Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) Appointment

Today I was notified that I have been appointed to two standing committees and a forum pending Council's approval. The committees I have been appointed to include:

• Community Safety and Crime Prevention - Policing, crime prevention, community corrections, emergency preparedness and management.
• Social-Economic Development - Housing and homelessness; cultural and community infrastructure, immigration and municipal-Aboriginal relations, aging.

FCM in Edmonton. June 2015.

I have also been appointed to the Rural Forum chaired by the President of Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM). The Rural Forum addresses

• Infrastructure investments, rural economic development, diversification of resource-based communities, interdependencies between rural and urban communities.

This is an excellent opportunity to learn more about municipal challenges and opportunities including best practices and contribute to  the development of healthy communities across Canada. I am looking forward to serving Kindersley through this appointment.

FCM: Joe Oliver's Presentation

FCM calls for National Leaders Debate on Municipal Issues

EDMONTON, AB - Federal Finance Minister Joe Oliver delivered a keynote speech to delegates today at the Annual Conference of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) in Edmonton.   Following the Minister's statement FCM president Brad Woodside released the following statement:

"Earlier this year FCM called for a new approach, a new era of cooperation between all orders of government focused on our country's most pressing challenges: jobs, the economy and our quality of life.  It's very encouraging to see all federal parties eager to pitch their platforms to Municipal leaders. It signals they are ready to work with municipalities as partners. This is a real win for Canadians. 

Minister Oliver spoke to the new Public Transit Fund. Municipalities welcomed this program and we have said this permanent dedicated funding of 1 billion dollars annually has the potential to be transformative for cities across the country.  We agree with the minister that investments in infrastructure are essential to a strong economy.  We will work with the government to extend its partnership with municipalities to improve roads and bridges and to deliver clean water. 

The federal government has not adequately addressed the housing crisis in this country.  We need to protect and build on the investments in affordable housing rather than allow them to expire.  We will continue to work with the government on solutions to this issue. 

These issues are critical to our economy and our quality of life. For months we've encouraged all Canadians to carefully scrutinize the platforms of the federal political parties as we head into an election.  The easiest way for Canadians to do this is through a National Leaders Debate on Municipal Issues.  We've extended this invitation to all parties, we've yet to hear a clear response  from the Prime Minister."

FCM: Justin Trudeau's Pitch

FCM calls for National Leaders Debate on Municipal Issues

EDMONTON, AB - Liberal Party of Canada Leader Justin Trudeau delivered a keynote speech to delegates today at the Annual Conference of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) in Edmonton. Following the Party Leader's statement, FCM president Brad Woodside released the following statement.

"Earlier this year FCM called for a new approach, a new era of cooperation between all orders of government focused on our country's most pressing challenges: jobs, the economy and our quality of life.  It's very encouraging to see all federal parties eager to pitch their platforms to Municipal leaders. It signals they are ready to work with municipalities as partners. This is a real win for Canadians.

We welcome Mr. Trudeau's support for investments in public transit and infrastructure. We look forward to the details of his proposal for a new, dedicated revenue source for municipalities. As the details of this plan are fleshed out, we expect Mr. Trudeau to work closely with us to ensure a solution that works for all Canadians.

The housing crisis in this country needs critical attention from all orders of government and we're encouraged to hear that housing is a priority for Mr. Trudeau.  We still need to hear details on his housing strategy and again, we expect he will work with us to make sure we protect and build on the investments in affordable housing. 

These issues are critical to our economy and our quality of life. For months we've encouraged all Canadians to carefully scrutinize the platforms of the federal political parties as we head into an election.  The easiest way for Canadians to do this is through a National Leaders Debate on Municipal Issues.  We've extended this invitation to all parties, and we're delighted we now have commitments from the New Democrats, the Liberals and the Green Party."

FCM: Mulcair's Presentation

NDP leader re-affirms his commitment to a National Leaders Debate on Municipal Issues

EDMONTON, AB - The leader of the New Democratic Party of Canada Tom Mulcair delivered a keynote speech to delegates today at the Annual Conference of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) in Edmonton. Following the Party Leader's statement, FCM president Brad Woodside released the following statement.

"Earlier this year FCM called for a new approach, a new era of cooperation between all orders of government focused on our country's most pressing challenges: jobs, the economy and our quality of life.  It's very encouraging to see all federal parties eager to pitch their platforms to Municipal leaders. It signals they are ready to work with municipalities as partners. This is a real win for Canadians.

Mr. Mulcair's plan proposes to increase the gas tax by $1.5B per year, and this responds directly to FCM's call for stable, long-term and predictable funding.  It will enable municipalities to build better roads, safer bridges and have cleaner water in rural communities and larger cities from coast to coast to coast, while creating jobs and growing the economy.

