Gaining a federal voice

Times Contributor   

 

At the Jan. 16 Town of Strathmore Council meeting, Councillor Earl Best stressed to his coworkers the importance of attending the Federation of Canadian Municipality (FCM) Annual General Meeting held in Vancouver May 30 to June 4, 2013.

Some councillors were of the opinion that attending would be a waste of time and would not make much difference in federal decisions.

“I believe FCM to be a valuable tool and resource for the Town of Strathmore. I believe as a member it is vitally important that we attend the Annual General Meeting, to elect a board of directors and be a participating member in voting on the resolutions set before the membership body as a whole. Valuable information can be learned at the seminars and the trade show,” said Councillor Best.  “Canadian cities and communities are at a tipping point. The choices we make now will either allow Canada to fulfill its promise, or cause us to miss the opportunities open to a country with reservoirs of talent, technology and resources.” 

Councillor Best indicated the original purpose of the Federation, formed in 1901, was to convince the federal government to create legislation that gave municipal governments more control over the actions of utility companies within their boundaries.  The group wanted to remind the companies that municipal consent was needed and tearing up public infrastructure needed consideration and negotiated right of ways.

Councillor Best maintains the FCM has been a strong advocate for municipal governments ever since, including advocacy and lobby actions regarding policy decisions made by the federal government affecting municipal concerns. One example is action that developed the Green Municipal Fund, which provides $550 million in loans and grants, and provides educational training for municipal initiatives that improve air, water, soil quality and climate protection.

He said that with the right choices, Canada by 2030 will be prosperous, connected and efficient.  It will have sustainable transportation to move goods efficiently, from port to city to countryside.  The same sustainable transportation grid will move people from home, to school and work and back. The country will all have access to high speed internet. Cities will welcome talented people from all over the world. Even small urban and rural areas will attract and retain talented people to live and work. Governments will work together to find long term solutions to common problems, regardless of jurisdictions, in the best interests of all Canadians.