Ontario has the highest GDP of any province or territory, yet the Ontario Government spends the least on serving its people. The root cause of Ontario’s homelessness crisis is decades of provincial neglect and underinvestment.
#ONBudget2023
Homelessness is a crisis in every part of Ontario. In today’s
@globeandmail
, AMO and our partners are calling on
@fordnation
and the Ontario Government to acknowledge the crisis, commit to ending homelessness, and work with us on a plan to make it happen.
The Economic Outook commits to protect Ontario’s double hatter firefighters, once and for all. This is welcome news after years of relentless advocacy. We are hopeful that new legislation will allow double hatters to continue to serve their communities as dedicated volunteers.
Six past AMO Presidents. We know how much effort goes into serving in this role. On behalf of hundreds of municipalities and communities, we appreciate all that you have done. Thank you!
#AMO2022
Green Party leader
@MikeSchreiner
says Queens Park needs to tone down partisan rhetoric and take a page a page from municipal councils: find solutions together where possible, and disagree well. Says climate change demands this approach. We need to lead together.
Keynote speaker, the Hon. Catherine McKenna, speaks to the crowd about the impacts of climate change, and setting realistic goals to move toward cleaner air, water, cities and a net-zero economy.
#AMO2023
Municipal clerks tend to be a thorough and detail-oriented bunch, who are calm under pressure. They delivered 417 separate elections this week, and about 50 had to adapt to the
@dominionvoting
challenge. We wish all clerks and staff a nice, quiet weekend.
That's a wrap on
#AMOConf19
. Thank you to all who participated as presenters, speakers, delegates, and of course, our dedicated staff who make it all happen. Safe travels back home. We'll see you next year back in
#Ottawa
.
Thrilled with additional $820m for federal gas tax fund. Every municipality in ON will receive more than their anticipated allocation. It will make this construction season even more meaningful with improvements to bridges, roads, water systems and more.
@AMOPolicy
#budget2019
Green Party Leader
@MikeSchreiner
concludes by focussing on social services, health, community care and addiction support. He would increase investment in all of them, and he says it would save money in the long term.
#AMO2022
A big thanks to the many frontline municipal staff who are working working 24/7 to get us through this pre-holiday storm. We wish you and your families a happy and safe holiday season.
#ONStorm
Schreiner calls for Greenbelt protection and the repeal of Bill 23. Says municipalities need a better partner, and a better approach to building housing. 'Not billion dollar highways to million dollar homes.'
#AMO2023
Today we paid tribute to AMO's Executive Director Pat Vanini for her many years of service to the municipal community. Thank you, Pat, and Happy Retirement. Video here:
It's different. We would LOVE to meet in
@ottawacity
, but we are thrilled just to meet again. The AMO Conference has never been needed more than it is right now.
#AMOConf20
#onmuni
#onpoli
No in-year cuts to public health, child care and ambulance services welcomed relief. AMO had asked to sit with province and look at how to problem solve together; glad we will have that opportunity.
#onpoli
AMO President
@LynnDollin
inspires three rounds of applause when she calls on the new government to protect Ontario’s double hatter firefighters, once and for all.
#AMOCONF18
There are some 8,800 paramedics serving Ontario's communities through the
#COVID19
crisis, taking precautions to protect patients, themselves and the public while responding on scene. Do your part and please stay home. It saves lives.
#StayHome
This week we celebrate Local Government Week and thank municipal workers across Ontario for their dedication throughout the
#COVID19
pandemic. Here's a video message from AMO President Graydon Smith
@GraydonTheMayor
.
#LocalGovWeek
Municipal Clerks rarely seek the spotlight, but for the past month they have been working late and solving one challenge after another to make sure municipal business continues. Much of that work is vital to Ontario’s health, safety and economic recovery.
#ThankYou
@AMCTO_Policy
Welcome to municipal delegates and staff assembling here in
@ottawacity
for the next few days. We're thrilled to finally be seeing our colleagues and friends face-to-face. We're ready for you.
#AMO2022
Tributes are pouring in for former Mississauga Mayor Hazel McCallion. Hazel was a tireless champion for her city, and for municipalities across Ontario. She once said she will always be part of AMO, and she will. Condolences to her family, and her many friends and colleagues.
AMO wants to thank a small army of
#Ottawa
volunteers who have worked with dozens of AMO staff to make the
#AMOConf19
possible. Staff at the Shaw Centre and Westin also take great care of us. You all make us feel at home. Thank You!
@ottawacity
@JimWatsonOttawa
Municipal staff have been working long hours to assist the
#COVID19
response. We thank them for their dedication to keeping people safe. For the most up-to-date information on the coronavirus, follow the advice from
@ONgov
and
@GovCanHealth
, and your local public health units.
NDP Leader
@MaritStiles
supports AMO’s call for a Social and Economic Prosperity Review. Calls for a “new deal. She would build affordable housing, dedicate a ministry to homelessness, address opioid addiction — and fund transit, ambulance services, public health and highways.
