Stiles calls for a New Deal for Municipalities at ROMA 2026

TORONTO — Official Opposition Leader Marit Stiles addressed the 2026 Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) conference today, calling for a new deal to ensure certainty and prosperity for rural municipalities across the province. Stiles called on the Ford government to pay their fair share for provincial responsibilities and stop downloading costs to municipalities.

“Across rural Ontario, municipalities are left holding the bag for provincial failures, with no funding or support. It’s time that a provincial government used its power for the people."

Stiles noted that the government offloading its responsibilities onto municipalities has created the issues they’re facing; such as health care, homelessness supports, and road maintenance.

While the Premier used his speaking time, this morning, to focus on “Chinese spy cars”, Stiles was focused on a plan to deliver real solutions for rural communities across Ontario.

“We know what needs to happen. We know that Ontario needs a plan that restores predictable, fair funding, so municipalities aren’t scrambling every year, wondering where the money will come from. We have a housing plan — Homes Ontario — that actually includes rural communities. We have a plan to strengthen vital infrastructure, particularly northern highways. We have a plan to end homelessness.

“An NDP government will show up for rural Ontario every day — not just at election time.”