Sustainably Speaking: Welcome and Farewell

March 2012

In January 2012, FCM welcomed five new GMF Council members and a new GMF Council chair. New Chair Raymond Louie and past Chair Karen Leibovici reflect on their experiences and look ahead to the future.

Raymond Louie
Chair, Green Municipal Fund Council

It is a great privilege to take on the role of chair of the Green Municipal Fund Council and a pleasure to contribute my first message for Sustainably Speaking.

My past experience as vice-chair of FCM's Standing Committee on Environmental Issues and Sustainable Development and current responsibilities as chair of the Standing Committee on Municipal Infrastructure and Transportation Policy have helped to equip me for this important assignment, as have my 10 years on Vancouver City Council.

Since my appointment on January 31, I have hit the ground running, participating in our successful 2012 FCM Sustainable Communities Conference from February 8 to 10, and at the 2012 Sustainable Communities Awards ceremony on February 9. My experience as a member of the judging panel for the 2011 Awards and as chair of the judging panel for 2012 gave me an even greater appreciation of the many great green projects taking place across the country, and the new and innovative ways that we can continue to work toward more sustainable communities.

Since December 1, 2011, we have received a number of GMF applications for a range of leading municipal environmental initiatives - proof positive that Canadian communities are choosing the sustainable path and reaping environmental, economic and social benefits for their communities, now and in the future.

Please join me in thanking past chair Karen Leibovici for her vision and commitment to FCM, and to the other outgoing Council members as they take on new challenges and opportunities. I wish them all the best.

I look forward to working with you in the weeks and months ahead. Please feel free to share your thoughts on any and all aspects of FCM's Green Municipal Fund. It is always a pleasure to hear from you.

Karen Leibovici
Past Chair, Green Municipal Fund Council

After more than four amazing years as chair of the Green Municipal Fund Council, I have decided to step down.

Chairing the Council has been an incredible experience. This Council and previous Councils can be proud of their achievements and of the parts they played in promoting sustainability and innovation in communities across Canada. Through GMF and other activities, FCM plays an important role in equipping municipalities with the tools they need to become more sustainable.

The progress that municipalities have already made in achieving this important goal is truly inspiring.

GMF is well positioned for a leadership change. As the Fund enters its next phase of strategic planning and evolution, I know that the Council is in good hands under the leadership of Chair Raymond Louie.

I look forward to working with the new chair and GMF Council and I am honoured to have had the opportunity to lead, work with and learn from our dedicated, professional and outstanding staff and Council members.

Thank you to the FCM Board, Executive Committee, GMF Council and staff for all your support.