Our water is running and our toilets are flushing because water and wastewater treatment employees are working though COVID-19 to provide this essential service.
That’s a wrap! Thank you to
@CityofLdnOnt
for hosting us, and to the more than 2,000 delegates who joined us for this incredible event. Please drive safely, and we’ll see you in 2024.
@ottawacity
- we’re coming for you!
Green Party Leader
@MikeSchreiner
addresses the
#AMO2023
Conference. He thanks municipal leaders. Says we need strong communities, not strong mayor powers. "Democracy matters."
Welcoming remarks this morning included Mary Lou Smoke of Ojibway Nation from Batchawana, Lake Superior, and Dan Smoke of Six Nations Grand River, leading the crowd in a traditional Indigenous song, Water Song.
And just like that,
#AMO2024
has come & gone.
@ottawacity
graciously hosted more than 3300 participants for four days of learning, networking and important meetings and discussions. From us to you - thank you. Safe travels home, & see you at
#AMO2025
.
This morning,
#AMO2023
welcomed the Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, who had a fascinating discussion about the importance of women in democracy with the First Lady of Iceland,
@elizajreid
. We’ll hear from Her Honour again this morning in plenary.
On now: the Women’s Leadership Forum on the main stage at
#AMO2023
with
@cathmckenna
, Chi Nguyen, ED of Equal Voice, & Cora McGuire-Cyrette, CEO of Ontario Native Women’s Association.
NDP Leader Stiles says we don't need to build in the Greenbelt. Says luxury housing benefits a wealthy few. Says it's backward to blame municipal governments, because provincial and federal governments need to step up to support construction of needed housing and infrastructure.
Good morning Ontario, from the AMO Conference in
#Ottawa
. Every year we leave a key topic for our final, Wed. morning session. This year, it is
#housing
affordability and supply.
#onpoli
#AMOConf19
Minister
@SteveClarkPC
gets healthy applause for a promise to reduce reporting and costly bureaucratic demands that the Ontario government places on municipal government.
#AMOConf2018
And here’s the view for our Conference production team.
#AMOConf20
This team is supported by about 30 other AMO staff and suppliers who are working from home to register delegates, assist presenters, answer questions, run concurrents, manage media relations and deliver this feed.
Ontario is coming together at
#AMO2021
. While we wish we could see you in person,
@CityofLdnOnt
is making the virtual Conference feel just like home. Join us online, August 16 – 18. See you there.
AMO ELECTION RESULTS: 2020 AMO Conference delegates have elected Graydon Smith, Mayor of Bracebridge, to serve as AMO President for a two year term. Election results for further Board positions will be posted on AMO's website.
#AMOConf
What are double-hatter firefighters? And why are municipal leaders calling on the Ontario Government to protect them, once and for all? The need explained in 90 seconds:
#AMOConf18
The Presidents (spirits?) of AMO Conferences: past, present and future. Together in
#Ottawa
for
#AMOConf18
, where
#Ontario
communities come together, work together, and move Ontario forward.
People are asking about possible changes to ambulance services. This is what we know now: the Ontario Government has committed to work with AMO, municipal gov’ts & stakeholders as it looks at ambulance & public health services. Ontarians are best served when we all work together.
Good choice by Minister Elliott. Jim Pine has made a career of finding practical solutions and getting many governments together to deliver positive results. AMO looks forward to working with Jim and
@ONGov
to ensure Ontario gets this right.
#onpoli
Production of the 2020 AMO Conference is in full swing! It will be Canada’s biggest gathering of leaders since the pandemic began. Catch more than 40 speakers and sessions from the comfort and safety of your home (Aug. 17-19). Program and Registration:
People expect the province and municipalities to work together. Today’s announcement is an important step in the right direction. When we work together to meet shared goals, we can deliver better services for people, and respect for taxpayers.
#onpoli
#onmuni
#AMOFPF
AMO's President Jamie McGarvey addresses AMO delegates: "For more than 120 years, AMO has provided a place for governments – municipal, provincial and federal – to come together, to work together, and to achieve progress together. AMO’s purpose has never been more clear."
Let's all take a moment to celebrate
@TVO
. You helped raise us. You inspired us. You encouraged us to explore, to question, and to think about what's possible. You encouraged us all to lead. Here's to 50 more years of doing all that you do for Ontario!
#AMOConf20
Minister of Health says municipalities will get a 4% funding increase in 2020 for paramedic services. Province will make improvements to dispatch [a long-time AMO priority].
AMO President
@GraydonTheMayor
joined Minister
@SteveClarkPC
to announce the 2nd phase of Safe Restart funding. It ensures Ontario municipalities can maintain vital services in 2021 and support investments essential to economic recovery.
#onmuni
#onpoli
Ontario announces $200 Million in New Funding To Support Municipalities, Food Banks, Homeless Shelters and Individuals. More details to come from our policy team later today. See:
#COVID19
.
