In The Riding: January 27th
Three days, over 1,500 attendees, more than 320 delegation meetings and lots of Ministers and Associate Ministers involved.
It was all part of this week at the 2023 ROMA conference in Toronto as we continue to work with partners in Thunder Bay-Atikokan on a number of areas, including promoting rural municipalities as great places to live, work and do business.
I had great conversations with the representatives from the City of Thunder Bay, which included Mayor Ken Boshcoff, At Large Councillor Shelby Ch’ng and Westfort Councillor Kristen Oliver.
In Northern Ontario the issues include:
- Strengthening Health Services
- Tackling Homelessness
- Increasing Housing Development
- Mental Health and Addictions
- Boosting Economic Prosperity
A big thank you to the Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM) and the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association (NOMA) for meeting with myself as well as the following Cabinet Members:
- Minister Greg Rickford (Northern Development and Indigenous Affairs)
- Minister Sylvia Jones (Health)
- Minister Merrilee Fullerton (Children, Community and Social Development)
- Minister Caroline Mulroney (Transportation)
- Minister Graydon Smith (Natural Resources and Forestry)
- Attorney General Doug Downey
- Parliamentary Assistant to the Attorney General Brian Saunderson
- Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Health Dawn Gallagher Murphy
- Associate Minister of Housing Michael Parsa
- Associate Minister of Transportation Stan Cho
I understand that we have unique challenges in the North, but with those challenges come solutions.
We need to recognize that the circumstances here are different than in southern parts of the province, and it’s my job to advocate on behalf of our community to make sure that what we need here is understood.
Standing alongside PA Saunderson, Shuniah Councillor Meghan Chomut, Attoney General Downey, Greenstone Councillor Elaine Mannisto, CAO Bill Bradica (District of Thunder Bay Social Services Administration Board), Thunder Bay Mayor Boshcoff and his Policy Advisor Larry Joy
Pleased to meet with officials from the District of Sault Ste Marie Social Services Administration Board (DSSMSSAB) alongside Associate Minister Parsa. Chair Luke Dufour and Director Lisa Vezeau-Allen are in the middle
With Oliver Paipoonge Councillor Bernie Kamphof, Minister Jones, Oliver Paipoonge Mayor Lucy Kloosterhuis and PA Murphy
Pictured with Red Lake Mayor Fred Mota (left) and Councillor Janet Hager
Building All of Ontario
I was happy to see Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, announce more than $936 million to municipal service managers and Indigenous program administrators.
This includes an increase of over $23 million in funding under the Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit for women and children fleeing violence.
Our government is also extending the deadline for 220+ municipal modernization projects and launching a new intake of the Rural Economic Development program.
Mental Health
Just know that you are never alone and ask for help if you need it.
Thunder Bay Counselling provides a safe and judgment free place for you to work through mental health issues.
There are six programs within St. Joseph’s Care Group and Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre that offer a variety of case management and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
A Reminder
How To Reach My Office
Make sure you keep up with me on my social media platforms, including Tik Tok!