Western Wardens’ caucus unveils priorities for 2023-24

Members of the Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus released their priorities for 2023-24 to senior levels of government.

The group recently met virtually with regional members of federal and provincial parliaments to discuss strategies and mutual opportunities for collaboration.

Priorities include housing, a workforce to support economic growth and mental health, addictions and homelessness.

“The WOWC members have conducted extensive research and significant discussions over the past few months, and as a result have decided on a renewed and strengthened focus on these priorities for 2023 and early 2024,” caucus chair Glen McNeil stated in a release.

“These three issues have consistently been identified as the primary concerns for small and rural municipalities in Western Ontario. The caucus is therefore staying the course, given its significant familiarity and successful advocacy efforts with these matters over the past few years.”

Multiple MPs and MPPs were present during the meeting to receive an exclusive presentation of these priorities, which were unanimously adopted by the caucus last month following a strategic session.

Caucus members stressed the importance of having the support of regional representatives to advocate on Parliament Hill and at Queen’s Park.

“The WOWC members, along with the MPs and MPPs, agreed wholeheartedly on the importance and urgency of collaborating together on these critical issues, and speaking with one united voice on behalf of the 1.5 million residents we collectively represent,” McNeil said.

The caucus continues to focus on increasing the supply of housing of all forms, so that all residents in rural western Ontario, regardless of income level, have a safe home.

It cited the commitment from the province to keep municipalities “whole” regarding the loss of municipal development charge revenue, and the impact to their ability to fund housing-enabling infrastructure, as a result of the Building Homes Faster Act.

The group also sought additional details and support on the federal Housing Accelerator Fund, including specific funding and clarity on the definition of small and rural municipalities.

As for the economy, caucus members committed to ensuring a sufficient workforce to achieve the region’s economic potential and support key industry sectors, as there will be an estimated 214,000 jobs to be filled in the region between now and 2030.

The caucus noted challenges with mental health, addictions and homelessness, with small and rural municipalities facing “unprecedented strains on vulnerable populations and the health-care network as a whole,” while having fewer resources as compared to urban areas.

Member cited the need for increased funding envelopes for these issues, including the Homelessness Prevention Program, permanent funding for mobile crisis response teams and more action and support for small and rural communities from the federal government.

“The WOWC looks forward to continuing this important work through its significant research and ongoing collaboration with regional stakeholders, including directly with MPs and MPPs,” caucus vice-chair Wade Mills said.

“With our collective regional power, and the commitment from our federal and provincial partners, we can advocate and collaborate on these key priorities at multiple levels and find much-needed solutions for our residents and our communities.”