MAYOR MEED WARD’S TAKE: We are committed to building strong partnerships with all levels of government to deliver for our constituents. Thank you to the party leaders for joining us at our virtual OBCM meeting today to talk about ways to work with municipalities.
• • •
*Please see below a statement issued by the Ontario’s Big City Mayors (OBCM) caucus.
May 6, 2022 — Ontario’s Big City Mayors (OBCM) welcomed four Provincial Party Leaders to Friday’s meeting to discuss key municipal priorities. OBCM was joined by Ontario Progressive Conservative Party Leader Doug Ford, Ontario NDP leader Andrea Horwath, Ontario Liberal Party leader Steven Del Duca, and Ontario Green Party leader Mike Schreiner. With the provincial election upon us, communities across Ontario remain concerned about housing affordability, cost of living and mental health. It is essential that the province and municipalities continue to work together to ensure all Ontarians have a safe, affordable place to live and receive the support they need.
“OBCM would like to thank all party leaders for joining us today. We appreciate all the leaders’ willingness to engage and discuss their parties ongoing plans to support the municipalities across the province.” — Guelph Mayor Cam Guthrie, Chair of Ontario’s Big City Mayors
The Mayors highlighted how recovery and renewal for municipalities must be priority for all parties this election. Municipalities deliver vital local services and have been at the forefront of supporting local communities throughout the pandemic. Provincial support is essential to ensuring Ontarians continue to receive the day-to-day services they depend on, including mental health and addiction supports.
Housing is a top priority for Ontarians this election. OBCM believes that a collaborative approach is critical to solving the Ontario’s housing supply and affordability crisis; one that includes all orders of government. The upcoming election is an exciting opportunity for municipal and provincial leaders to come together to discuss tackling the housing affordability crisis. OBCM is eager to identify new thoughtful solutions for both market and public housing needs to support Ontario municipalities.
“We look forward to continuing our partnership with Ontario’s next government to support the housing needs of our communities. We are eager to identify new thoughtful solutions for both market and public housing needs to support Ontario municipalities.” — Guelph Mayor Cam Guthrie, Chair of Ontario’s Big City Mayors
OBCM looks forward to continuing the conversation on the role municipalities play with the provincial government. Together, we will stay committed to crafting solutions and working together for a stronger, more affordable Ontario.
About Ontario’s Big City Mayors
Ontario’s Big City Mayors (OBCM), formerly known as the Large Urban Mayors’ Caucus of Ontario, includes mayors of 29 single and lower-tier cities with a population of 100,000 or more, who collectively represent nearly 70 per cent of Ontario’s population. OBCM advocates for issues and policies important to Ontario’s largest cities.
—
*Posted by John Bkila, Mayor’s Media and Digital Communications Specialist
