THE FEDERATION OF CANADIAN MUNICIPALITIES ** A LOOK AT A FEW OF THEIR CURRENT PRIORITIES **

THE FEDERATION OF CANADIAN MUNICIPALITIES ** A LOOK AT A FEW OF THEIR CURRENT PRIORITIES ** THE CITY OF OSHAWA is a member of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) and is specifically participating in FCM's Partners for Climate Protection program which helps municipalities reduce energy costs, energy consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions. Oshawa has also completed a Community Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan as part of FCM programs. So, what exactly is the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and what are their priorities? FCM has been the national voice of municipal government in Canada since 1901. Their members include more than 2,100 municipalities of all sizes, from Canada's cities and rural communities, to northern communities and 20 provincial and territorial municipal associations. Together, they represent more than 92 percent of all Canadians. Municipal leaders from across Canada assemble each year to set FCM policy on key issues. Historically, Canadian municipalities came together in 1901 as the Union of Canadian Municipalities. The Dominion Conference of Mayors was established in 1935 and by 1937 the two national bodies joined as the Canadian Federation of Mayors and Municipalities – renamed the Federation of Canadian Municipalities in 1976. Now you know. As part of this educational column, I offer my readers a look at a few of the priorities upon which the FCM is currently focused: CANADA-US RELATIONS: Trying to ensure the future prosperity of Canadian municipalities is absolutely critical amid current tensions between Canada and the United States. Cities like Oshawa are considered the engine of our country’s economic strength – driving growth, productivity and jobs. Amid the current economic climate over President Trump’s tariffs, the need to support and promote individual municipalities is paramount. Measures need to be taken that will ensure a stronger and better Canada emerges from this crisis. That means prioritizing economic diversification, breaking down interprovincial trade barriers, prioritizing trade-enabling infrastructure, and recognizing that real economic growth is built by investing in communities, both urban and rural. The FCM is calling on all levels of government to accelerate and increase investment in growth sustaining infrastructure, such as water systems, roads, and public transit. This may be seen as a straightforward way to create local jobs and enable the economic growth and diversification Canadians across the country deserve. HOMELESSNESS: Canada’s homelessness crisis is reaching a breaking point, and municipalities are on the front lines. Tangible, permanent solutions are required so that local governments, including the Region of Durham, can tackle this unprecedented issue with a full list of appropriate measures. More and more Canadians are being pushed onto the streets and into encampments. Winter conditions in particular can take a harsh toll on the most vulnerable, while producing a complex human and financial burden which falls to local governments. As shelters continue to fill up and community resources are stretched to the limit, the cracks in an underperforming federal homelessness strategy are on full display. Local leaders throughout Canada and right here in Durham Region are working with limited resources. To ensure that municipalities are better equipped to truly address the situation, a new municipal growth framework is required, one that will provide communities with a fairer slice of existing resources. HOUSING: Housing is the bedrock of livable and prosperous communities. Right now, the FCM is advocating for action on social and affordable housing so all Canadians have a decent place to call home. Recent polling indicates that 44% of Canadians feel housing affordability is their biggest worry. This country is in the grip of a housing and affordability crisis. Housing is more than just a roof over one’s head, but a place to foster a sense of safety, belonging, and economic opportunity. Yet across Canada, safe and affordable housing options are dwindling. Additionally, to ensure accessibility to the right type of housing, a coordinated effort is needed to increase the supply of non-profit housing, including co-op and non-profit rental housing for middle-income households and deeply affordable social housing for low-income Canadians. A more equitable funding model for municipalities is required to support the growth these communities have experienced over the last number of years. Fortunately, there have been some major gains to help address gaps in housing and related infrastructure needs. A $6-billion Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund was announced in 2024 for housing-related infrastructure needs. The Housing Accelerator Fund, which was launched in 2023, helps municipalities access support needed to increase the right kind of housing supply for their communities. The National Housing Strategy, launched in 2017, supports municipalities in replacing, maintaining and building new social and affordable housing. Leadership from all levels of government is required to tackle the housing affordability crisis, which shows no signs of abating. MUNICIPAL GROWTH: Investing in infrastructure is the best way to turn Canada’s population growth into thriving communities and prevent a serious infrastructure gap. Ontario has experienced record population growth, and the question now is, how do we ensure our communities remain great places to live? With 1.2 million new residents in the last year, municipalities are encountering a dual challenge: building enough housing to restore affordability while ensuring local infrastructure is sufficient to support a good quality of life. PUBLIC TRANSIT: Public transit is the backbone of livable, competitive and sustainable cities. It’s no coincidence that the world’s most dynamic jurisdictions feature some of the best transit systems available. Modern and efficient public transit increases productivity, cuts commute times and reduces pollution—all while attracting top employers and skilled workers. Transit services are also disproportionately relied upon by women, students, seniors, and persons with disabilities. Quality transit creates equitable, vibrant cities. Transit solutions are needed across the country in rural and regional communities as well as in our largest cities. The Rural Transit Solutions Fund provides $250 million over five years starting in 2021, for planning and design grants, capital procurement, and construction for a wide range of transit modes. In the 19th century, railway systems were built at great cost to link regions right across this nation, and in the 20th century Canada reached out to the world through our highways and coastal ports. Tomorrow, our public transit will shape the next generation of livable, sustainable and world-class Canadian cities and regions. LOOKING TO THE FUTURE: The Federation of Canadian Municipalities has pledged to continue advocating for municipalities to be sure their citizens' needs are reflected in federal policies and programs. Year after year, their work benefits every municipal government and taxpayer in Canada, and their programming delivers tools that help municipalities tackle local challenges. There is strength in numbers.