I remember calling the provincial Minister of Agriculture at home one Saturday morning.
Things weren’t progressing and I was tasked to speak on behalf of 5 Farm groups and deliver a message. It was a conversation that could have gone one of 2 ways- a confrontation, lines in the sand and backs going up. Or a conversation about the issue, how we shared common goals and interests.
That conversation, after a period of collaboration over time, resulted in more funding for an important Agricultural program.
During COVID, I had to deliver a more urgent request. Because of trust, reputation, and relationships, the government was willing to collaborate with Ontario Pork, and I helped put together an ad hoc program for producers in a matter of a few weeks.
Advocacy and working with other levels of government takes time to build relationships, understand where we can work together- and help each other. If elected mayor, I think it’s important to make the drive to Queens Park on a quarterly basis, and arrange meetings with Ministers, MPP’s and staffers to talk about opportunities in Woolwich.
Building relationships to build infrastructure.
Leadership matters.