Mr. Mulcair's 20-year Better Transit Plan is a significant commitment to cut commute times for Canadians and strengthen the economy. The plan to invest $1.3B annually in a dedicated fund demonstrates we are in a new era of federal partnership on public transit. We have called for flexibility in any fund design, including on P3 requirements, and we are pleased the NDP's plan has responded. Municipalities will be able to decide what financing structure best suits their unique needs.

We have asked all parties to sustain current investments in housing and the NDP plan delivers an important first step. It also proposes incentives to increase affordable rental options.  We look forward to hearing further details.

We are delighted that Mr. Mulcair re-affirmed his commitment to participate in a national leaders debate on municipal issues.  Three of four federal parties have signed on to the debate. We look forward to hearing from the Conservatives.

FCM Study Tour: Bookworms and Ballgames

Today I saw a magnificent facility housing:

• 2 ice surfaces with:
• 1 NHL size surface and
• 1 Olympic size surface
• an aquatic facility with:
• an 8 lane 25 metre competition tank,
• lazy river,
• slide,
• tot tank,
• library,
• gym with three courts,
• social area,
• fitness area
• soccer pitches,
• baseball fields,
• seniors drop in,
• youth drop in,
• culture centre,
• public art exhibits, and
• office space for emerging not for profit groups.
• 7-10 years to build a facility
• the cost of the project was about $125 million
• Art is incorporated into facilities
• Phases
• Strategy
• Concept - functional program study, boring but super important (this was the part Group 2 did last year)
• Design - (This is where we currently are)     
• Build
• Operate
• Had a medium term rec plan outlining future needs
• Everyone has input: as inclusive as possible
• Look for partnership opportunities
• Partners must align with strategic plans,
• Partners must meet community needs and viable
• Partners must demonstrate public support

Gym, Clareview Community Centre. June 7 2015.

Social Area.  Clareview Community Centre. June 7 2015.

Soccer Pitch,  Clareview Community Centre. June 7 2015.

Public Art.  Clareview Community Centre. June 7 2015.

Public Art,  Clareview Community Centre. June 7 2015.

Running Track,  Clareview Community Centre. June 7 2015.

Gym,  Clareview Community Centre. June 7 2015.

Fitness space,  Clareview Community Centre. June 7 2015.

Weights,  Clareview Community Centre. June 7 2015.

Letter Art at the Library,  Clareview Community Centre. June 7 2015.

Library view of aquatic centre,  Clareview Community Centre. June 7 2015.

Library view of soccer pitches,  Clareview Community Centre. June 7 2015.

Library view of residential and commercial area,  Clareview Community Centre. June 7 2015.

Library view of playing fields,  Clareview Community Centre. June 7 2015.

'Jarvis,' not of Ironman, but the automatic book sorter,  Clareview Community Centre. June 7 2015.

 

FCM Keynote Speaker: Bruce Anderson of Abacus Data

Bruce Anderson of Abacus Data, a regular in the Globe and Mail and CBC provided us with a statistical understanding of the current political climate.

Bruce Anderson, Abacus Data. June 7, 2015

• National Politics Local Implications
• Things aren't awful - we are risk adverse is one case
• You're better off with Harper, CPC message 
• We can do better tomorrow, opposition message 
• Time for something different, opposition message  
• Direction of Canada
• Generally we are in right direction: gap has closed from 29 points to 14 - now some uncertainty
• Time for change,
• Most say yes
• New appetite for change
• Best not to change has dropped 15 points, concern for CPC
• NDP is leader for change, people now prefer NDP for change
• Current intention is softening of CPC and Liberal while improvements for NDP
• Firmness of voting intention, 75% are unsure
• CPC has most firmness at 37%
• Could change is a tie
• Slight preference LPC lead
• Don't know how they'll vote is 3 way tie
• Core vote
• N 16%
• L 10%
• C 15% - peak at 38%
• Would consider
• N 56%
• L 51%
• C 45%
• Volatile election
• Top issues for Canada
• Taxes -
• not defining issue, always steady number
• Not a motivating issue
• Incomes
• New concern
• Safety/terrorism
• Significant drop
• Led to drop for CPC because of reduced deficit
• Who Voters Predict to Win
• L 26%
• C 24%
• N 15%
• All of these numbers have changed significantly in last year.
•  NDP who have moved up significantly while CPC and LPC have dropped
• Fixed election dates has lot of unexpected outcomes
• Is it about the economy?
• More than half think it is okay
• 44% say it is poor
• 30% blame government
• Want change for change in ideas
• Economy isn't a driver of political choice
• Question of change and leadership - good for opposition and bad for CPC
• Debates
• More debates is likely
• 64% say networks should host
• 72% say PM should change is name

