OTTAWA – Managing existing and new infrastructure while dealing with competing priorities and limited budgets is a challenge that all municipalities face. To provide opportunities to communities to help them address this challenge, the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities and Bill Karsten, President of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) are proud to announce just over $5.7 million in funding to 18 partner organizations from across the country to deliver asset management training activities, including group learning and hands-on training opportunities, accessible to communities of all sizes.

No two municipalities are alike. Communities across Canada require different asset management training options that are close to home and specific to their needs. This is why this announcement will help municipal employees and elected officials gain asset management knowledge and skills to support better infrastructure investment decisions. Events include asset management training, workshops, webinars, and courses (including certifications) offered online and in regions across the country until June 2021. 

Participants will also learn about asset management and how to implement practices using their community's data; incorporate best practices into their municipality’s day-to-day operations; implement approaches that will help their municipality make cost-saving and sustainable infrastructure decisions; and, learn from other municipalities and use customizable tools and templates.

Partners delivering training activities are Canadian non-profit, non-governmental organizations with a mandate to serve the municipal sector and are uniquely positioned to help municipalities develop and enhance their skills and knowledge. For example:

The Alberta Urban Municipalities Association, in partnership with Rural Municipalities of Alberta and Infrastructure and Asset Management of Alberta, will be developing groups to learn together and work through the development of an asset management policy and strategy.

The Association francophone des municipalités du Nouveau-Brunswick (AFMNB) will offer a number of training opportunities. AFMNB will provide training opportunities on asset management at their annual conference. The organization will also create a support service for municipalities to help them use existing, best in class asset management materials. AFMNB will also provide peer learning and individual coaching to help municipalities develop and apply practical asset management skills.

NAMS Canada will deliver a Professional Certificate in Asset Management Planning course in English and French. The course will give municipal participants a solid foundation in asset management and support them through the creation of an Asset Management Plan for their organization.

Funding for the partner organizations is available through the Municipal Asset Management Program (MAMP), an eight-year, $110 million program funded by the Government of Canada and delivered through the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.

Consult the full list of partner organizations to obtain more information on training activities offered. 

Quotes

"In order to get the most bang for their buck, communities need the right training and tools to strategically plan, build, and maintain their infrastructure. The Government of Canada is working with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities to help municipalities make informed investment decisions that improve quality of life, grow the local economy and create jobs, and build more resilient and sustainable communities."

— The Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

"Municipal public infrastructure supports our economy and quality of life, and as local leaders, we all face difficult decisions related to managing local infrastructure needs. With new asset management tools, municipalities can ensure we are driving the best possible outcomes for our communities — and for Canada. The collaborative nature of this program will see representatives from different communities working together, sharing information and discovering what works to deliver the best results for our residents."

— Bill Karsten, President, Federation of Canadian Municipalities

Quick facts

  • Through programming and advocacy, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) serves as the national voice of local government, with nearly 2,000 members representing more than 90 per cent of Canada's population.
  • The Government of Canada is investing more than $180 billion over 12 years in infrastructure, including public transit, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade-supporting transportation infrastructure, and Canada’s rural and northern communities.
  • In the 2019 federal budget, the Government of Canada renewed the Municipal Asset Management Program to ensure municipalities can continue to raise their capacity and make the most of new infrastructure investments.

Associated links

FCM’s Municipal Asset Management Program
Investing in Canada: Canada's Long-Term Infrastructure Plan
Investing in Canada Plan Project Map

Contacts

David Taylor
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
613-949-1759
david.taylor@canada.ca

FCM Media Relations
(613) 907-6395
media@fcm.ca

Infrastructure Canada
(613) 960-9251
Toll free: 1-877-250-7154
Infc.media.infc@canada.ca
Twitter: @INFC_eng
Web: Infrastructure Canada

Loading...
Partner grant
Municipal Asset Management Program
Asset management
© 2024 Federation of Canadian Municipalities