Federation of Canadian Municipalities calls on political parties to improve the lives of Canadians by supporting and resourcing local governments.

KITCHENER – The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) released its Election 2019 recommendations to federal parties today in Toronto and at local media events across Canada. The platform—titled Building Better Lives—is a call to improve Canadians’ quality of life by empowering the local governments closest to their daily challenges.

“Municipal leaders are on the ground with Canadians,” said FCM 2nd Vice-President and Mayor of Strathroy-Caradoc, Joanne Vanderheyden. “We understand their daily challenges, and we make the most of limited tools to build solutions—from faster commutes, affordable housing and climate adaptation in our cities to making universal internet access and modernized funding tools a reality for our rural communities.

FCM’s cornerstone recommendation is to permanently double the federal Gas Tax Fund (GTF) transfer. Municipalities are responsible for 60 percent of Canada’s public infrastructure, but collect just 10 percent of each Canadian tax dollar. The GTF helps by transferring predictable funds to municipalities to renew roads, bridges, water systems and other core infrastructure. While the GTF model works, its current scale still leaves many vital repairs and upgrades unfunded every year.

“Cities and communities deliver cost-effective results that make a real difference in people’s lives,” said Waterloo Mayor Dave Jaworsky. “By permanently doubling the GTF, the federal government would clearly demonstrate their commitment to communities like ours, across Canada, providing predictable funding to support the infrastructure needs that matters most to the citizens in our communities.”

FCM’s recommendations reflect the central and growing role local governments play in everyday life: 

•     A permanent public transit funding mechanism would empower municipalities to continue easing gridlock and shortening commutes for workers and families.

•     FCM’s housing affordability proposals would continue growing the affordable housing supply—while tackling the broader disconnect between rents, home prices and incomes.

•     New long-term funding for local climate adaptation would protect Canadians from more frequent, severe weather extremes—from wildfires to floods and storm surges.

•     FCM is urging parties to champion rural and northern communities, by committing to universal Internet access and modernized, streamlined funding tools.

“Every single one of the federal leaders is telling people they have the best plan to serve Canadians. Working collaboratively with local government is a very practical way for federal parties to build better lives and a better Canada,” said Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic. “Cities manage roads, water, transportation, parks, libraries, fire services and so much more. Mayors from across Canada are calling on all federal parties and candidates to commit to these ideas and are asking voters to think about who will work collaboratively with local governments to make our cities and communities even better places to live, work and play.”

With modernized tools and a seat at the nation-building table, Canadians’ frontline governments are ready to deliver results they can see every day.  

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For more information: 

Paul Grivicic
Chief of Staff, Office of the Mayor and Council
City of Kitchener
519.741.2200 x7795 
paul.grivicic@kitchener.ca
 

Jennifer Hassum
Director of Communications and Marketing
City of Kitchener
519.741.2200 x7046
Jennifer.Hassum@kitchener.ca
 

Tony Iavarone
Director of Corporate Communications
City of Waterloo
519.747.8513
tony.iavarone@waterloo.ca

FCM Media Relations
(613) 907-6395
media@fcm.ca 

The full FCM election platform can be found at:
https://buildingbetterlives.ca/