Latest news with #FederationofCanadianMunicipalities
Toronto Sun
a day ago
- Politics
- Toronto Sun
Federal government urged to spend more on rural housing, connectivity, public safety
A devastating derecho storm ripped through White Lake. west of Ottawa in 2022. Ashley Fraser, Postmedia Photo by Ashley Fraser / Postmedia The federal government needs to invest more on housing, digital connectivity and public safety, according to a report from the country's largest municipalities organization. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account The Federation of Canadian Municipalities released the report Saturday, calling on the federal government to invest to close the gaps between urban and rural Canada, which includes access to reliable internet and cell service, infrastructure and transportation and housing. The wide-ranging report also calls on the government to reform and invest in public safety, including the need for bail reform and adequate police staffing, as well as climate adaptation and disaster mitigation projects. There is also a need for the government to update Canada's connectivity strategy and to achieve universal broadband and cellular connectivity. The report argues that more public support for digital connectivity would help rural Canadians to participate in remote work, grow rural businesses and provide better access to government and emergency services like education and health care. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Infrastructure and transportation is identified as another major gap, with roads, bridges and tunnels across rural municipalities needing about $83 billion in upgrades. And there is a strong need to 'unlock' the rural economy through diversified trade relationships both internationally and interprovincially. Climate adaptation and mitigation remains a significant concern for many rural communities. Rural municipalities across Saskatchewan and Manitoba are currently facing existential threats from wildfires. More than 80 per cent of Ottawa's total land area is rural, including agricultural lands, mineral deposits, and wetlands and woodlands. Rural Ottawa includes 26 villages and also has a significant portion of the city's population This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. In the capital region, a tornado in Dunrobin caused massive damage in that rural community within Ottawa. In 2022, a derecho tore through Ottawa, hitting several rural communities. Neal Comeau, chair of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities' rural forum, said in a news conference that municipalities needed to be 'at the table' for climate emergency planning. Neal Comeau, chair of the rural forum at the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, speaks during a press conference on Saturday, May 31, 2025. Photo by Spencer Colby / Postmedia He also said there also needed to be 'stable funding' and 'better lines of communication' between all levels of governments to respond to climate threats like wildfires, floods or storms. 'This report contains the missing key to unlock long-term prosperity thanks to the work of dedicated municipal elected officials across the country,' Comeau said in a news release. Read More Crime Toronto & GTA Columnists Ontario Columnists
Ottawa Citizen
a day ago
- Politics
- Ottawa Citizen
Federal government urged to spend more on rural housing, connectivity, public safety
The federal government needs to invest more on housing, digital connectivity and public safety, according to a report from the country's largest municipalities organization. Article content Article content The Federation of Canadian Municipalities released the report Saturday, calling on the federal government to invest to close the gaps between urban and rural Canada, which includes access to reliable internet and cell service, infrastructure and transportation and housing. Article content Article content The wide-ranging report also calls on the government to reform and invest in public safety, including the need for bail reform and adequate police staffing, as well as climate adaptation and disaster mitigation projects. Article content Article content There is also a need for the government to update Canada's connectivity strategy and to achieve universal broadband and cellular connectivity. Article content The report argues that more public support for digital connectivity would help rural Canadians to participate in remote work, grow rural businesses and provide better access to government and emergency services like education and health care. Article content Infrastructure and transportation is identified as another major gap, with roads, bridges and tunnels across rural municipalities needing about $83 billion in upgrades. Article content And there is a strong need to 'unlock' the rural economy through diversified trade relationship both internationally and interprovincially. Article content Article content Climate adaptation and mitigation remains a significant concern for many rural communities. Rural municipalities across Saskatchewan and Manitoba are currently facing existential threats from wildfires. Article content More than 80 per cent of Ottawa's total land area is rural, including agricultural lands, mineral deposits, and wetlands and woodlands. Rural Ottawa includes 26 villages and also includes a significant portion of the city's population Article content In the capital region, a tornado in Dunrobin caused massive damage in the rural community within Ottawa. In 2021, a derecho tore through Ottawa, hitting several rural communities. Article content Neal Comeau, chair of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, said in a news release that municipalities need to 'be at the table' for climate emergency planning.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
New FCM report urges bold federal-municipal partnership to unlock Rural Canada's economic potential
