Commentary

From the Policy Desk – ROMA Conference 2025

January 24, 2025 | Suzanne Armstrong, Ph.D., Director of Policy & Research for the Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario

This year CFFO participated in the 2025 Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) Conference, hosted in Toronto. This brings together leadership from rural municipalities across the province to connect with government and other stakeholders on issues impacting rural communities. On Monday Jan. 20, speakers included Premier Doug Ford, Minister Rob Flack, Minister Paul Calandra, and Leader of the Opposition Marit Stiles.

Despite the importance of the issues close to home, much attention still turned south of the border. The potential impact of threatened tariffs was on everyone’s minds. As Premier Ford took the stage at 9 am, the mood of the crowd was on edge. The room burst into applause as he announced that Ontario would overtake New York. He quickly clarified that he meant Ontario’s population was set to overtake the size of New York. Nevertheless, all speakers built on that mood of pride in ourselves, be it as farmers, rural leaders, Ontarians, and Canadians, for the accomplishments and hard work put in day after day to make things better for those around us.

Not all the rhetoric was positive. Many challenges were brought forward as part of the conference’s advocacy work. Again and again, the burden municipalities face to address complex problems came through. Problems like homelessness and home affordability, access to primary health care, and infrastructure are beyond the capacity of municipalities alone. Energy continues to be a key focus, as it was last year. Both the IESO (Independent Electricity System Operator) and NWMO (Nuclear Waste Management Organization) took the stage to emphasize the role of rural municipalities in helping to meet future energy needs. With a continuing annual cycle of long-term procurements coming from the IESO, municipalities need to be prepared to handle reviews and approvals for new energy projects, which all require Municipal Support Resolutions in order to move forward.

Politicians and advocates alike were clearly preparing for the possibility of an election. This was another factor adding electricity to the air. Significant representation from the Ontario Cabinet came together on the stage Monday afternoon and took questions from the delegates. Challenging questions went especially to Minister of Finance, Peter Bethlenfalvy, and Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Paul Calandra. When the election comes, these questions will continue to drive the debates for local candidates. It is vital to keep rural issues at the forefront of the election conversations.

Thank you for reading, 
Suzanne Armstrong

Suzanne Armstrong is Director of Policy & Research for the Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario. The CFFO Commentary represents the opinions of the writer and does not necessarily represent CFFO policy.