OTTAWA, ON - On Tuesday, November 18, 2014, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) kicks off its annual Advocacy Day meetings in Ottawa, bringing together more than 200 municipal leaders and parliamentarians. During these meetings, mayors and councilors will be bringing forward national solutions to issues playing out in Canada's cities and communities.
"We have one message for our federal counterparts this week, a strong Canada starts with strong hometowns. Our cities and communities are the engines that drive our country forward, creating local jobs and local growth and fostering our quality of life," said FCM President Brad Woodside. "Our federal partners are gearing up for an important year defining their platforms, and we anticipate that the solutions we bring to the table will be well-received."
This year's Advocacy Days provide an opportunity for municipal leaders and Members of Parliament to discuss hometown issues; a starting point for the conversation that FCM will continue to have leading up to the federal election year. Municipal leaders will focus their message on the role of cities and communities in national issues such as creating jobs and economic growth, fostering livable and sustainable communities, keeping Canadians safe and connecting Canada internationally.
"Recent collaboration between municipalities and the federal government regarding rail safety, for example, show that municipalities bring solutions to real issues that affect our communities across Canada," said Mr. Woodside.
FCM's Advocacy Days meetings run on Parliament Hill from November 18 to 20, 2014.
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!