The three-day #AMOConf20 has just wrapped up (Mon-Wed). This thread is a recap of some of the highlights.
The event was supposed to be held in Ottawa, but switched to an online conference due to COVID. The Region of Waterloo had numerous delegates who joined virtually... 1/
The event was supposed to be held in Ottawa, but switched to an online conference due to COVID. The Region of Waterloo had numerous delegates who joined virtually... 1/
...including Chair Karen Redman and the mayors of the Tri-Cities. Mayors Sandy Shantz (Woolwich) and Sue Foxton (North Dumfries) were the representatives from the region's townships. Wilmot sent a delegation for the first time in 2019, but not this year. 2/
On Day 1, Lital Marom, gave a keynote presentation - "Innovation, Disruption and Municipal Government".
"Maybe the leaders in the organization are extremely excited about technology, but the rest of the organization is afraid and overwhelmed, so they keep getting push back." 3/
"Maybe the leaders in the organization are extremely excited about technology, but the rest of the organization is afraid and overwhelmed, so they keep getting push back." 3/
Karen Redman ran for the AMO presidency, but lost out to Bracebridge's Mayor Graydon Smith. All attending delegates were eligible to vote. 4/
In her pre-recorded candidate's speech, Redman said: "My experience in Waterloo region where urban and rural communities work together is an important part of the leadership I believe AMO needs. Municipalities must continue to speak with one voice." 5/
Premier Doug Ford gave a speech. He praised municipalities and government ministers for their response to COVID-19. "We face a tough road ahead, but I feel very optimistic." 6/
In a breakout session, there was a Rural Caucus Meeting that discussed internet connectivity, which was a recurring theme over the three days. "How do we grow our economy, which is becoming more digital oriented, if there's no digital infrastructure to begin with?" 7/
Another session discussed changes to the province's recycling program: "From Concept to Reality - Transition to Full Producer Responsibility". Full details of the coming changes: amo.on.ca/AMO-Content/Ba… 8/
Day 2 included a Woman's Leadership Forum, featuring Lisa Raitt (Former MP), Ava Hill (Former Chief, Six Nations of the Grand River) & Janice Baker (Recently retired Mississauga City Manager) 9/
Raitt: "It's important for any leader to have that clear-eyed view of the fact that you are biased. You do have points of view that you're bringing that come from the institutions you've come from, how you were brought up, geographically where you were brought up." 10/
Raitt: "I look to my kids, who are 15 and 18, who do a far better job at being inclusive and having diversity of friendships and relationships than I ever did...I'm going to strive to do better. Period." 11/
Hill: "I'm an Indigenous woman, and I've been growing up with racism. I've experienced it all my life, and still experience it. I find that a lot of it is in the small towns and cities that surround First Nations. When I have speaking engagements, I say this to people..." 12/
"...that racism is alive and well in this country, because we're not going to do anything about it unless we admit that it's there...People have learned it all their lives. I always say to people that they need to take the time to learn about our history... 13/
"...and our culture, and the pride that we have. They need to understand what happened to our people. We were the first people here, our land was taken from us, in many cases, it's been stolen, our kids were taken from us, they were put in residential schools." 14/
"One of the former Indian agents, Duncan Campbell Scott, he always said they wanted to kill the Indian in the child...The goal has always to been to assimilate Indigenous people, and we've always been made to feel inferior." 15/
Opposition party leaders Andrea Horwath and Steven Del Duca gave speeches later on in day two.
Mayor of Innisfil Lynn Dollin was presented with the 2020 Women of Influence in Local Government Award by Municipal World 16/
Mayor of Innisfil Lynn Dollin was presented with the 2020 Women of Influence in Local Government Award by Municipal World 16/
One of the final sessions on day two was "Building Strong Relationships with Indigenous Communities". Indigenous representatives discussed the role they play within various municipalities. 17/
Jennifer Dockstader (Fort Erie Native Friendship Cen): "When we learn to treat Indigenous people with dignity and respect, the whole of society benefits. When (the mayor) has information from me about Indigenous issues, there may be issues that affect the broader community." 18/
"It's helpful to the region and the town of Fort Erie to have the perspective of Indigenous people. That perspective has helped to solve problems from the ground level, and not waiting for it to become a larger issue." 19/
Shelly Hill (City of Hamilton head of the urban Indigenous strategy): "Everyone is encouraged to understand the traditional territory on which they stand, and identify and respond to the most fundamental issues facing their community through collaboration." 20/
Day three featured a Path to Economic Recovery in Ontario panel discussion.
Diane Brisebois (CEO, Retail Council of Canada), about the shift to digital retail: "In three months, we had digital growth that we had projected for over two years." 21/
Diane Brisebois (CEO, Retail Council of Canada), about the shift to digital retail: "In three months, we had digital growth that we had projected for over two years." 21/
Rod Phillips MPP (Minister of Finance): "People have to appreciate that there are going to be flare-ups and outbreaks of the disease. We need to make sure we make our facilities safe and following the rules. This is going to be challenging." 22/
Rocco Rossi (President, ON Chamber of Commerce): "Go onto your phone and download COVID Alert (federal tracking and tracing tool). We all have a collective responsibility." 23/
Mike Schreiner (GPO) was the last party leader to give a speech. He thanked municipal leaders and staff for helping their communities get through the pandemic.
"The province has more fiscal capacity than municipalities do. We have to use that to open our communities..."
24/
"The province has more fiscal capacity than municipalities do. We have to use that to open our communities..."
24/
"...and get our economy going again, while preparing for a second wave." 25/
There was a Memorandum of Understanding Signing with Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres and AMO. "Its goal is to improve the quality of life of Indigenous people across Ontario's municipalities." 26/
Outgoing AMO president Jamie McGarvey: "Friendship centres and municipal governments have shown local leadership by establishing their own joint local declarations to fit their community and its needs." 27/
Each day of AMO, there was a Ministers' Forum - known as The Bear Pit - with quick-fire questions from delegates to members of the ON government. The theme of the third forum was Economic Recovery in Ontario. 28/
What liability protection or immunity can the govt provide to amateur and minor sports operations, and municipalities?
Doug Downey (AG) "It's a challenge because there are different levels of liability." Says they're looking at best practices in other provinces. 29/
Doug Downey (AG) "It's a challenge because there are different levels of liability." Says they're looking at best practices in other provinces. 29/
Steve Clark (Municipal Affairs and Housing) on access to broadband, a recurring theme over the past three days: "AMO and municipalities and our govt need to make sure we have a federal partner. We need to make sure that that happens." 30/
Thanks to @AMOPolicy and @RedbrickComms for staging this year's conference, and for the @RegionWaterloo delegations who attended to advocate on our behalf. 31/31
