At this year’s record-breaking Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) conference in Ottawa, the Oshawa delegation made a compelling case for the city’s role in shaping Canada’s defence and economic future. Led by Mayor Dan Carter, the delegation engaged with provincial leaders, ministers, and industry experts to highlight Oshawa’s strategic assets and innovation ecosystem.
Oshawa’s delegation, including Economic and Development Services Committee Chair Tito-Dante Marimpietri and Deputy Mayor Bob Chapman, emphasised the city’s capacity to support Canada’s defence strategy amid global economic uncertainty. With a rich history in military production—from World War II manufacturing to the Oshawa Executive Airport and the Canadian Tank Museum—the city is positioning itself as a key player in national defence.
The delegation also showcased Oshawa’s growing technology innovation ecosystem, pointing to Ontario Tech University’s ACE Climatic Wind Tunnel, Durham College’s AI/Hub and Centre for Cybersecurity Innovation, and the GM Canadian Technical Centre. These assets, combined with the city’s advanced manufacturing capabilities, underscore Oshawa’s potential to contribute to both defence and economic resilience.
Mayor Carter advocated for continued support for the automotive sector and strategic investments in infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, and education to ensure long-term economic growth. He also stressed the need for investments in critical infrastructure to accelerate housing construction, attract high-quality jobs, and expand access to education and healthcare.
The Oshawa team engaged in high-level discussions with key provincial cabinet ministers. Health Minister Sylvia Jones was briefed on Oshawa’s proposal for a 24/7 Mental Health and Addictions Urgent Care Clinic, which aims to provide rapid access to mental health and addiction services while reducing pressure on emergency departments. The delegation also met with Colleges & Universities Minister Nolan Quinn to discuss post-secondary education, research excellence, and workforce integration for international students.
Additionally, the delegation spoke with Solicitor General Michael Kerzner about community safety and security, and with Brampton West MPP Amarjot Sandhu, the Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Infrastructure, about infrastructure growth. Mayor Carter emphasised the city’s readiness to partner on smart investments that support housing, transit, and vibrant communities.
The Oshawa contingent also highlighted the role of post-secondary partners, including Durham College, Ontario Tech University, Trent University Durham GTA, and the Queen’s University-Lakeridge Health MD Family Medicine program, in preparing the next generation of talent.
“At this year’s record-breaking AMO conference, we had the opportunity to present innovative solutions and propose strategic investments that support the growth of our great city and help build a stronger, more competitive Ontario for all,” Mayor Carter said. “We proudly spoke of Oshawa’s well-positioned economy and highlighted our readiness to work together to deliver solution-driven results for Ontario.”
This strategic engagement at the AMO conference underscores Oshawa’s ambition to leverage its historical strengths and modern innovation to drive economic and defence resilience. As the city continues to advocate for investment and collaboration, it is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping Ontario’s—and Canada’s—future.