Advocating for residents at AMO 2026

When it comes to improving access to health care, creating affordable housing and keeping communities safe, many of the decisions that affect Durham Region begin with conversations between municipalities and the province.

That’s why from August 16 to 19, Durham Mayors, Chief Administrative Officer, Elaine Baxter-Trahair, and the Government Relations team, joined municipal leaders from across Ontario at the Association of Municipalities of Ontario Conference (AMO) to advocate for our region’s priorities and strengthen partnerships with the provincial government.

The Region met with ministers, MPPs and senior civil servants in Ottawa to discuss the biggest challenges affecting residents, including transportation, housing, health care, community safety, social services, fiscal sustainability and critical infrastructure.

“For Durham Region, the conference was about ensuring the voices of our residents were heard at the provincial level and advancing priorities that will help our communities thrive,” said Elaine Baxter-Trahair, CAO of the Region. “Our discussions focused on securing the investments and collaborative solutions needed to support our growing population and build a strong future for Durham."

Transportation

As one of Ontario's fastest-growing regions, transportation was a major focus. In a meeting with the Minister of Transportation, Prabmeet Singh Sarkaria, Durham Region advocated for the Highway 412/Rossland Road Interchange, priority transit projects and opportunities to advance future GO Stations. These investments will help improve how residents move throughout the region while supporting future growth.

Housing and infrastructure

Housing and infrastructure were also top priorities. Discussions with the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Rob Flack, focused on supporting housing development, funding for supportive housing and ensuring municipalities have the infrastructure needed to accommodate growth. Conversations with Michelle Cooper, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Finance, explored investments in transit, infrastructure, housing, homelessness supports and community safety, as well as opportunities to strengthen provincial-municipal partnerships.

Strengthening health care

Strengthening health care services was front and centre during a meeting with the Ministry of Health. Durham Region advocated for support for its Primary Care Outreach Program and funding for Lakeridge Health's proposed dedicated Mental Health and Addictions Emergency Department—both aimed at improving access to care for residents.

Community safety

Community safety and resident well-being were also key themes throughout the conference. Meetings with Solicitor General Michael Kerzner focused on sustainable police funding and Community Safety and Well-Being Plans, while discussions with Associate Minister, Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, Charmaine Williams, and MPP for Whitby, Lorne Coe, Parliamentary Assistant, examined ways to better support residents transitioning from Ontario Works to the Ontario Disability Support Program, and advance Durham Region's Gender-Based Violence and Intimate Partner Violence Action Plan.

While much of advocacy work happens behind the scenes, these conversations help shape the future of Durham Region. By bringing local priorities directly to provincial decision-makers, the Region is helping advance projects, secure investment and build partnerships that support the services residents rely on every day.