Yorkton Councillor Randy Goulden sits on the Board of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM).
Recently she attended a meeting of the Board with a focus on uniting behind a plan to ensure that federal infrastructure investments benefits all communities.
FCM Board members will continue to engage with local MPs and key ministers to advance a strong municipal-federal partnership to deliver the best outcomes for the people of Yorkton and all Canadians.
Municipalities are calling on the federal government to empower local decision-makers to drive forward the most strategic investments in transit and green infrastructure. They are also urging strong action to tackle the housing crisis, and to bolster rural Canada with an enhanced the Small Communities fund.
“People in Yorkton know we need investment in infrastructure. And strengthening communities like ours is how we strengthen Canada,” said Goulden in a release.
“Think about it … When we fix our roads, develop flood mitigation and invest in infrastructure; we keep people safe and strengthen our community.”
Municipal leaders acknowledged the vital importance of the federal government’s decision to grow its contribution to 50 per cent of costs. Sharing their Phase 1 experiences across the country, they agreed that a successful Phase 2 will require an ongoing 50 per cent federal share, with provinces partnering with no less than their traditional one-third share. They also agreed that Phase 2 should streamline investment in green and transit infrastructure as stable, predictable allocations for municipalities, said Goulden.
“There are no one-size-fits-all solutions, and local governments understand local needs best. With predictable federal transfers, we can plan long-term, pull in local expertise, and move cost-effective projects forward quickly,” said Goulden.
FCM Board members will continue to engage with local MPs and key ministers to advance a strong municipal-federal partnership to deliver the best outcomes for the people of Yorkton and all Canadians.