• Senate/Duffy
• Big cloud is forecasting bad weather
• Local Issues National Implications
• 40% think their community is  better than average
• Generally people like where they live and change might be good
• 87% of people like their quality of life
• 65% want to improve their quality of life
• Local priorities (taxes not an issue nationally)
• Economic
• Roads
• Hardship
• Safety
• Environment       




Bruce Anderson, Abacus Data. June 7, 2015

• Best parties on issues
• Economy CPC



Bruce Anderson, Abacus Data. June 7, 2015



• Conclusion
• Election a toss up
• Instinct for change is up but fear of change matters
• Parties will be tested and retested
• A conservative electorate
• Quality of life is key and economy enables it
• Both are experienced locally more than nationally
• Different markets, different aspirations, increasing leverage
• A national message which resonate locally
• Hearts and minds battle
• Aspirations
• What might work
• A better future
• Bigger market for hope

compared to

• Realities
• What might fail
• Costs/risks

The election may may be won based on if the electorates is hopeful or fearful

FCM AGM Highlights

Here are some highlights of the FCM AGM.

Brad Woodside, President FCM

• Over 500 mayors murdered in Columbia plus numerous other municipally elected officials

Brock Carleton, CEO FCM

• Effective for knowing constituents, using assets, telling story for effective advocacy - Huffington Post calls FCM one of the most effective advocates
• Developed a road map to move forward
• 2,000 members that need to be mobilized
• Build coalitions for housing, transit,
• One community saved 40% on energy costs through the Green Municipal Fund - no details how
• We are a vast and united movement to transform our communities.

Raymond Louie, Incoming President of FCM

• 1,700 delegates
• 170 vendors at trade show

FCM Objectives

• Membership of 90% of population
• Stable revenues
• Strong membership

Prairie Directors of FCM. June 7, 2015

 

FCM: Elizabeth May, Leader of the Green Party

The final party leader to speak was Elizabeth May this morning. She is a charismatic speaker who knows how to play to an audience.

I was unable to hear the first part of her speech. Like the other speakers she was wooing the municipal crowd for the next election.

Notes from her speech are after the photo.

Elizabeth May, June 7, 2015

• Council of Canadian Governments
• Federal, Provincial, Municipal, Aboriginal
• Harper fiscal deficit is financial and of planning
• 1 point of GST to municipalities per Saskatchewan PST model
• Gas tax remains
• Federal government back into social housing
• Increase taxes for work
• Increased rail safety, needs more money

FCM Receptions: Colas and Mayor's Reception

The day ended with a couple of receptions: Colas and Mayor's Reception.

The Colas reception was in support of an initiative by Minister Jim Reiter for economic diversification. We are all on the same team and work together. At this event I was able to spend time speaking with Minister Reiter's assistant to follow up on a couple of items. Angie will be getting back to me in the next week or so.

Another significant conversation I had was with Mike, the Government Relations guy with CP (his card is in my stack of cards). Mike will be visiting with Council to discuss our relations and any concerns. Our experience with CP has been good given our recent land purchase. I did bring to Mike's attention the challenge of the long train blocking emergency access to the Rosedale area.

City Hall Square, site of the Mayor's Reception. June 6, 2014

At the Mayor's reception I had a couple of lengthy conversations about our Youth Council with Darren, a Saskatoon Councillor, and Keesha, a Councillor from BC. Our program attracts lot of interest.

Other conversations centred around the economy, what we have learned at this year's FCM including items of interest and surprise.

We were also able to tour around Edmonton City Hall.

The Main Hall. June 6, 2015

Council Chambers. June 6, 2015

Chambers Skylight. June 6, 2015

Chamber Skylight. June 6, 2015

Entrance to Council Chambers. June 6, 2015

FCM: FIFA Women's World Cup Canada vs China

A highlight was attending the opening ceremonies of the FIFA Women's World Cup. The game featured Canada and China with Canada prevailing in extra time to win a well deserved game 1-0 on a penalty kick by Christine Sinclair. It was a great experience.

Yes, we even discussed municipal issues such as committee appointments and Council effectiveness.

Teagan and Sara performing. June 6, 2015

Part of the Opening Ceremonies. June 6, 2015

The opening moments. June 6, 2015

The Chinese visitors were at the end of the Stadium. June 6, 2015

A game moment. June 6, 2015

Goaaaal!!! Canada Wins!!! June 6, 2015

FCM: Tom Mulclair, NDP, Leader of the Opposition

It was Tom Mulclair's turn to be the keynote speaker today. In the three years I have heard him he has improved; he is no longer 'angry Tom.'

