SCOR meets Liberal leadership candidate
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South Central Ontario Region Economic Development Corporation (SCOR EDC) board members met with Dr. Eric Hoskins, candidate for the provincial Liberal leadership, in Tillsonburg Friday.
Dr. Hoskins had invited SCOR EDC officials to meet to discuss some of the issues that are unique to rural and small urban areas in Ontario.
SCOR EDC developed a list of questions they would pose to Liberal candidates regarding their position on issues that are important and unique to rural and small urban Ontario.
SCOR EDC’s meeting with Dr Hoskins included discussions on:
- Unemployment and under employment of youth in the region.
- Support of rural and small urban infrastructure in Ontario.
- Providing municipalities tools to collect unpaid fines from the Provincial Offences Act, which could free up funding for other needs in our communities.
- Escalating OPP costs for rural and small urban Ontario.
- Financial support to implement Source Water Protection Plans for Conservation Authorities (CA) and to bring provincial support levels up to an amount that relieves some pressure on the municipal levy while not affecting the CA’s services.
- Hospitals and their importance to rural and small urban communities.
- Nanticoke Station
- Repurposing the Delhi Research Station
"We are always pleased to discuss our activities and challenges with those at the province,” said Tillsonburg Mayor John Lessif, SCOR EDC chair. “SCOR EDC continues to represent the largely unacknowledged voice of small urban and rural Ontario. We face unique challenges but are no strangers to hard work. In fact we welcome the opportunity to steer our own future. Dr. Hoskins’ invitation to discuss our position on a number of issues was very welcome.”
“Dr. Hoskins interest in rural and small urban communities is promising,” said Norfolk Mayor Dennis Travale, former SCOR EDC chair. “We always welcome the opportunity to voice our unique issues and opportunities.”