The Boards of the Eastern Ontario Wardens Caucus (EOWC) and Eastern Ontario Regional Network (EORN) met with Federal Members of Parliament this morning over breakfast. Our own MP Gord Brown and Minister of Health Ginette Petipas Taylor, among others, were briefed on issues in Eastern Ontario including the EOWC request for the federal government to partner and match the provincial commitment’s of $71 million to improve connectivity and capacity for internet.
Monday started with an early train to Toronto to meet with Vic Fedeli, the Interim Leader of the Provincial Progressive Conservative Party. Accompanied by several Wardens from the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus, we apprised Mr Fedeli of several issues impacting Eastern Ontario and found him to be engaged and genuinely concerned.
Breakfast with the Mayor on Wednesday morning at the Cove was well attended by business owners. Councillors Brady, Huth and Schwinghamer and I listened to several points of view concerning parking in general and specifically strong objections to charging for parking in the Village. These opportunities for Council to consult with stakeholders are important and provide key information before decisions are made.
Village of Westport Historical Walking Tour Task Force also met on Wednesday morning after the breakfast. A great team of Christine Janeway, Cynthia Pringle, Kim Bonner, Rob Roberts, Councillors Brady and Schwinghamer have developed a new Historical Walking Tour booklet and app. Both will be available by May 24, 2018.
On Thursday, I went to Queen’s Park and made a delegation to the Standing Committee on Bill 175 Safer Ontario Act (bill to replace the Police Services Act). A Standing Committee is the opportunity for all three provincial parties to consult with stakeholders and the public between the 2nd and 3rd reading of a bill in the legislature. There are several concerns in the draft legislation that will have an impact on Westport and all of rural Eastern Ontario if passed in its current form. I am optimistic that our perspective was compelling.
The final work at the sewage plant is wrapping up, although the contractor will be back after the spring thaw to clean up the site. Once the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change gives its final approvals and the works is commissioned, I will let you know. That will be the time to celebrate!
Have a great week … call anytime … 9195
Guelph, ON [February 21, 2018] – Four provincial organizations shared their voices at Queen’s Park today to strengthen the message to all political candidates that investments in rural communities offer benefits to all Ontarians. The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA), together with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus and Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus made a joint announcement on the value of spreading future economic development dollars across the province.
OFA’s election campaign – Producing Prosperity in Ontario – is encouraging greater investment in Ontario’s agri-food sector and rural communities to deliver economic growth and prosperity for all Ontarians
“Ontario’s agri-food sector is an economic powerhouse for the province, and we are encouraging the government to make greater investments in agri-food and rural communities as a sustainable and effective way to deliver growth and prosperity for all Ontarians,” says OFA President Keith Currie. “We have a strong collective voice on this position, announcing our partnership here today with organizations that represent the interests of Ontario businesses and communities in rural and urban areas across the province as part of our Producing Prosperity in Ontario election campaign.”
Rocco Rossi, President and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce reiterated that “only bold action and leadership can strengthen Ontario’s position in the global economy. Ontario must leverage its existing strengths for a long-term vision for prosperity for the province,” says Rossi.
Eastern and Western Wardens’ Caucuses represent more than 400 communities across the province that need greater access to infrastructure investments for broadband, affordable energy, transportation, as well as education and medical facilities. “The role of the province is to help our rural communities invest in improving social and economic conditions to ensure our communities have the services and support they need to grow,” says Robin Jones, chair of the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus.
“We fully support OFA’s initiative to focus on new investments in rural communities that will assist existing businesses, attract new companies, and boost opportunities for residents and regional economic development,” says Gerry Marshall, chair of the Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus.
The partnership announced today in support of OFA’s Producing Prosperity in Ontario campaign demonstrates the collective support that exists across the province to secure future investments for Ontario that benefit urban and rural areas. “We believe that spreading the investment dollars around the province is the solution to ongoing challenges that face rural and urban communities, and hold the promise of improving the quality of life for all Ontarians,” says Currie.
The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) is the largest general farm organization in Ontario, representing 37,000 farm families across the province. As a dynamic farmer-led organization based in Guelph, the OFA works to represent and champion the interests of Ontario farmers through government relations, farm policy recommendations, research, lobby efforts, community representation, media relations and more. OFA is the leading advocate for Ontario’s farmers and is Ontario’s voice of the farmer.
In the photo, from left to right: Gerry Marshall (WOWC Chair), Keith Currie (OFA President), Robin Jones (EOWC Chair), and Rocco Rossi (OCC President and CEO).
At the Annual General Meeting of the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (EOWC) today in Kingston, Mayor Jones was elected as its Chair. Seen here with the Vice-Chair for 2018 Warden Jennifer Murphy, Renfrew County and the Past-Chair Mayor Robert Quaiff, Prince Edward County. EOWC works to support and advocate on behalf of the property taxpayers across rural Eastern Ontario. The EOWC covers an area of 45,000 square kilometres from Cobourg to the Quebec border, and includes 13 upper-tier and single-tier municipalities as well as 90 local municipalities.
The member municipalities work together as a team, researching important issues, advocating for our 750,000 residents, and striving to ensure that conditions are in place to make Eastern Ontario the greatest place in the world to reside and do business.
The EOWC endeavours to speak with one voice, ensuring that our views are heard and considered by federal and provincial policy makers, business leaders, the media and the public
Robin, The Mayor 
You must be logged in to post a comment.