FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – May 15, 2025
Ontario – The Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (EOWC) represents 103 municipalities throughout Eastern Ontario. On May 13, the EOWC held a historic Advocacy Day at Queen’s Park, successfully uniting municipal leaders with Premier Doug Ford, Cabinet Ministers, and Members of Provincial Parliament in order to advance shared priorities.
The EOWC championed three regional priorities:
• strengthening economic resilience in the face of tariffs and global uncertainty;
• streamlining investment in municipal infrastructure; and
• accelerating housing development.
EOWC leaders presented data on Eastern Ontario’s economic drivers and top business sectors. The EOWC outlined ways municipalities have supported the Premier’s commitment to “Protect Ontario” - demonstrating how Eastern Ontario is ready to partner to ensure Eastern Ontario remains open for business.
The Advocacy Day highlighted the importance of provincial-municipal collaboration in building stronger, more resilient communities. The impactful and expansive advocacy provided a platform for open dialogue and practical solutions to meet Ontario’s growth and infrastructure needs.
“This was a milestone moment for the EOWC,” stated EOWC Chair Bonnie Clark. “We came to Queen’s Park with clear priorities, strong regional alignment, and a willingness to work with the Province. We thank Premier Ford and his Cabinet for engaging directly with us. Our Caucus is ready and willing to work together to deliver housing, infrastructure and economic growth throughout our communities.”
The EOWC was hosted by Premier Doug Ford as part of a multi-ministers' meeting, underscoring the importance of Eastern Ontario's voice in provincial decision-making.
In addition to the Premier, the meeting included a broad delegation of provincial leaders: Ministers Rob Flack (Municipal Affairs and Housing), Vic Fedeli (Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade), David Piccini (Labour, Immigration, Training, and Skills Development), Nolan Quinn (Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence, and Security), and Graydon Smith (Associate Minister for Municipal Affairs and Housing); Parliamentary Assistants and Eastern Ontario MPPs: Matthew Rae, Steve Clark, Stéphane Sarrazin, Dave Smith, Tyler Allsop, John Jordan, and Billy Denault.
Momentum continued throughout the day with further meetings including Minister Jill Dunlop (Emergency Preparedness and Response), Minister Kinga Surma (Minister of Infrastructure), MPP Ted Hsu, MPP Mike Schreiner (Leader of the Ontario Green Party), and representatives from the offices of Ministers Peter Bethlenfalvy (Finance) and Neil Lumsden (Sport).
The advocacy day also featured a well-attended breakfast reception, where provincial officials and staff engaged and learned more about the Caucus’ key priorities and opportunities.
The EOWC also extends sincere thanks to its valued business and community partners—Charlotte Products Ltd., Heat-Line, Cavanagh Concrete / Cavanagh Communities, Freymond Lumber Limited, the Eastern Ontario Regional Network, and the Eastern Ontario Leadership Council – organizations that reflect the region’s innovation and economic strength.
About the EOWC
The Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (EOWC Inc.) is a non-profit organization representing 103 small-urban and rural municipalities across Eastern Ontario. Spanning 50,000 square kilometres and serving over 1.1 million residents, the EOWC has been a united regional voice for more than 20 years. It advocates for municipal priorities and collaborates with all orders of government, businesses, non-profits, Indigenous leaders, the media, and the public to drive positive change for Eastern Ontario.
For more information, please contact the EOWC:
Bonnie Clark, Chair (Warden of Peterborough County)
Steve Ferguson, Vice-Chair (Mayor of Prince Edward County)
Meredith Staveley-Watson, Director of Government Relations and Policy, EOWC
