Bill Karsten, president of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), issued the following statement: “On behalf of Canada’s municipal leaders, I would like to congratulate the Liberal Party of Canada for earning the tremendous privilege of forming the next federal government. As fellow elected officials, we know what an honour it is to serve Canadians every … Read more
The Federation of Canadian Municipalities acknowledged the release of the Conservative Party of Canada’s election platform. The platform commits to a “rural lens” in Cabinet decisions and recognizes the need for communities to respond to new climate extremes, but it lacks critical clarity on key issues, while reducing year-over-year infrastructure spending. “Cities and communities across … Read more
The Federation of Canadian Municipalities welcomed the release of the New Democratic Party of Canada’s election platform costing. “The NDP’s plan to build on the national housing strategy by building more affordable homes is the strongest we’ve seen yet,” said FCM President Bill Karsten. “We also welcome the NDP’s commitment to the principle of permanent, allocation-based … Read more
A new report shows that a significant amount of public infrastructure in Canada is aging and in poor condition—reinforcing the urgent need for long-term investments in infrastructure renewal to meet the needs of Canadians. “This report shows the importance of long-term investments in renewing the infrastructure that’s already in our communities—even as we envision new projects to … Read more
The Federation of Canadian Municipalities acknowledged the release of the Liberal Party of Canada’s 2019 election platform, which includes a significant commitment on permanent investments in building public transit, and addresses federal support for local infrastructure as well as investments in rural broadband connectivity. The Liberal Party’s platform also recognizes the importance of addressing Canada’s … Read more
The Federation of Canadian Municipalities and the Insurance Bureau of Canada released new data demonstrating the urgent need for new investments in local climate adaptation. According to the report’s findings, avoiding the worst impacts of climate change at the municipal level will cost an estimated $5.3 billion per year shared amongst all three orders of government. “We’re … Read more
Bill Karsten, President of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities issued the following statement: “FCM welcomes the Green Party of Canada’s commitment to double the scale of a proven federal funding tool that empowers local governments to build better lives for Canadians. The Green Party is committing ‘to institutionalize federal transfers to municipalities through the creation of … Read more
The Federation of Canadian Municipalities released its Election 2019 recommendations to federal parties. The platform, Building Better Lives, is a call to improve Canadians’ quality of life by empowering the local governments closest to their daily challenges. FCM’s cornerstone recommendation is to permanently double the federal Gas Tax Fund transfer. “Because it’s predictable and direct, the GTF empowers us … Read more
FCM President Bill Karsten made a statement regarding the announcement of $33 million investment by the Government of Canada through FCM in the Trottier Family Foundation and Low Carbon Cities Canada to establish an urban climate centre in the Montreal metropolitan area: “This $33 million investment to create a climate centre in Greater Montreal will help … Read more
FCM President Bill Karsten made a statement regarding the announcement of $22 million by the Government of Canada through FCM to establish the City of Vancouver as an urban climate centre with Low Carbon Cities Canada: “We’re pleased to work with Low Carbon Cities Canada as well as with the City of Vancouver to make the … Read more
