Municipal advocacy

City council advocates for residents in local matters and across Canada. Council members are also involved in federal and provincial committees and caucuses that advocate for municipalities.

On this page:

1. Local advocacy
2. Ontario and Canada-wide advocacy
3. Council involvement on committees

Local advocacy

City council advocates on behalf of the city, with neighbouring municipalities when appropriate.

Ontario and Canada-wide advocacy

Municipalities across Ontario and Canada share common concerns. On these issues, it is most effective for municipalities to speak with a united voice. The City of Kitchener primarily works with two municipal advocacy organizations: The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO).

FCM advocates for communities across Canada, influencing policy and programs that fall within federal jurisdiction.

Council involvement on committees

Council members can join committees under FCM, AMO and other groups.

Mayor Berry Vrbanovic is a member of these committees:

• FCM Standing Committees on:
  • Environmental Issues and Sustainable Development
  • International Relations
  • Increasing Women’s Participation in Municipal Politics
• FCM Green Municipal Fund Council 
• Big City's Mayors' Caucus (BCMC)
• Ontario’s Big City Mayors (OBCM)
• United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG)