Delegates from municipalities across the region are preparing for the Rurual Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) Conference.
In Thunder Bay, the city and the District of Thunder Bay Social Services Administration Board (TBDSSAB) are both sending a delegation.
ROMA is an opportunity for municipal leaders, the provincial government and ministers to meet and discuss prominent issues.
“The main thing that we are going to be discussing this year is the support of housing strategy,” explained TBDSSAB Chair, Brian Hamilton. “As everybody knows and we can see on the streets of each and every city, across Ontario is the need to deal with and support residents that are living rough on city streets.”
They are also looking to support people who have been incarcerated.
“In addition to that, and maybe supportive of that are two other items though we are asking for, a strategy to assist people exiting the justice system, so we’re asking for some help on some strategy development on our release from custody.”
A long-term ask of the TBDSSAB is also returning to the table.
“We are asking for an increase in social assistance rates, which have been frozen for nearly a decade.”
TBDSSAB is not alone when it comes to bringing these requests to the table.
“Other municipalities are going to be echoing exactly what we’re asking for in many cases, and hopefully we can have a come across as a very unified message,” added Hamilton. “Certainly making sure these northern issues are right in front of the ministries for them to consider.”
The conference kicks off on Sunday and it is running through Tuesday.
