CONFEDERATION COLLEGE
NOMA and Confederation College Bring United Northwestern Ontario Voice to AMO 2025

The Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association (NOMA) and Confederation College are proud to announce their joint attendance at the 2025 Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Conference in Ottawa, advancing a united regional approach to advocacy and sustainable public post-secondary funding.

Confederation College is the only provincially funded public post-secondary institution serving Northwestern Ontario, and in five of the region's seven largest municipalities, it remains the sole mainstream access point for higher education. Ensuring its long-term stability is critical to meeting local workforce needs, driving economic growth, and providing equitable access to education for residents across the North.

"At AMO 2025, we are bringing forward a clear, shared message - sustainable funding for Confederation College is not just an education issue, it is an economic and community sustainability issue," said Michelle Salo, President of Confederation College. "A strong and stable college means stronger communities, a skilled workforce, and more opportunities for all who call Northwestern Ontario home."

In addition to joint advocacy with Confederation College, NOMA will participate in multiple delegations with the Ministry of Transportation, Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, and all provincial political parties. These meetings will focus on priority issues, including safer highways, improved access to skilled labour, and policies that enhance the lives and economies of people across the region.

"NOMA is committed to championing the needs of our 37 municipalities at every opportunity," said Rick Dumas, President of NOMA. "By working together with Confederation College and our provincial partners, we are taking a truly regional approach to the challenges and opportunities ahead."

The AMO Conference, taking place August 17-20 in Ottawa, brings together municipal leaders, provincial officials, and stakeholders from across Ontario to discuss solutions for stronger, more resilient communities.