FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – October 16, 2023
WOWC Leaders Meet with Federal and Provincial Representatives to Advance Regional Priorities
Southwestern Ontario – Members of the Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (WOWC) held a strategic session with Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs) on Friday, October 13th to advance discussions on critical issues impacting small and rural municipalities in Southwestern Ontario. The meeting served as a platform for the WOWC to advance its 2023-24 priorities, emphasizing the importance of meaningful collaboration with federal and provincial partners to effectively address regional challenges.
Through extensive research WOWC has identified three critical regional priorities for the upcoming year:
- Housing
- Workforce Development to Support Economic Growth
- Mental Health, Addictions, and Homelessness
The meeting included constructive discussion ranging from workforce and housing challenges to social services, health care improvements and the importance of investing in municipal services.
WOWC members underscored the vital role that regional MPs and MPPs play in amplifying advocacy efforts and called upon the representatives to champion these crucial issues on both Parliament Hill and at Queen’s Park.
By working collaboratively with federal and provincial representatives, the Caucus aims to bring about lasting and impactful solutions to these challenges faced by small and rural municipalities in Southwestern Ontario.
“Complex challenges call for unified solutions. Today’s meeting with local MPs and MPPs underscored WOWC’s unwavering dedication to collaborative action with government representatives in tackling these critical issues,” stated WOWC Chair Glen McNeil. “Through our combined efforts and ongoing advocacy, WOWC remains committed to working closely with both federal and provincial governments to address the challenges affecting our region’s small and rural communities and the residents living within them.”
To learn more about the WOWC’s priorities, research, and recommendations, please visit www.wowc.ca.
From Left to Right
Karen Vecchio MP Elgin Middlesex London;
Glen McNeil Chair WOWC;
Marilyn Gladu MP Sarnia-Lambton;
Dave Epp MP Chatham-Kent-Leamington;
Kate Burns Gallagher Executive Director WOWC
About
The Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (WOWC) is a not-for-profit organization representing 15 upper and single-tier municipalities in Southwestern Ontario, representing more than 1.5 million residents. The WOWC aims to enhance the prosperity and overall wellbeing of rural and small urban communities across the region. Caucus members work collectively to influence federal and provincial legislation and programs through advocacy, research, analysis and education. For more information, visit www.wowc.ca.
Media Contact
Kate Burns Gallagher, Executive Director
Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus
T: 519-495-6059 E: kate@wowc.ca