For decades, western communities and industries have created good jobs, driven national prosperity, and supported entire generations of families. Now they face deep economic anxiety. Local leaders see this uncertainly up close—and we’re here to help.

FCM’s Western Economic Solutions Taskforce (WEST) brought together rural and urban municipal leaders from Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia. Together we drove concrete recommendations to the federal government that support western communities—and the people who call them home.

Our recommendations led directly to new federal investments that create jobs, drive western economic development, boost trade and exports, support farmers, and more.

Learn more about WEST and its work in our final report, entitled Opportunity and Prosperity: the Future of Western Canada.

Municipal leaders are problem solvers. FCM’s ability to convene and unite diverse local expertise—and to build bridges between orders of governments—makes us essential partners in tackling Canada’s biggest challenges, and in building better lives.

Members of FCM’s Western Economic Solutions Taskforce

WEST unites rural and urban municipal leaders from Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia. By convening mayors, reeves, councillors and presidents of municipal associations—representing hundreds of rural and urban communities—we’re ensuring that a full range of western municipal perspectives are heard at the federal level.

  • Randy Goulden, FCM Regional Chair – WEST Chair
  • Paul McLauchlin, President of the Rural Municipalities of Alberta – WEST Vice-Chair
  • Charlie Clark, Mayor of Saskatoon – WEST Vice-Chair
  • Joanne Vanderheyden, FCM President
  • Taneen Rudyk, FCM First Vice-President
  • Scott Pearce, FCM Second Vice-President
  • Geoff Stewart, FCM Third Vice-President
  • Garth Frizzell, FCM Past President
  • Kam Blight, President of the Association of Manitoba Municipalities
  • Angela Duncan, Interim President of the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association 
  • Brian Frenkel, President of the Union of British Columbia Municipalities
  • Ray Orb, President of the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities and FCM Rural Forum Chair
  • Rodger Hayward, President of the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association
  • Naheed Nenshi, Mayor of Calgary
  • Don Iveson, Mayor of Edmonton
  • Sandra Masters, Mayor of Regina
  • Brian Bowman, Mayor of Winnipeg

Featured news & resources

See featured resources, news, events and training related to Western Economic Solutions Taskforce.
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Let’s drive the recovery: big-city mayors

After an intense federal election, Canada’s big-city mayors meet today with the Prime Minister and others to advance constructive proposals to drive the strong, inclusive recovery Canadians are counting on through federal-municipal partnership.

Resources
Shaping Federal Budget 2021

Learn about FCM’s recommendations for the 2021 Federal Budget. We are calling for the budget to build on proven tools—to reliably drive progress in communities of all sizes across the country.

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Statement from FCM’s Western Economic Solutions Taskforce

FCM President Garth Frizzell, and Chair of the Western Economic Solutions Taskforce (WEST) Randy Goulden, issued this statement following the recent meeting of WEST held virtually on January 26th.

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Regina Leader-Post | FCM: Federal budget needs to work for western communities

The Regina Leader-Post published an opinion piece signed by Randy Goulden, chair of the Western Economic Solutions Taskforce (WEST) and councillor of the City of Yorkton; Charlie Clark, mayor of Saskatoon and vice-chair of WEST; and Al Kemmere, councillor of Mountain View County, president of Rural Municipalities of Alberta and vice-chair of WEST.

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CBC | Federal Ministers discuss economic issues with local western elected officials / Radio-Canada

CBC was in Leduc, Alberta, to report on the FCM’s Western Economic Taskforce’s meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, Transport Minister Marc Garneau, and Economic Development Minister Melanie Joly.

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Municipal leaders tackle western economic challenges

With a federal budget on the way, municipal and federal leaders gathered today to explore solutions to the economic uncertainty facing many western communities, from market access to energy and climate policies, economic development and local infrastructure.

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Related focus areas
Explore the topics we’re working on related to the Western Economic Solutions Taskforce.

Infrastructure

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Local governments own approximately 60 percent of the public infrastructure that supports our economy and quality of life. Through advocacy and support, we help them build a stronger Canada.

Rural, northern and remote

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Rural, northern and remote communities are integral to Canada’s economy and quality of life. With our advocacy and support, their local governments are building a brighter future.
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