This week, at the 2026 Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) Conference in Toronto, Renfrew County Warden Jennifer Murphy had the opportunity to promote several priorities for the County of Renfrew 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
County representatives engaged with various Members of Provincial Parliament during the conference to discuss and advocate for issues and challenges that rural municipalities face in Ontario.
The conference took place in Toronto from January 18-20 under the theme ROMA 2026: Ontario’s Rural Leaders Conference. It focused on the unique challenges faced by rural municipalities and provided a platform for municipal and provincial officials to connect, discuss these issues, and work towards meaningful solutions.
This event also offered valuable opportunities for education centered on rural topics, expert-led panels, keynote sessions, and interactions with key partners in the municipal sector-all addressing everyday realities faced by local leaders.
Apart from attending the keynote address by political ist Chantal Hébert and listening to remarks from Ontario Premier Doug Ford along with other provincial ministers and opposition leaders, the ROMA Conference gave Renfrew County’s municipal officials a chance to build partnerships across sectors while advocating for necessary changes.
The County of Renfrew participated in several delegation meetings:
Ministry of Energy & Mines – Associate Minister Sam Oosterhoff: Advocating for support to move forward on local biomass projects, grid upgrades, and economic development linked to Whitewater Region’s magnesium mine. Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming – Minister Stan Cho: Emphasizing the need for stable tourism funding and MAT reforms that can help rural operators as well as boost economic development. Ministry of Education – Parliamentary Assistant Jess Dixon: Addressing rising child-care demands driven by population growth alongside incoming military personnel while calling for more investment in spaces and programs. Ministry of Health – Parliamentary Assistant John Jordan: Requesting an expansion of the Learn and Stay Grant to cover paramedic programs along with funding for the Mesa Initiative plus efforts toward paramedic self‑regulation. Ministry of Long-Term Care – Minister Natalia Kusendova-Bashta: Seeking ongoing funding increases for the Community Paramedic Long-Term Care Program aimed at supporting seniors aging at home. Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade – Parliamentary Assistant Stéphane Sarrazin: Highlighting a need for enhanced consistent funding for the Small Business Enterprise Centre Network (Enterprise Renfrew County) to better assist local entrepreneurs. Ministry of Natural Resources – Associate Minister Kevin Holland: Discussing priorities within forestry sectors as well as regional economic opportunities related to local biomass projects. Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness – Minister Trevor Jones: Deliberating over abattoir capacity issues along with guardian dog legislation requirements concerning deadstock capacity among other growth barriers impacting agriculture in Renfrew County.
Renfrew County Warden Jennifer Murphy described attending ROMA Conference as an invaluable experience that encouraged positive conversations about important matters.
“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 a chance to advocate for fair access to services, strategic investment, and partnerships that keep our County strong. I look forward to continuing this work in upcoming weeks as we push forward made‑in‑Renfrew County approaches that truly support our communities.”
County officials were able join forces with other municipal delegations showing their support towards requests directed at different provincial ministries.
At the ROMA Tradeshow there was a MESA booth featuring front-line staff who shared successes stemming from collaborative care efforts aimed at tackling root causes behind homelessness along with substance use issues plus mental health challenges. This model originated in Renfrew County but is now being replicated elsewhere across Ontario.
The Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) serves as a voice representing rural interests under The Association of Municipalities Of Ontario (AMO). Being part integral part AMO allows several Executive Members involvement within its Board Of Directors while policy research advocacy activities occur through collaboration between both organizations representing rural communities overall through advocacy initiatives they undertake together.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Craig Kelley Chief Administrative Officer 613-735-7288
Tina Peplinskie Media Relations Coordinator 613-735-7288
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