OTTAWA, ON, May 31, 2025 /CNW/ - At a pivotal moment for Canada's economy and communities, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) has released The Future of Rural Canada—a bold roadmap to unlock the full potential of rural communities as essential partners in national prosperity. As global uncertainty reshapes economic priorities, rural leaders are ready to drive solutions that diversify trade, strengthen local infrastructure, and build a more resilient, inclusive economy for all Canadians. Rural Canada is a cornerstone of national prosperity—rich in resources, innovation, and untapped potential. With modern infrastructure, reliable connectivity, and updated fiscal tools, rural communities are ready to drive growth in critical sectors and expand Canada's global trade footprint. But unlocking this potential requires a renewed, results-driven partnership across all orders of government—because when rural communities thrive, the entire country moves forward. "FCM is proud to present its vision of Canada's future, and how this can achieve safer and more resilient communities with all orders of government working hand in hand," said Neal Comeau, Chair of FCM's Rural Forum. "This report contains the missing key to unlock long-term prosperity, thanks to the work of dedicated municipal elected officials across the country." As the federal government begins a new mandate, the report highlights key challenges— such as public safety, aging infrastructure, and major gaps in digital connectivity—and offers practical solutions to help rural communities thrive. Key recommendations include: Expanding broadband and cellular service to meet the needs of the 21st Century rural economy. Strengthening partnerships with rural municipalities is key to ensuring federal infrastructure programs reflect rural realities—unlocking economic potential and improving access to markets across the country. Elevating rural policing and reforming the bail system through intergovernmental collaboration is essential to ensuring safer, more resilient communities across Canada. Grow rural housing supply by empowering municipalities through a renewed federal-municipal partnership that aligns tools and infrastructure to deliver results. Advance climate resilience by partnering with rural municipalities to strengthen infrastructure, protect communities, and support long-term sustainability. Recognizing all communities, including rural and urban areas, as essential partners in delivering national priorities, alongside provincial and territorial governments. This is the first national rural report of its kind in seven years — grounded in the voices of rural leaders from coast to coast to coast. It calls on the federal government to work with rural municipalities through a National Prosperity Partnership to unlock rural economic potential, fully connect communities with reliable internet and cellular service, and ensure safety and strength in every corner of the country. As Canada modernizes how municipalities are funded, rural realities must be front and centre. A renewed fiscal framework must deliver equitable support for all communities—because rural Canada is not just part of the solution, it's essential to building a stronger, more resilient future for everyone. The Federation of Canadian Municipalities is the national voice of municipal governments, with more than 2,000 members representing more than 92 percent of the Canadian population. SOURCE Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) View original content to download multimedia:
Cision Canada
a day ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
New FCM report urges bold federal-municipal partnership to unlock Rural Canada's economic potential Français
OTTAWA, ON, May 31, 2025 /CNW/ - At a pivotal moment for Canada's economy and communities, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) has released The Future of Rural Canada —a bold roadmap to unlock the full potential of rural communities as essential partners in national prosperity. As global uncertainty reshapes economic priorities, rural leaders are ready to drive solutions that diversify trade, strengthen local infrastructure, and build a more resilient, inclusive economy for all Canadians. Rural Canada is a cornerstone of national prosperity—rich in resources, innovation, and untapped potential. With modern infrastructure, reliable connectivity, and updated fiscal tools, rural communities are ready to drive growth in critical sectors and expand Canada's global trade footprint. But unlocking this potential requires a renewed, results-driven partnership across all orders of government—because when rural communities thrive, the entire country moves forward. "FCM is proud to present its vision of Canada's future, and how this can achieve safer and more resilient communities with all orders of government working hand in hand," said Neal Comeau, Chair of FCM's Rural Forum. "This report contains the missing key to unlock long-term prosperity, thanks to the work of dedicated municipal elected officials across the country." As the federal government begins a new mandate, the report highlights key challenges— such as public safety, aging infrastructure, and major gaps in digital connectivity—and offers practical solutions to help rural communities thrive. Key recommendations include: Expanding broadband and cellular service to meet the needs of the 21 st Century rural economy. Strengthening partnerships with rural municipalities is key to ensuring federal infrastructure programs reflect rural realities—unlocking economic potential and improving access to markets across the country. Elevating rural policing and reforming the bail system through intergovernmental collaboration is essential to ensuring safer, more resilient communities across Canada. Grow rural housing supply by empowering municipalities through a renewed federal-municipal partnership that aligns tools and infrastructure to deliver results. Advance climate resilience by partnering with rural municipalities to strengthen infrastructure, protect communities, and support long-term sustainability. Recognizing all communities, including rural and urban areas, as essential partners in delivering national priorities, alongside provincial and territorial governments. This is the first national rural report of its kind in seven years — grounded in the voices of rural leaders from coast to coast to coast. It calls on the federal government to work with rural municipalities through a National Prosperity Partnership to unlock rural economic potential, fully connect communities with reliable internet and cellular service, and ensure safety and strength in every corner of the country. As Canada modernizes how municipalities are funded, rural realities must be front and centre. A renewed fiscal framework must deliver equitable support for all communities—because rural Canada is not just part of the solution, it's essential to building a stronger, more resilient future for everyone. The Federation of Canadian Municipalities is the national voice of municipal governments, with more than 2,000 members representing more than 92 percent of the Canadian population. SOURCE Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM)
