Latest news with #NealComeau
Ottawa Citizen
3 days 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
3 days 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
3 days 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)
Cision Canada
4 days ago
- Politics
- Cision Canada
Media Advisory - FCM releases vision for the future of Rural Canada Français
OTTAWA, ON, May 30, 2025 /CNW/ - The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) is releasing a comprehensive report on the future of rural Canada. The report is the first of its kind in seven years and reflects input from rural leaders across Canada. The report not only highlights today's most pressing issues but also outlines a practical path forward. It emphasizes how rural communities are essential to Canada's economic growth and calls for their inclusion as key decision-makers shaping the country's future. Date and time: Saturday, May 31, at 12:00 p.m. ET Location: Rogers Centre, Ottawa, 55 Colonel By Drive, room 211. Participants: Rebecca Bligh, FCM's President, and Vancouver, BC, Councillor Neal Comeau, FCM's Rural Forum Chair and Sturgeon County, AB, Councillor Kathy Valentino, FCM's Second Vice-President and Thompson, MB, Councillor Jacques Demers, President of la Fédération québécoise des municipalités and Sainte-Catherine-de-Hatley, QC, Mayor Brittany Merrifield, Town of Grand Bay-Westfield, NB, Mayor Scott Pearce, FCM's Past President, and Gore Township, QC, Mayor Notes for media: The Federation of Canadian Municipalities is the national voice of municipal governments, with over 2,000 members representing more than 92 percent of the Canadian population. SOURCE Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM)
