Prince George Mayor Lyn Hall and five city councillors joined local government leaders from across the country at Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ 2019 annual conference.
The message municipal politicians sent to Ottawa was simple: Support for local governments is critical to delivering results for Canadians.
“Whether it’s better roads, transit, housing or water systems, local governments are building better communities,” said Hall, in a news release. “We make the most of the tools available, and it is important that we continue to work with the federal government to empower us to get even more done for people in Prince George and for Canadians across the country.”
Held in Quebec City and themed Building Better Lives, this year’s conference showcased the power and influence of local government by bringing together 2,100 delegates representing communities from across the country. At the conference, Hall and councillors Garth Frizzell, Frank Everitt, Murry Krause, Kyle Sampson and Cori Ramsay shared ideas with delegates from all over Canada about how to improve lives in their own communities.
The conference also provided opportunities for delegates to bring their diverse realities to discussions of some of Canada’s most pressing issues, including housing affordability, national broadband and transit.
Local leaders also explored ways to advance energy infrastructure while protecting the environment.
“I was inspired to see thousands of local leaders so energized and engaged,” said incoming FCM President Bill Karsten. “The mutual respect and common experiences our delegates shared provided those in attendance with a deeper appreciation of their colleagues’ work and an enriched understanding of our country.”
Also making an appearance at the convention were national party leaders including Green Party leader Elizabeth May, NDP leader Jagmeet Singh, Conservative leader and leader of the Official Opposition Andrew Scheer and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
“We’re the governments closest to people’s daily lives. That’s exactly the message we delivered to the Prime Minister and the other federal party leaders,” said Frizzell, who was elected first vice-president of the FCM at the conference. “My colleagues and I left this conference united and determined to use the next federal election to drive the quality-of-life and economic progress Canadians deserve. And we’ll work with every party to make those lives better and more affordable.”