The success of FCM's international programming lies with its focus on local government. Through FCM's cooperation approach to development, local governments are improving the way they deliver services, to the great benefit of men, women and children.
The Pam McConnell award is given to a municipal expert, elected or non-elected, contributing to the advancement and promotion of gender equality in FCM’s programs.
The awards for Outstanding Institutional Contribution to FCM International programs recognize Canadian local governments and local government associations that have demonstrated exceptional commitment and leadership in the scope of their participation in FCM's international programs. The projects in which they participated distinguished themselves in terms of innovation, support from their council or board, and their lasting impact in their partner community.
The Mike Badham Award is given to an individual whose contribution to FCM's international programs has gone above and beyond in terms of innovation, creativity, engagement and leadership. This award was named after the late Mike Badham, former president of the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities' Association, in recognition of the leadership and dedication he brought to FCM's international programs from 1996 until his untimely death in January 2006.
The winners of FCM’s 2024 International Awards are:
Kathy Jeffery, Councillor, Town of Collingwood, Ontario
Winner of the Pam McConnell Award
Councillor Jeffery is recognized for her exceptional support to the Partnership for Municipal Innovation – Women in Local Leadership (PMI-WILL) project, notably through her engagement with the network of women elected officials in Ghana and her representation of FCM in the UCLG Standing Committee on Gender Equality.
Town of Cobourg, Ontario
Winner of the Outstanding Institutional Contribution Award
The councillors and staff of the Town of Cobourg are recognized for their strong and sustained support to Sri Lankan local authorities through the Partnership for Municipal Innovation – Women in Local Leadership project.
Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA)
Winner of the Outstanding Institutional Contribution Award
SUMA is recognized for its exceptional support to the Partnership for Municipal Innovation – Women in Local Leadership project. The association’s leadership—including the President, Executive Director, and staff—played a key role in supporting women elected officials in Zambia and in contributing to project activities with the Association nationale des communes du Bénin.
Sameera Ali, Councillor, Town of Milton, Ontario
Winner of the Mike Badham Award
Councillor Ali is recognized for her impactful support to the Partnership for Municipal Innovation – Women in Local Leadership project, including her engagement with local governments in Ghana, and her participation as a panelist in the CLGF webinar “Gendered Cities: Empowering Local Government Across the Commonwealth”.
Congratulations to all!