The Federation of Canadian Municipalities' (FCM) members elected a new President and Board of Directors during its first-ever virtual annual general meeting. As the national voice of local governments, FCM is playing a critical role in supporting cities and communities through the COVID-19 pandemic—while advocating federally for a locally rooted national economic recovery.
“Local governments across the country are working on the front lines to keep people safe through this pandemic,” said incoming FCM President, Garth Frizzell. “FCM’s advocacy has helped secure the federal support we’ve needed to protect essential services, families and local businesses. As the pandemic progresses, and as we gear up for Canada’s recovery, we need municipal voices from every corner of our country to be heard at the federal level.”
City of Prince George Councillor Garth Frizzell succeeds long-time Halifax Regional Municipality Councillor Bill Karsten as FCM President. Registered FCM voters also ratified members to FCM’s 75-seat Board of Directors, and the following FCM Table Officers:
- First vice-president: Joanne Vanderheyden, Mayor of Strathroy-Caradoc and Councillor for Middlesex County, ON
- Second vice-president: Darren Hill, Councillor, Saskatoon, SK
- Third vice-president: Scott Pearce, Mayor, Canton of Gore, QC
How municipalities respond to today’s urgent pandemic challenges will shape tomorrow’s economic recovery, and this starts at the local level. Communities across the country are where people are working from home, wearing masks to the grocery store, and sending their kids back to school. It is where small businesses grow and thrive, and where the recovery must show results if it is to be successful.
“President Karsten has led FCM through one of the most eventful and challenging years in our history, and that is a testament to his determination and hard work,” said President Frizzell. “I’m honoured to continue what we have built as an organization and find solutions to challenges ahead.”
“Our priority is to ensure municipalities of all sizes have the right tools to keep Canadians safe. That includes working with federal partners to tackle urgent challenges, in ways that also lay ground for the recovery Canadians deserve. If we want to come out of this pandemic with a better Canada—more resilient, sustainable and inclusive—our cities and communities need to be empowered to help to lead the way.”
For more information please contact:
FCM Media Relations, (613) 907-6395, media@fcm.ca