@SteveClarkPC
has announced next steps on the Regional Government Review – support is available for municipal governments to make changes, but participation will be voluntary. We welcome this partnership approach.
#onmuni
#onpoli
#AMOFPF
.
@ONEnvironment
announcement today finalizes the transition of the Blue Box from municipal taxpayers to those who create the packaging and products that fill recycling bins – spurring innovation and protecting our environment.
#onmuni
#onpoli
@JeffYurekMPP
Municipal staff have been working long hours to assist the
#COVID19
response. We thank them for their dedication to keeping people safe. For the most up-to-date information on the coronavirus, follow the advice from
@ONgov
and
@GovCanHealth
, and your local public health units.
Green Party's
@MikeSchreiner
says Ontario should increase funding for public health, housing and social services. Encourages shift toward transit, greener technologies. Wants a more caring Ontario. Cites need for senior care and a safe return to schools.
#AMOConf20
New federal Ministry of Rural Economic Development is welcome news! Almost 2/3 of Ontario municipalities have less than 10,000 residents - they need broadband access now to grow and thrive. AMO &
@ROMA_Ont
ready to chat, Minister
@BernJordanMP
.
#cdnpoli
Rural communities need access to fast, reliable and affordable broadband to participate in today’s economy. Dedicated investment in
#broadband
and cellular networks is welcome news.
@ONinfra
We're so looking forward to seeing everyone arrive this weekend in
@CityofLdnOnt
for
#AMO2023
. If you haven't already, check out the great agenda planned for the conference:
Our guide to running for municipal office is now available on AMO’s e-learning portal. Formerly a webinar, this booklet includes key steps for running, expert advice, and a feel for life on municipal council – with links to important resources.
Ontario’s municipalities outspend the provincial government by almost $4 billion each year on provincial responsibilities such as housing, health and social services. AMO is calling on the province to work with us on a new fiscal partnership. Learn more:
.
@fordnation
and the Ontario Government have the tools, resources, and capacity to end the homelessness crisis in our province. AMO, and partners in the social, health, education, business, labour and justice sectors and ready to help them succeed.
We believe young people should play a bigger role in municipal governments. Our Youth Engagement Strategy sets out how we’re helping to make that happen.
#LocalGovWeek
Municipal governments cannot continue to deliver municipal services, as they have throughout the pandemic, without provincial and federal assistance. Municipal services and investments are vital to keep communities safe, and to achieve economic recovery. Time is running out.
Back at it shortly for Day Two of the virtual AMO Conference. While we all miss meeting in person, you can brush your teeth in the middle of the program, or grab a coffee from your favourite mug. Also, there’s no wait for an elevator. No socks. So many silver linings.
#AMOConf20
AMO welcomes additional
@ONMunicipal
investment of $500 million to help offset the impact of COVID-19 on 2021 municipal budgets across Ontario. Along with previous commitments, it ensures we can maintain vital services and capital investments.
#onpoli
Municipal governments deliver critical services - clean water, good roads and safe communities. These services matter to Ontarians, and so should voting in local elections.
#Municipal
election day is Monday Oct. 22. Get out and
#vote
!
Good morning Ontario. AMO is excited to present
#AMO2021
, live and virtual, from our host city
#ldnont
! We will live tweet aspects of the conference and its three day program.
#onpoli
A big thank you to everyone who stepped up to serve their community by running for municipal office - win or lose, strong local democracy depends on your participation.
#ONelection
#WeAllWin
Municipalities are playing a key role in COVID-19 response, management and recovery. This legislation would ensure municipal councils can continue to conduct the important business of municipal government and maintain the local and regional services Ontarians rely on most.
Today, the government passed the Municipal Emergency Act, 2020 to help keep store shelves stocked and give municipalities the ability to fully conduct council, local board and committee meetings electronically during local and province-wide emergencies.
NDP leader
@MaritStiles
addresses
#AMO2024
AMO Conference delegates. Starts by thanking municipal leaders for their service. She says women need to feel welcome in office. Needs to be a respectful, civil environment.
Thanks to Minister
@JeffYurekMPP
and
@DavidLLindsay1
for helping reach consensus between municipalities, industry and service providers to build a stronger and better Blue Box system. It’s good for the economy and it’s good for the environment.
#onmuni
#onpoli
@GraydontheMayor
At today's AMO Conference, Premier Ford
@fordnation
confirmed the Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund will remain unchanged at $500million for 2021. This is critically important funding for 389 municipalities that rely on it to make ends meet.
#AMOConf20
#onmuni
#onpoli
On
#InternationalWomensDay
we pay tribute to the many women across Ontario who help lead and shape their communities.
#WeAllWin
when we have diverse perspectives at the table. Learn more about these trailblazers:
#BreakTheBias
AMO is pleased to host our first Women in Leadership Forum, featuring extraordinary leaders, moderated by a leader in Canadian media. It will explore their insights and perspectives.
@lraitt
@BakerJaniceM
@g_avahill
@nora3000