Rural Ontarians benefitting from expanded broadband access
Ottawa, ON – The Provincial and Territorial Ministers Responsible for Local Government held their annual meeting in Ottawa this week and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting local governments, collaborating on shared priorities, and building strong and vibrant communities.
The Ministers discussed key policy changes and innovations occurring in their respective jurisdictions to advance their shared priorities, including local governance, planning for climate change adaptation and associated local infrastructure, and increasing housing supply as well as local services to support growth.
“It was a pleasure to welcome my fellow Ministers responsible for Local Government to Ottawa,” said Steve Clark, Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing and 2022-23 Chair of the Provincial-Territorial Table of Ministers Responsible for Local Government. “This was an excellent opportunity for us to learn from each other, reflect on our experiences, and discuss best practices which will allow provinces and territories to advance key shared priorities, including increased housing supply.”
Ahmed Hussen, Federal Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion, attended part of the meeting at the invitation of PT ministers. The Provincial and Territorial Ministers reaffirmed their shared Principles Underlying Federal Government Initiatives Regarding Municipalities. These Principles include reinforcing the importance of predictable federal infrastructure funding. Ministers took the opportunity to remind their federal counterpart of the need for formal consultation and engagement with PTs on federal initiatives and programs that impact local governments.
“Provincial and territorial governments will continue to advocate on behalf of our local partners and work with the federal government to ensure we have the necessary resources and tools required to overcome any challenges,” said Minister Clark. The Provincial and Territorial Ministers also identified common priorities for the year ahead. These include climate change adaptation, addressing growth and sustainability and infrastructure funding.
The next Provincial and Territorial Ministers meeting will be held in June 2024 and chaired by Krista Lynn Howell, Newfoundland and Labrador’s Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs. “I look forward to welcoming colleagues to our province in June 2024 to discuss current and emerging priorities and our shared work to build strong, sustainable communities,” said Minister Howell.
* Alberta could not take a position in any decisions because of the current transitional period following its election; however, it was represented at this meeting as an observer.