On June 24th, 2024, the Grand Empire Banquet Hall buzzed with the energy of about 200 attendees from various industries, community groups, and government offices. The annual State of the Region Luncheon highlighted the unity of Peel’s municipalities, bringing together representatives from all three boards of trade/chambers of commerce and representation from all three municipal councils.
Jaipaul Massey-Singh, CEO of the Brampton Board of Trade, and Trevor McPherson of the Mississauga Board of Trade, set the stage for a day rich with discussions on the challenges and opportunities within the region. A keynote speech by Nando Iannicca, Chair of the Region of Peel, offered a high-level overview of the region’s strengths and future prospects.
A substantive fireside chat, led by Massey-Singh and featuring Gary Kent, CAO of the Region of Peel, delved into the region’s responsibilities. From managing roads and wastewater to providing immunization and paramedic services, the discussion underscored the often underappreciated but vital role of regional government. Despite its pivotal role, there is a notable lack of celebration for these essential services.
The fireside chat spotlighted Peel’s incredible diversity. Almost half of Peel’s population are immigrants, a stark contrast to Ontario’s 28% and Canada’s 20%. Additionally, 69% of Peel’s residents identify with a racialized group, the highest in the Greater Toronto Area, with 18% of Ontario’s immigrant population calling Peel home. This demographic richness, however, is coupled with challenges, including chronic underfunding of social services as highlighted by the Metamorphosis report.
The dissolution talks have created uncertainty and stress among regional employees and their families, emphasizing the need for their well-being to be a priority. Kent reminded us that there was a human toll that this debate took. While these talks are on hold, significant changes to local governance are imminent, particularly in land use planning. Starting July 1st, planning responsibilities will be removed from York, Peel and Halton Regions and official plans will transition from regional to provincial control.
The event concluded with the Peel Regional Police Service Awards, recognizing the crucial community service provided by regional policing. This acknowledgment served as a fitting end to a day dedicated to reflecting on and celebrating the region’s efforts and achievements. We would like to congratulate once again Constable Cassandra Allen and Detective Constable Sanya Luciani on receiving their awards.
The State of the Region 2024 highlighted the unity and resilience of Peel Region, while addressing its challenges and charting a path forward for the community. We look forward to a renewed regional mandate of cooperation and shared advocacy. Later that evening, Carolyn Parrish was sworn in as Mayor of Mississauga, adding an additional opportunity to expand regional cooperation. The Brampton Board of Trade looks forward to work with our regional colleagues to continue the conversation on how best to advocate for shared priorities. If you have any thoughts or suggestions for doing this work, please email me at vsingh@bramptonbot.com.
