Capital Regional District (CRD) Board Chair Barbara Desjardins has received a letter confirming that the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) will review the variables that determine guidelines for membership in the Big City Mayors Caucus (BCMC) this coming fall.
Chair Desjardins has a long history of involvement with the FCM, which actively partners with the Federal Government ensuring federal policy and legislation works for municipalities. BCMC represents the interests of Canada’s 21 biggest cities, as national challenges such as infrastructure, housing and climate change play out in communities across the country. Due to historic reasons and municipal makeup, greater Victoria has not held membership in the BCMC in the past.
“Our region should be a part of this important group and the CRD would be best positioned to be that regional representative for greater Victoria,” said Chair Desjardins. “The CRD is a member of FCM and has participated and supported FCM in a variety of initiatives. I appreciate the efforts of a new process and the transparency of that process.”
The Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ Big City Mayors’ Caucus (BCMC) is the voice of Canada’s biggest cities. Cities are engines that drive our country forward, creating local jobs and local growth. Canada’s cities are also hubs for innovation, where solutions are found, tested and shared to meet national challenges playing out in communities across the country. Through FCM, the mayors’ caucus partners with the federal government in nation-building through city-building.
The Federation of Canadian Municipalities has been the national voice of municipal government since 1901.
Working on behalf of its members, FCM actively engages with the federal government on a wide variety of issues that impact municipalities. We bring local priorities to the table in Ottawa, ensuring that urban, rural, northern and remote voices are heard and that federal policy and legislation works for municipalities. FCM’s strong voice is well-respected in Ottawa. We work with federal departments and elected officials including the Prime Minister’s Office, Cabinet Ministers, Party Leaders and all Members of Parliament to advance policy options that strengthen communities and Canada. FCM membership represents close to 2,000 municipalities, representing more than 90 per cent of the Canadian population who live in cities, and in rural and remote communities.
