Who We Are | What We Do | Board of Directors
“TORC has always believed and acted upon the belief that the most effective response to the opportunities and challenges faced by rural people and rural communities requires an integrated response. We must recognize that the social, the economic and the environment are
all interconnected in very significant ways.”
Al Lauzon, TORC Past Chair
Who We Are | What We Do | Board of Directors
As a catalyst for rural dialogue, collaboration, action and advocacy, TORC offers a vital venue for the province's collective rural voice. Individually, each of our members shares a commitment to healthy, vibrant rural communities, businesses and organizations. Collectively, we come together to identify and discuss complex rural issues through a collaborative approach that ultimately serves to strengthen the rural voice in Ontario. TORC then works toward ensuring that collective 'voice' is heard by the province's policy- and decision-makers.
By bringing all of us together, TORC provides a unique and important opportunity for multi-sector cooperation. We aim to break down the silos between the sectors and encourage effective partnerships for progress in a bid to inform and influence rural policy, programs and research development.
TORC’s mission is to engage all of us in a productive partnership, with the acknowledgement that our individual well-being is inextricably linked with the collective well-being.
Federal and Provincial government representatives sit as non-voting TORC members, yet participate fully in our activities and act as resources to the Council.
Who We Are | What We Do | Board of Directors
A Convenor: bringing together those with divergent interests and perspectives to address complex rural issues through open forums and an atmosphere of trust
A Network: linking people, information and activities in support of rural community development and capacity building
PUBLIC ISSUE FORUMS : to explore current thinking on emerging rural issues
RURAL DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE : to engage people from across all sectors in professional development and share current thinking, trends and success stories; to set research priorities; and to develop a blueprint for rural Ontario
WORKING GROUPS AND STANDING COMMITTEES: to hone in on specific areas of rural interest and develop research and/or event strategies to provide others with a better rural perspective
NETWORKING COMMUNICATIONS: to keep all of us informed of the efforts by rural…for rural….towards the vitality of rural.
Who We Are | What We Do | Board of Directors
This accomplished group of rural stakeholders is charged with the responsibility of directing TORC on behalf of its members in ensuring that all activity:
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Jim Whaley is a seasoned health care executive and health systems planner who has assisted numerous health organizations with their strategic planning, and has facilitated the development of several health networks, partnerships and alliances over his vast career. For 20 years, Jim worked in the District Health Council system and held the position of Executive Director of the Grey Bruce Huron Perth and Wellington-Dufferin DHCs. Jim is a member of the National Rural Health Association and the International Rural Network. As well, he is a guest lecturer in the University of Western Ontario’s undergraduate rural health program and a regular presenter at provincial and national health conferences on rural health issues.
Jim is former Chair of the TORC Rural Health Working Group and, as such, spearheaded the successful staging of two TORC Rural Health Forums in 2006
After a 34-year career with Enbridge Gas Distribution in which he fulfilled management positions in the areas of sales & marketing, and business development, Jim continues to be active in the fields of economic development and rural/urban affairs. He is currently a member of the City of Ottawa’s Business Advisory Committee and member of the eastern Ontario Broadband Coalition. Prior activities included roles as chair of the province’s Smart Growth Initiative panel for eastern Ontario, and advisory panel member of the Rural Economic Development Program.
Jim has been a TORC member since 2001/2002 and currently chairs TORC’s Sustainable Finance Committee.
Working Group Representatives
- Julie Cayley , Ducks Unlimited Canada
TORC Environmental Working Group- Christine Dukelow, Individual Member
TORC Rural Health Working Group- ___________________________
TORC Community Economic Development Working Group