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Key topics include the economy, housing, and health care
The Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (EOWC) is urging provincial leaders to prioritize the region’s economy, infrastructure, housing, and health care in the February 27 Ontario election. Representing 103 rural and small urban municipalities, the caucus warns that U.S. tariffs threaten local businesses and calls for stronger support for buying Canadian-made products.
Municipal leaders say they need more provincial investment to fix aging roads and bridges, as the region’s infrastructure deficit exceeds $6 billion. They also want Ontario to fund capital investments and modernize homelessness-prevention programs to boost housing development.
On health care, the EOWC is asking for continued funding for community paramedicine programs, which have proven successful. The caucus is backing the Association of Municipalities of Ontario’s “Vote like your quality of life depends on it” campaign. Leaders say Eastern Ontario is ready for growth but needs provincial support to remain competitive and sustainable.