made – will serve as a model for the entire province, and we plan to continue our advocacy over the coming months in order to ensure that rural and small urban Western Ontario receives the support and recognition it deserves.”
Representatives at the WOWC’s delegation with the government included Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Paul Clandra, Solicitor General Michael Kerzner, Minister of Red Tape Reduction Parm Gill, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development Deepak Anand, and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Energy Stéphane Sarrazin.
The WOWC also met separately with Ontario NDP leader Marit Stiles, Green Party leader Mike Schreiner, and independent MPP Bobbi Ann Brady.
The Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (WOWC) is a not-for-profit organization representing 15 upper and single-tier municipalities in Southwestern Ontario, representing more than 1.5 million residents. The WOWC aims to enhance the prosperity and overall wellbeing of rural and small urban communities across the region.
