FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – November 21, 2023
WOWC Meets with Provincial Representatives at Queen’s Park
Southwestern Ontario –Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (WOWC) Chair, Glen McNeil, participated in a series of meetings at Queen’s Park with Provincial Ministers and Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs) on Monday, November 20th to advance discussions on critical issues affecting small and rural municipalities in Southwestern Ontario.
Chair McNeil met with the Hon. Michael Tibollo, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, to express gratitude for his commitment and dedication to improve health outcomes for the most vulnerable. The meeting focused on mental health supports in rural Western Ontario and explored best practice models.
“Minister Tibollo, is a strong advocate in ensuring that there are wrap around supports in our rural communities, providing a strong continuum of care,” stated Chair Glen McNeil.
The WOWC was honoured to be a sponsor of the Economic Developers Council of Ontario (EDCO) networking reception, providing Chair McNeil with the opportunity to meet with Hon. Lisa Thompson, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and Hon. Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. Discussions included supporting rural Western Ontario in industry attraction, red tape reduction and working collaboratively on attracting a workforce to support communities.
Chair McNeil also met with John Peevers, Director, Community, Media Relations & Economic Development at Bruce Power.
These meetings underscore the vital role that regional MPPs play in amplifying advocacy efforts to champion these crucial issues at Queen’s Park.
By working collaboratively with provincial representatives, the Caucus aims to bring about lasting and impactful solutions to the challenges faced by small and rural municipalities in Southwestern Ontario.
“The WOWC continues to meet with Ministers and MPPs to showcase our unwavering dedication to collaborative action with government representatives in tackling critical issues for the region,” stated WOWC Chair Glen McNeil. “Through our combined efforts and ongoing advocacy, WOWC remains committed to working closely with our provincial counterparts 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.
Photos
From Left to Right
Hon. Michael Tibollo, Associate Minister Mental Health and Addictions;
Kate Burns Gallager, Executive Director WOWC;
Warden Glen McNeil Chair WOWC.
From Left to Right
Hon. Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade;
Warden Glen McNeil Chair WOWC.
From Left to Right
Warden Glen McNeil Chair WOWC;
Hon. Lisa Thompson, Minister of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs;
Mayor Jamie Heffer, Morris-Turnberry.
From Left to Right
John Peevers, Director, Community, Media Relations & Economic Development at Bruce Power;
Warden Glen McNeil Chair 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