Councillor Crombie arrived at 11:14 a.m.
Keith Medenblik, Manager, Strategic Public Policy and External Relations, provided an overview of the Region’s key Council endorsed advocacy priorities and themes, the Provincial and Federal COVID-19 response priorities, emerging trends, as well as, key priorities for the 2020 Virtual Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Annual Conference.
Councillor Ras inquired if, in light of the new virtual environment, there would be opportunities for meetings with Ministers to be held outside the confines of the AMO structure. Keith Medenblik responded that meetings could be requested in advance of the conference and would depend on the Ministers’ availability.
Councillor Santos suggested starting social media campaigns regarding Region of Peel priorities leading up to the conference, using personal stories from residents to advocate for Peel’s fair share of funding for services.
Councillor Innis inquired as to whether Councillors could start advocating now using WebEx technology to meet with MPPs to discuss Region of Peel key priorities.
Nancy Polsinelli, Interim Chief Administrative Officer, indicated that Communications staff could provide information regarding a social media campaign and utilizing WebEx to conduct virtual meetings with MPPs.
Councillor Brown suggested that staff compile data regarding COVID-19 response costs, if funding from upper levels of government has not been resolved prior to the Conference. Councillor Innis requested that the data be made available to all Members of Regional Council.