Grey County delegates return from successful AMO Conference

Grey County delegates are back home following a successful Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) conference in Ottawa last week. Warden Andrea Matrosovs, several Grey County councillors, and senior staff attended the multi-day event, which included educational programming and opportunities to meet with provincial government representatives to discuss issues impacting the region.

“The AMO conference is a valuable opportunity for municipal leaders to come together, share ideas, and learn about best practices that we can apply in our own communities,” said Grey County Warden Andrea Matrosovs. “It’s also a chance to bring our local priorities directly to the Province. I’m very pleased that all our delegation requests were granted this year and that Ministers and their staff were engaged, interested, and really listening.”

Streamlining community paramedicine

Grey County’s first delegation was with the Honourable Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier of Ontario and Minister of Health, joined by Bruce County Warden Luke Charbonneau. Delegates discussed community paramedicine funding and reporting. The delegation noted recent increases in permanent funding support and the significant stability that this helps to bring to vital community paramedicine programs. The delegation asked that the Minister consider ensuring that these funding programs see inflationary support over successive years.

Funding for community paramedicine comes from the Ministry of Long-Term Care and from agencies of the Ministry of Health. Each stream comes with distinct reporting requirements and processes. The delegation raised concerns about the duplication of reporting requirements to both the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Long-Term Care.

“Our meeting with Minister Jones was very productive and a strong start to our delegations,” said Warden Matrosovs. “When discussing duplicate reporting, the Minister immediately noted it sounded like red tape. I’m hopeful this will be reviewed.”

Supporting sustainable staffing and capital investment in Long-Term Care

The second delegation was with the Honourable Natalia Kusendova-Bashta, Minister of Long-Term Care. Discussions included the long wait times for vulnerable sector screenings, the continuation of resident support personnel alongside PSWs, and an update on the Rockwood Terrace redevelopment project. Delegates also requested clarity on whether projects already underway will be eligible for the new funding model announced in the 2025 provincial budget.

“Our groundbreaking at Rockwood Terrace last summer was Minister Kusendova-Bashta’s first as Minister. It was great to provide her with a progress update while also advocating for solutions to challenges in long-term care,” said Warden Matrosovs.

Advocating for Georgian College’s importance to Grey County and wider region

Grey County was joined by Georgian College Owen Sound Campus Executive Director Dave Shorey and Owen Sound Councillor Melanie Middleboro as they delegated to the Honourable Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security. The discussion focused on the financial pressures facing small rural campuses, including multi-year tuition freezes and declining international student enrollment. Delegates advocated for sustainable funding and investments in colleges as essential rural infrastructure.

“Ontario colleges are facing a financial crisis. Without stabilization funding and structural reform, campuses are at risk. Fewer local training opportunities mean fewer skilled workers, and that directly impacts our businesses and economy,” said Warden Matrosovs.

Sustainable support for small businesses

Grey County advocated for a return to long-term funding for Small Business Enterprise Centres with the Honourable Nina Tangri, Associate Minister of Small Business, in its last delegation to the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. Grey County is home to more than 13,000 businesses, 99% of which are small businesses, and the Grey County Business Enterprise Centre supports hundreds of entrepreneurs each year.

“Small businesses are the engine of our economy. Long-term funding for our Business Enterprise Centre ensures we can continue providing the tools and services that help local businesses start, grow, and succeed,” said Warden Matrosovs.

Supporting advocacy at all levels

In addition to Grey County delegations, Warden Matrosovs also participated in meetings with local municipalities, the Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus, the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative, and in her capacity as Mayor of the Town of the Blue Mountains. Members of the Grey County team participated in a number of other local delegations in areas such as local access to primary care physicians and family practitioners, seeking to reduce red tape, and with the Ministry of Transportation in respect to public transit and the Owen Sound harbour.

All Grey County delegations were supported by Bruce–Grey–Owen Sound MPP Paul Vickers.

“Thank you to MPP Vickers for joining us at every meeting. His support in representing the voices of Grey County was greatly appreciated,” said Matrosovs.

AMO represents Ontario’s 444 municipalities, working together to achieve shared goals and address common challenges. Through policy development, cost-saving programs, conferences, and training, AMO provides municipal leaders with tools to succeed and maximize value for taxpayers. Learn more at amo.on.ca/.

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For media inquiries, contact communications [at] grey.ca (communications[at]grey[dot]ca) or call 519-370-7064. 

Photo: Randy Scherzer, Grey County CAO; Niall Lobley, Grey County Deputy CAO; Brian Milne, Grey County Deputy Warden; Savanna Myers, Grey County Director of Economic Development, Tourism, and Culture; Andrea Matrosovs, Grey County Warden; the Honourable Nina Tangri, Associate Minister of Small Business; Paul Vickers, MPP Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound; Stéphane Sarrazin, Parliamentary Assistant to the Associate Minister of Small Business