The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) has laid out its priorities for the upcoming federal election.
Members of the national organization representing more than 2,000 municipalities held a virtual news conference on Thursday.
President Joanne Vanderheyden said they want parties to work directly with communities to address major national challenges.
“After everything we’ve been through, Canadians deserve a recovery they can see and feel in their daily lives. As the government closest to Canadians, that is what local leaders do best,” said Vanderheyden.
FCM laid out its recommendations under four categories: building for the future; affordable places to live; digital inclusion for all Canadians; and governments working together.
Ray Orb, chair of the rural forum, said one of their priorities is to bring high-speed Internet to all Canadians.
“While millions of people in this country have gone online for work, school, and basic human interaction, too many rural Canadians still don’t have that option,” said Orb.
The federation also wants the next government to permanently double the Canada-Community Building Fund, formerly the Gas Tax Fund, which Orb said directly empowers local leaders to create jobs and build better lives.
Mike Savage, the mayor of Halifax and chair of the big city mayors’ caucus, said they have also put forward several solutions to address the housing crisis.
“We’re proposing constructive ways to end chronic homelessness and boost affordability across the housing spectrum, from scaling up the Rapid Housing Initiative to expanding affordable rental options in ways that work locally,” he said.
The full plan, called Frontline Solutions for Canada’s Recovery, can be viewed on FCM’s website.
