ONTARIO (Picton) — Members of the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (EOWC) held a constructive meeting with their provincial counterparts on May 24, to discuss issues of interest for Eastern Ontario such as affordable housing, health care, emergency services, and financial impacts on municipal service delivery.
The meeting, co-hosted by EOWC Chair Andy Letham and MPP Todd Smith (also Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade), is an annual gathering of Provincial MPPs and the heads of Council from across the region.
“I would like to thank our Provincial MPPs for their presence and interest in our region’s growth and development,” stated Chair Letham. “The EOWC recognizes the Province’s support for our number-one priority, being the improvement and expansion of the cellular and mobile broadband networks in Eastern Ontario, and thanks our MPPs for their efforts in securing the Province’s $71-million contribution to the project.”
The meeting provided an opportunity for the EOWC to update the MPPs on its recent advocacy work, including submissions to the Province on red-tape reductions and regulatory burdens for affordable housing and long-term care. The Wardens also highlighted the impacts of the Province’s recent budget amendments on municipal service delivery, including paramedic services, child care, Ontario Works, and public health units.
“We realize that the Province of Ontario has set important efficiency goals for itself and for the municipal sector, in order to achieve specific financial targets in the coming years,” added Chair Letham. “The EOWC acknowledges the government’s intentions, and today we reiterated the value and importance of having our voices around the discussion table – namely, to provide a local perspective that is well-researched and well-respected.”
The Wardens asked for clarity on the Province’s current priorities, and specifically how the EOWC could contribute its unique insight on governance, structure and funding models.
“We need a voice to transition properly and budget appropriately over the next few years,” explained Warden Jennifer Murphy of the County of Renfrew. “Local municipal taxpayers are contributing to program and service delivery, and we look forward to working with the Province on achieving its goals while maintaining the quality of our services for the residents of rural Eastern Ontario.”
According to Improving Mobile Broadband Services in Eastern Ontario: The Business Case, the demand for mobile data is skyrocketing worldwide. By 2022, overall mobile data traffic is expected to increase sevenfold over 2017.
The report states telecommunications companies are unable to meet rural needs. There’s not enough revenue for companies to justify large capital investments to serve few customers over a large area. The result is market failure and without a creative solution, Eastern Ontario will be left behind.
The Canadian Radio, Television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has designated both mobile and fixed broadband access as a basic service for all Canadians.
