CARTEGENA, COLOMBIA - Today the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) launches a unique program to help strengthen local government in mining areas of Colombia.
Colombia 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 Colombia 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's Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development (DFATD). It is being implemented by FCM and its counterpart in Colombia, the Federation of Colombian Municipalities, who will work together to strengthen local governments in the regions of Antioquia and La Guajira.
FCM currently partners with the Government of Canada's Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development 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.