Tom Mulclair. June 6, 2015

• Municipalities are a priority
• NDP has a clear costed programs for municipalities
• Housing is a priority
• Vision and practical first steps in this speech
• Modern, reliable infrastructure is needed
• Municipalities responsible for 60% of infrastructure with 8% of tax revenue (this is a big source of frustration)
• Too much red tape and NDP will reduce it (the Town fills out lots of paper work)
• Will invest an additional $1.5 bn through gas tax
• Total by end of first term will be $3.7 bn annually for municipalities
• Predictable and reliable funding
• Remove barriers so we can focus on building rather than forms
• New 20 year transit plan with $1.5 bn annually
• Ties in with business needs
• Will do a new housing strategy
• Education is also a priority
• Partner by doing long term stable investments
• Work with CMHC to do income tax for rental affordable units - reconfigure capital tax
• A Minister for Urban Affairs
• Will partner on environment such energy capture from garbage
• NDP would bring Canada become a part of the Kyoto Protocol
• Wants to work with FCM
• Create 1 million quality $15/day child care
• Will restore door to door service for Canada Post (this is primarily an eastern issue - when was the last time Kindersley had door to door service?)
• Businesses need livable cities to recruit and retain talent
• Will attend leaders debate on municipal issues, accepted in writing
• Stressed willingness to work with business

FCM Study Tour: Edmonton's Entrepreneurial Spirit

Ideas for business, community building, social enterprise including changing bylaws

Values with examples and pictures

Tourism Edmonton incorporated some of the ideas

It is an experiment that is in process, generally good - City and Businesses try to work collaboratively - strong support from Mayor, Council, and City Manager

Entrepreneur is people + innovation + community + collisions + leadership + growth

Startup Edmonton is a place to experiment

Peer mentorship

Pop up retail space

Moved into 'Startup City' Phase

Two Fold

• Redesign HR for small business

Firms can stay a couple of years

Evangelize thinking

Membership fee of $150/month; desk is $375/month

Slogan. June 6, 2015

Work Lab. June 6, 2015

The Study Group. June 6, 2015

Mission. June 6, 2015

Measuring Success. June 6, 2015

Location beside the new arena. June 6, 2015

Looking towards the future. June 6, 2015

Tracking growth. June 6, 2015

Lean business plan model. June 6, 2015

Evolving revenue streams. June 6, 2015

FCM: Councillor Lorne Janzen's Highlights

Councillor Janzen is with me at FCM.

Here are his unedited notes. I've been glad to have him here to bounce ideas off of and talk.

while attending FCM ... here are a few highlights

Speakers ..we will be hearing from the 4 national political leaders

 

Finance minister Joe Oliver ( standing in for Prime Minister Harper )

Justin Trudeau

Thomas Mulcair

Elizabeth May will be speaking Sunday Morning

The parties so far have addressed municipal infrastructure issues in some ways . One party has made specific municipal announcements , while others made comments in more broader terms and announcements will follow with the release of their election platforms

 Trade Show ..there is about 170 booths , related to municipal matters. Theses range from artificial turf , to swimming pools , and splash parks to industrial vehicles , to LED street lighting. Great contacts and good conversation with the suppliers . Many of us had  a quick lesson on operating a back hoe.. Our equipment operators make it look so smooth.

 

Voting ..eligible voters were given an electronic device for voting purposes. Today was resolution day . We were given thirty seconds to vote yes  or no on individual resolutions and the results were immediate .. A fantastic voting method with no glitches experienced

 

workshops attended

fighting urban flooding : partnerships, prevention and preparedness

great information on the federal disaster assistance program on overland flooding which until now was not covered by homeowners policies

Things are changing and the insurance bureau of Canada spoke of how this will now be insured. They spoke of flood mapping , climate change and mitigation. Flood insurance will either be made mandatory or bundled with other coverages.

 

Partnership group made a presentation on corporate sponsorship in municipal buildings . Showcased some Canadian case studies

 

Municipal first responders .. increased calls for service are putting demands on police , fire and EMS . Dale Mcphee deputy minister of Justice , policing  and corrections for Sask spoke of the HUB model , that he designed in Prince Albert. Improvements are being made in some areas to reduce the demand for services. Working with schools and other social providers to provide intervention before the services are needed . Social intervention will be an advantage .

we also need to provide ancillary services to our service providers. 80% of Canadas fire service is by volunteer ( non career ) fire fighters

we also heard from Dan Paulsen , fire chief , ciity of Saskatoon

Main issues to be resolved are Parenting , absenteeism in schools, Literacy , Mental health and Domestic violence

Currently there are 17.2 deaths per 100,000 population due to impaired drivers

and 3.2 homicides per 100,000 population

impaired driving and distracted driving are the main causes of vehicle fatalities

 

Investing in the future .Financing municipal infastructure. At this session we heard of the pros and cons of the various methods of P 3's. Do your homework , as this is not for everyone and not for all projects are a fit .