Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity, Charmaine Williams, actively participated in the Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) 2025 Conference, themed “Rural Routes,” held at the Sheraton Centre Hotel in Toronto.
During the conference, Minister Williams engaged in meaningful discussions with representatives from the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres, Sault Ste. Marie District Social Services Administration Board (DSSAB), and the Regional Municipality of Waterloo. These interactions provided valuable insights into the unique challenges and opportunities faced by rural and small-town communities across Ontario.
Minister Williams emphasized the importance of collaboration, stating, “Engaging in open dialogues with diverse stakeholders is essential for shaping effective policies that address the needs of our communities. The ROMA Conference offers a vital platform for such exchanges, fostering partnerships that drive meaningful progress.”
The ROMA 2025 Conference brought together over 1,600 municipal leaders and provincial officials to discuss pressing issues affecting rural Ontario. Key topics included fostering healthy local democracy, cyber security, community benefit agreements for energy and broadband projects, and managing municipal waste.
Notable speakers at the event included Ontario Premier Doug Ford, opposition leaders, and provincial ministers. Keynote addresses were delivered by political columnist Chantal Hébert and Jordan Simmons, Co-founder and CEO of Nominee, who discussed democracy and Canada’s path forward following the 2024 US election.
Minister Williams’ participation underscores the government’s commitment to engaging with rural communities and ensuring that their perspectives are integrated into provincial policy-making. By fostering open communication and collaboration, the government aims to support the social and economic development of all regions within Ontario.