South Huron Team in Action at AMO Conference

The South Huron delegation has had a productive week at the annual Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) conference. Delegation members included Mayor George Finch, Deputy Mayor Jim Dietrich, councillors Barb Willard and Ted Oke, CAO Dan Best and senior municipal staff.

The South Huron Team met with many provincial ministers and their senior staff during the conference, including a formal delegation meeting with the Honourable Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

“We had an open and honest conversation with Minister Clark about the tools we need in South Huron to generate attainable and affordable housing solutions,” said Mayor Finch. “Addressing the issue of affordable housing supply requires all levels of government to work together and I will not stop advocating for solutions that meet our needs. I am so proud of the leadership this Council has provided to move forward on affordable housing for all who need it in South Huron.”

The South Huron Team met with the Honourable Neil Lumsden, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport to explore tourism and heritage opportunities in South Huron, which acts as the gateway to Huron County for many visitors to our region.

South Huron delegates also met with MPP Robin Martin, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Health to discuss human health resource challenges at South Huron and Alexandra Marine and General hospitals.

“In spite of temporary emergency department closures elsewhere in our region, South Huron Hospital and Alexander Marine and General Hospital emergency departments have stayed open to support our fragile health system entirely due to the dedication and leadership of hospital administration and front-line staff,” added Mayor Finch. “I’d like to thank Huron County Warden Glen McNeil for his participation in South Huron’s delegation to share this message with the Ministry of Health.”

The AMO conference is held at a different location across the province each year. This year’s event was held in person at The Shaw Centre in Ottawa, August 14 – 17. The conference is an opportunity for municipal elected officials and senior staff to meet their provincial counterparts to discuss policy matters and solutions to emerging issues.