Hamilton Spectator
2 days ago
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Mark Carney warns that ‘foreign threats' mean Canada needs to move faster
There is a need for speed. That's the message from Prime Minister Mark Carney as he convenes the premiers Sunday in Saskatoon. Carney told the Federation of Canadian Municipalities in Ottawa on Friday that he wants to work with the provinces to fast-track the building of housing on a massive scale in Canada as well as accelerating 'nation-building' projects and streamlining environmental assessments. Without mentioning U.S. President Donald Trump's name, the prime minister prompted laughter from mayors when he underscored the importance of Canada moving quickly to make its economy more resilient. 'In face of foreign threats — no prize for guessing what I'm saying, I'm trying to learn some diplomacy from the King,' he said, referring to King Charles, who delivered Monday's throne speech, 'a core priority of this government is to build projects of national significance, projects that reinforce our country's resilience, projects that connect Canada, projects that partner with Indigenous Peoples, that diversify our trading partners and create a more sustainable future for all.' Carney cited potential projects like the long-discussed high-speed rail line between Windsor and Quebec City, upgrades to ports and other infrastructure as key to diversifying Canada's trading relationships and reducing its reliance on the U.S. 'We will move from delay to delivery, ensuring that the Canadian government becomes a catalyst for, not an impediment to, nation building projects that will supercharge growth in communities both large and small,' he said. That was music to the ears of Premier Doug Ford, who would like to expedite the Ring of Fire mining project in northern Ontario and new nuclear reactors, among other big-ticket priorities. 'He wants to work collaboratively,' Ford said of Carney, noting that was not always the case with former prime minister Justin Trudeau. 'The previous government and previous prime minister didn't show enough love, in my opinion, to Alberta and Saskatchewan. We have to be a united country,' said the Ontarian, who chairs the Council of the Federation. 'I believe (Carney) is creating that environment of making sure that we build large national infrastructure projects,' he said, expressing hope the prime minister will revisit Trudeau's Impact Assessment Act that limits pipeline construction and is unpopular in Alberta and Saskatchewan. 'As long as you have Bill C-69 it's like five steps forward, 10 steps backwards. We should all be in agreement right across the country, you can't move forward as long as you have Bill C-69.' Ford's comments at Queen's Park come as his Progressive Conservative government is in the midst of pushing through its controversial Bill 5 that would limit environmental assessments and create 'special economic zones' exempt from many municipal and provincial rules to speed up infrastructure projects. Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler said last-minute government amendments aimed at easing Indigenous That has raised concerns from some Indigenous leaders that First Nation treaty rights are being violated, which could lead to protests. 'I had a great meeting with Chief (Abram) Benedict last week when I had him over to the house. This isn't about hurting First Nations. This is about giving them an opportunity,' Ford said of the Ontario Regional Chief. 'We're always going to respect treaty rights. We're always going to have duty to consult but let's look across the country,' he said. 'Forget political stripes. We have ... NDP Premier (David) Eby (in British Columbia) saying we have to move on this. We have a Liberal government (in Ottawa) that's saying it's ridiculous it takes 15 years (to approve a mine). Either make changes or you fall behind and you get destroyed by the rest of the world that will eat our lunch.' Carney suggested in an interview earlier this week with David Cochrane on CBC Power and Politics that he is prepared to release a list of projects that would be fast-tracked after the summit. Ahead of the meeting, Quebec Premier François Legault told reporters he believes the federal government should help foot the bill for Quebec's planned expansion of hydroelectrical developments in Labrador. Already several First Nations leaders have suggested they want a greater say in what developments get the green light. Carney's governing agenda, laid out in the throne speech Tuesday pledged that Ottawa would work with Indigenous groups. 'As Canada moves forward with nation-building projects, the government will always be firmly guided by the principle of free, prior, and informed consent,' it said, echoing the principle enshrined in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Natan Obed, leader of the national group representing Inuit people, the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, said in an interview that Ottawa's requirement to consult, work with and obtain the consent of Inuit communities is 'baked into' the modern-day treaties that govern the relationship between the federal government and the Inuit. He has appealed to Carney to include Indigenous leaders in talks with the premiers in Saskatoon. 'We recognize as Inuit that there will be issues that first ministers will need to discuss with the Canadian prime minister' that deal with their particular concerns, but he said 'there are shared interests, and there's shared governance and we have to be a part of these conversations that will lead to decisions that are made on behalf of all Canadians.'
