The Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy (GCOM) was formed in June 2016 when the world’s two largest initiatives focused on municipal-led climate action — the Compact of Mayors and the EU Covenant of Mayors — merged to form one united initiative. Since then, “Regional Covenants” are taking shape in different parts of the world to provide context-specific support to local governments that wish to join this rapidly expanding global network of 7,500+ cities that are committed to voluntary climate action.
FCM is recognized as the lead municipal organization for the Global Covenant in Canada with deep experience in supporting local climate action, particularly through its work with ICLEI Canada on the Partners for Climate Protection program. FCM and the Global Covenant signed a Memorandum of Understanding on June 5, 2017, agreeing to work together to define how to deliver the Covenant in Canada. FCM is currently in discussion with key domestic partners, including ICLEI Canada and C40, to define the parameters for the Global Covenant in Canada. Key considerations include ensuring alignment with the existing Partners for Climate Protection program (to which over 330 Canadian municipalities are currently members) as well as the Global Covenant of Mayors global framework, agreeing on expectations relating to progress on climate change adaptation, as well as minimizing additional reporting requirements.
Canadian members of the former Compact of Mayors are automatically members of the Global Covenant of Mayors; no further action is required in the near term. Other Canadian local governments that wish to join the Global Covenant will have the opportunity to do so once the membership terms and process has been finalized. FCM, ICLEI, and the Global Covenant of Mayors (GCOM) are developing a process for PCP members and other Canadian municipalities to become GCOM members. More information will be shared as it becomes available. In the interim, all questions about the Global Covenant in Canada should be directed to FCM at globalcovenant@fcm.ca.