FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – August 17, 2022

Southwestern Ontario – The Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (WOWC) advocated strongly for its four major priorities, through a series of constructive discussions with provincial government representatives during the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) 2022 Conference, held in Ottawa from August 14 to 17, 2022.

Joining thousands of participants from across the province, WOWC members met this week with several Provincial Ministers as well as Opposition Parties to discuss its key priorities, being:

• Affordable and Attainable Housing in Rural Areas
• Implementation of the Western Ontario Workforce Strategy
• Provincial Broadband and Cellular Infrastructure Investment
• Mental Health and Addictions

“The WOWC has carefully evaluated and focused its priorities, reflecting on the experiences and lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the lasting socio-economic impacts on our communities,” stated WOWC Chair George Cornell.

“This conference – the first opportunity to meet face-to-face in more than two years – was an opportunity for our membership to reiterate the WOWC’s desire to continue building our relationship with the provincial government, and collaborate further on mutual priorities, including regional workforce development; solutions for affordable and attainable rural housing; support for mental health and addictions; and continued investment in broadband and cellular infrastructure,” continued Chair Cornell.

Provincial Ministers present at the WOWC’s delegations included Steve Clark (MMAH), Lisa Thompson (OMAFRA), Kinga Surma (MOI), and Sylvia Jones (MOH), in addition to Associate Ministers Michael Tibollo (MOH) and Michael Parsa (MMAH), and Parliamentary Assistant Kevin Holland (MMAH).

The WOWC also met separately with Peter Tabuns, Interim Leader of the Ontario NDP; Stephen Blais, Ontario Liberal Caucus Critic for Municipal Affairs and Housing; and Mike Schreiner, Leader of the Green Party of Ontario.

“The WOWC appreciates the Province’s willingness to hear our perspectives and projects, and benefited from the AMO Conference to advocate clearly and effectively on our plans, our support, and our interest in collaborating with all levels of government on these initiatives,” explained WOWC Vice-Chair Glen McNeil.

“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,” concluded Chair Cornell. “The projects being carried out by the WOWC will serve as a model for the entire province, and this excellent cooperation among governments will continue to foster our collective success.”

To learn more about the WOWC’s priorities and view the briefing materials used for the AMO 2022 Conference, please visit www.wowc.ca.

About

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. Caucus members work collectively to influence federal and provincial legislation and programs through advocacy, research, analysis and education. For more information, visit www.wowc.ca. 

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Media Contacts

Kate Burns Gallagher, Executive Director

Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus

T: 519-495-6059 E: kate@wowc.ca

Justin Bromberg, Manager of Government Relations

Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus

E: justin@wowc.ca