For immediate release:
November 28, 2024
QUEEN’S PARK – MPP Bobbi Ann Brady wants to counter a small but vocal group of detractors who claim provincial funding for Haldimand-Norfolk is jeopardized by having a MPP who is not part of the governing party. The evidence is to the contrary based on the provincial government’s increase to financial support for Ontario municipalities including Haldimand-Norfolk. Brady cites two recent examples.
“Despite what those with political aspirations might say, the money is flowing in and it’s because I advocate for these things at Queen’s Park,” Brady said.
On November 22, the Ministry of Finance announced “it is increasing the Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund (OMPF) by $100 million over two years, bringing the total funding envelope to $600 million by 2026. The OMPF is the province’s main general assistance grant to municipalities.” In 2025, Haldimand County’s allocation is $4,783,600 compared to $4,090,500 in 2024, a 16.94 per cent increase. And Norfolk County’s 2025 allocation is $7,268,900 compared to $5,984,600 in 2024, a 21.46 per cent increase.
The 2025 OMPF grant includes an immediate increase of $50 million to provide $550 million in unconditional funding to 390 municipalities. The $50 million enhancement has been targeted to small, Northern and rural municipalities and those with a limited property tax base, with the aim of assisting municipalities so they can provide critical municipal services to people across the province.
And on November 28, the Ministry of Rural Affairs announced “it is providing Norfolk County with up to $116,050 through the latest intake of the Rural Economic Development (RED) program, to develop the Future Ready Norfolk business retention and expansion project. The project’s mandate is to enable Norfolk County to revitalize the local economy through engagement with local businesses, to help identify challenges and opportunities for growth and sustainability. The project includes targeted training and educational workshops for businesses.
“This is all wonderful news for our communities,” Brady said. “If the government is going to hand out money ahead of an election, I’m happy the communities I represent are benefitting. I look forward to Haldimand County being included in the RED program.”
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For more information, please contact MPP Bobbi Ann Brady at 519-428-0446, 905-765-8413 or 1-800-903-8629