Lima, Peru - Today the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) launches a unique program to help strengthen local government in mining areas of Peru.
Peru is committed to responsible resource development and with FCM's support, local governments will improve their ability to better manage both the impacts and benefits from the mining sector.
"This is a terrific example of the expertise Canadian municipalities can bring to emerging economies," said Brad Woodside, President of FCM. "Municipalities across Canada have tremendous experience working closely and effectively with resource industries."
FCM members will help strengthen local governments to allow them to identify and respond to the needs of their community. FCM will work with communities to create the conditions by which they are able to work collaboratively with companies to ensure local residents can access benefits such as employment, contracting and training. Canadian municipalities will also share their strategies to diversify local economies to foster a sustainable future for the community once the resource is depleted.
This project in Peru is part of the initiative Sustainable and Inclusive Communities in Latin America (CISAL). CISAL is a five-year, $20 million program that will run until 2019. It is funded by the Government of Canada through Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada (DFATD). It is being implemented by FCM and its Peruvian counterparts, the Association of Municipalities in Peru (AMPE), and the Network of Urban and Rural Municipalities of Peru (REMURPE). These Associations will support the work with local governments in the regions of Ancash and Cusco.
FCM currently partners with Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada on more than $100M of programming in Eastern Europe, Southeast Asia, Latin America, Africa, and the Caribbean.
The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) is the national voice of municipal government. In leading the municipal movement, FCM works to align federal and local priorities, recognizing that strong hometowns make for a strong Canada.