Schreiner demands new deal for municipalities at AMO conference

August 18, 2025

OTTAWA — Addressing delegates at the 2025 Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) conference, Ontario Greens Leader Mike Schreiner called for a bold new deal for municipalities so they can tackle the growing housing and homelessness crisis and prioritize investment in Ontario’s green economy.

“The Ontario Greens have a vision for Ontario where we put people first, with investments in emerging high-growth industries and homes that everyday people can afford. We cannot use tariffs as an excuse to abandon the rules and regulations that protect the people and places we love, and we cannot abandon our constitutional duty to consult First Nations with free, prior, informed consent.”

Echoing AMO’s long-standing position, Schreiner called on the Ford government to strike a fair fiscal deal with municipalities. 

“We cannot continue to download costs onto the backs of municipalities. Greens renew our call for a new deal for municipalities – one that enables collaboration and consultation, respects democracy and limits provincial interference in local decision-making.”

Schreiner also called out the Ford government’s inaction on the worsening housing and homelessness crisis.

“Ontario’s housing and homelessness crisis is getting worse, not better. A whole generation of young people are wondering if they will ever be able to own a home. 

Greens will continue to push for an Affordable Communities Fund so that municipalities can lower development charges and incentivize building homes that people can afford in the places they know and love, without paving over our farmland and nature.

By working together, we can build homes that people can afford. We can attract investment to fund public services. We can protect the farmland that feeds and the nature that keeps us safe. But only if the province is willing to work with municipalities.

The Greens are here to work with you and for you.”

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