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During the 2026 Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) Conference in Toronto this week Renfrew County Warden Jennifer Murphy had a chance to advocate for a number of County of Renfrew priorities during discussions with Members of Provincial Parliament including Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming Billy Denault (left) and Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Rob Flack.
RELEASE DATE:
January 21, 2026
Representatives from the County of Renfrew met with several Members of Provincial Parliament during the 2026 Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) Conference to discuss and advocate for issues and challenges faced by rural municipalities in Ontario.
Held in Toronto from January 18-20, the theme of this year’s conference was ROMA 2026: Ontario’s Rural Leaders Conference with a focus on unique challenges faced by rural municipalities. It provided an opportunity for municipal and provincial officials to connect to discuss these challenges and work towards meaningful solutions.
The gathering also provided valuable opportunities for rural‑focused education, expert-led panels, keynote sessions, and engagement with key municipal sector partners, all addressing the day‑to‑day realities faced by local municipal leaders.
Aside from taking in the keynote address by political columnist Chantal Hébert, remarks from Ontario Premier Doug Ford and several other provincial ministers and opposition party leaders, the ROMA Conference offered municipal officials from the County of Renfrew the chance to foster partnerships and relationships across the sector, and advocate for change.
The County of Renfrew was fortunate to take part in several delegation meetings:
- Ministry of Energy & Mines – Associate Minister Sam Oosterhoff: Advocating for support to advance local biomass projects, grid upgrades, and economic development tied to Whitewater Region’s magnesium mine.
- Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming – Minister Stan Cho: Highlighting the need for stable, equitable tourism funding and MAT reforms to support rural operators and economic development.
- Ministry of Education – Parliamentary Assistant Jess Dixon: Addressing growing child-care needs driven by population growth and incoming military personnel, calling for expanded investment in spaces and programs.
- Ministry of Health – Parliamentary Assistant John Jordan: Requesting expansion of the Learn and Stay Grant to include paramedic programs, funding for the Mesa Initiative, and movement toward paramedic self‑regulation.
- Ministry of Long-Term Care – Minister Natalia Kusendova-Bashta: Seeking permanent and expanded funding for the Community Paramedic Long-Term Care Program to support seniors aging in place.
- Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade – Parliamentary Assistant Stéphane Sarrazin: Emphasizing the need for enhanced, stable funding for the Small Business Enterprise Centre Network (Enterprise Renfrew County) to better support local entrepreneurs.
- Ministry of Natural Resources – Associate Minister Kevin Holland: Discussing forestry sector priorities and regional economic opportunities in terms of local biomass projects.
- Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness – Minister Trevor Jones: Discussing abattoir capacity, guardian dog legislation, deadstock capacity and other barriers to growth within the agriculture sector in Renfrew County.
Renfrew County Warden Jennifer Murphy called the ROMA Conference an invaluable opportunity for Renfrew County and she is encouraged by the conversations which occurred.
“These meetings allow us to speak directly with provincial leaders about the realities our communities face and the innovative solutions we are advancing locally. I am incredibly proud of how County Council and our staff work together to present clear, united messages that reflect the needs of our residents,” she said. “Delegation sessions give us the chance to advocate for fair access to services, strategic investment, and the partnerships that keep our County strong. I look forward to continuing this work in the weeks ahead as we champion made‑in‑Renfrew County approaches that truly support our communities.”
County officials had the opportunity to join other municipal delegations to show support for their requests to various provincial ministries.
As part of the ROMA Tradeshow there was a MESA booth featuring front-line staff who shared successes of the collaborative approach to compassionate care in the community to address the root causes of homelessness, substance use and addictions and mental health. While this model started in Renfrew County and it is now being duplicated in communities around the province.
The Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) is the rural voice of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO). The Association is an integral part of AMO and several of its Executive Members serve on the AMO Board of Directors. Policy, research and advocacy activities are undertaken by ROMA through AMO. ROMA represents rural communities through its policy and advocacy.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Craig Kelley Chief Administrative Officer 613-735-7288
Tina Peplinskie Media Relations Coordinator 613-735-7288
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