The president of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, Rebecca Bligh, issued the following statement at the conclusion of this week’s FCM Board of Directors’ meeting in Dorval, Quebec.
“This week, FCM’s Board of Directors gathered to clearly demonstrate municipalities as a crucial governing partner amid ongoing tensions with the United States. Municipalities across the country had a productive and successful meeting where they reaffirmed their commitment to improve the lives of Canadians.
As a result, FCM and local leaders are well positioned for the upcoming election, ensuring that the priorities of Canadians are addressed.”
The Board also passed several resolutions including:
- Urging the federal government to improve accessibility under the Single-Use Plastics Prohibition Regulations by allowing food vendors to offer an "accessible straw"—a flexible plastic straw that is individually wrapped in paper—upon request. Additionally, retailers should be permitted to display packages of flexible plastic straws in stores, and flexible plastic straws should be allowed to be attached to beverage containers, such as drink boxes.
- Requesting that the federal government provide funding and establish a coordinating body to oversee the development of a flushability standard. This process should be managed through a Standards Council of Canada-accredited organization and be completed within five years.
- Encourage federal political parties to incorporate into their electoral platforms a mandate for cellular service providers to establish roaming agreements. This would enable customers to access cellular towers in their area, regardless of their provider.
The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) unites over 2,100 local governments at the national level, representing more than 90 percent of Canadians in every province and territory.
For more information: FCM Media Relations, media@fcm.ca