Region of Waterloo Chair Karen Redman says she’s “focused” on her job even as the province looks to upend the position with a proposal announced Thursday that would appoint regional chairs across Ontario.

In a release on Thursday afternoon, Ontario Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Rob Flack announced the province, under its new Better Regional Governance Act, 2026, would have the power to appoint regional chairs in the regional municipalities of Durham, Halton, Muskoka, Peel, Waterloo and York as well as the warden of Simcoe County.

If the legislation is passed, the province will also be giving regional chairs “strong chair” powers, similar to strong mayor powers given to some cities.

In a statement to CBC News, Redman pointed to the fact that she is “proud to have been elected twice as regional chair by this community.”

“We share the province’s goals and my focus continues to be on these priorities, now and throughout the months ahead as next steps are determined,” she said.

“I remain focused on leading this regional council as we deliver key housing-enabling infrastructure, expand transit services and community supports, and work alongside all partners for a strong and affordable Waterloo region.”

‘Where does this go?’

Back in February, regional Coun. Doug Craig, put forward a motion anticipating this move by the province.

His motion asked the region to send a letter to the Ontario government that would “affirm and support the continued election of the regional chair by the voters” in the region.

“One of the important things is where does this go? I’ve suggested if we state our opinion on this, I think we have to because there’s a bit of uncomfortableness in the community about what is happening and I think they need to hear from us,” Craig told his fellow councillors at the time.

“We tend to be focusing all our attention south of the border and we’re not watching really what’s happening here,” Craig said.