MIDDLESEX COUNTY (August 21, 2024): Delegates from Middlesex County attended the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) 2024 conference held in Ottawa, where they took the opportunity to engage with provincial officials, advocate for County initiatives, and address pressing challenges facing the region.
The Middlesex County delegations, led by Warden Aina DeViet, embarked on a mission to build robust partnerships and foster productive dialogues that will contribute to the County’s growth and development. The delegates leveraged this platform to address the County’s critical needs, amplify the County's voice, and explore collaborative avenues with provincial and municipal counterparts.
Key Discussions and Advocacy Efforts:
- Ministry of Long-Term Care: Delegates engaged in a productive meeting with Hon. Natalia Kusendova-Bashta, Minister of Long-Term Care. Middlesex County advocated for greater flexibility in the use of provincial Nursing envelope funding.
- Ministry of Transportation: Warden Aina DeViet and Deputy Warden Cathy Burghardt-Jesson met with Ric Bresee, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Transportation, to discuss the successes of and opportunities related to Middlesex County Connect. They emphasized the importance of making Inter-Community Transportation funding permanent. Warden DeViet also participated in a second joint delegation with the Ministry of Transportation on the same topic, alongside City of London Mayor Josh Morgan, Elgin County Warden Ed Ketchabaw, and Township of Southwold Mayor Grant Jones, highlighting the value of strategic partnerships in leveraging resources and opportunities.
- Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Gaming: Warden Aina DeViet met with Minister Stan Cho to discuss the critical need for increased funding for public libraries. Middlesex County urged the provincial government to recognize public libraries as vital community hubs that significantly enhance social cohesion, economic well-being, and community resilience through strategic investment.
- Ministry of Health: Brian Ropp, MLPS Authority Board Chair, led discussions with Deputy Premier and Minister of Health Sylvia Jones regarding a Rapid Response Unit Obvious Immediate Threat (OIT) Proposal. Middlesex-London Paramedic Service (MLPS) seeks to enhance its ability to dispatch Advanced Care Paramedics to patients most in need of their advanced skill sets, requesting that the Central Ambulance Communication Centre (CACC) utilize existing protocols to classify calls as Obvious Immediate Threats (OIT) and deploy the necessary resources accordingly.
- Ministry of Education: Deputy Warden Cathy Burghardt-Jesson engaged in a constructive discussion with Minister of Education, Hon. Jill Dunlop, on the importance of Middlesex County’s EarlyON programming. The discussion focused on the essential services provided by Middlesex EarlyON, the need for equitable funding allocations, and addressing the funding disparities between Middlesex County and neighbouring communities of comparable size.
Advancing Middlesex County’s strategic priorities was at the forefront of the delegates’ efforts. Through compelling presentations backed by data-driven insights, they highlighted the County’s most pressing needs and the critical importance of securing long-term, sustainable funding. These actions are essential for fostering resilient, well-connected communities that can thrive both now and in the future.
QUOTE:
“Our delegation efforts at AMO were centered on securing essential resources and support for Middlesex County. We are committed to fostering meaningful collaborations and advocating for the strategic investments needed to support our community’s growth. By working together with provincial and municipal partners, we aim to address our challenges and seize opportunities that will drive Middlesex County forward.”
- Warden Aina DeViet
AMO Conference:
More than 2,500 participants from hundreds of municipalities and organizations across Ontario will take part in the 125th annual Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Conference, held from August 18 to 21 at the Shaw Centre in Ottawa. It brings municipal and provincial officials together at a time when Ontario communities face complex challenges.
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Middlesex County is an innovative, well-run organization offering high-value programs and services to the best community in which to live, visit, and do business in Southwestern Ontario. The County serves a vibrant, growing community of 78,000 people and offers a great place to call home, offering exceptional lifestyle, a wide variety of local attractions, and wonderful sense of community.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Middlesex County Media Relations
Legislative Services Division
@email
