More FCM

The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), of which we are a member, lobbies the federal government on behalf of municipalities across Canada. FCM put pressure on Ottawa to develop the Build Canada Fund to address the infrastructure deficit and it is FCM taking the lead on rail safety. For more information about what they do click here.

What follows is FCM's response to the announcement of the free trade agreement with Europe.

Statement by FCM President Following the Signing of the Canada-Europe Trade Agreement (18/10/2013)

OTTAWA - The following statement was released by Claude Dauphin, President of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) regarding the announcement of the Canada-Europe Trade Agreement in principle:

"This morning's announcement shows that the voice of Canada's local governments has been heard and respected in trade negotiations with Europe, and opens the door to a much stronger economic partnership between the federal government and Canada's cities and communities.
Today we are seeing the positive results of FCM's two-year collaboration with International Trade Minister Ed Fast, who has worked hard to answer serious questions about potential impacts on small businesses, strategic industries, and local decision-making.

Today the government is reassuring local governments that we won't be hit by rules we can't afford or that weaken our ability to serve our citizens.  While some important details remain to be confirmed, we are more optimistic than ever that the final agreement will respect all seven of the CETA principles we put forward on behalf of cities and communities across Canada.

We must use this deal to bring down barriers between our own governments, not just the ones between Canada and Europe. To realize Canada's full economic potential, cities and communities must be full partners in attracting jobs and promoting businesses, both at home and abroad."