The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) announced they released a set of recommendations for the upcoming Federal Budget.
FCM made the announcement following its board meeting in St-Hyacinthe, Que.
RMWB Councillor Krista Balsom, who attended the meeting, said the budget represents an opportunity to improve the everyday lives of residents living in Wood Buffalo and all Canadians.
“Whether it’s permanent transit funding, climate action, or access to adequate broadband, municipalities are ready to bring life to the commitments we’ve heard from this government. It is an opportunity for the government to show it can deliver for the Wood Buffalo Region and FCM is offering a clear path toward results that people can see and feel in their daily lives.”
Balsom highlighted three objectives in the FCM’s list of recommendations titled Building Better Lives with Budget 2020.
First, to unite municipal leaders from western communities in the Western Economic Solutions Taskforce (WEST).
The task force would help find economic solutions for struggling communities and give them a platform on the federal level.
Also, break new ground on housing affordability with direct investment in affordable housing for Indigenous households and rental homes
Finally, strengthen communities of all sizes by directly investing in infrastructure for rural and northern communities.
FCM hopes the federal government would review and implement proposals from the WEST task force.
Balsom said these ideas from the FCM, which account for concrete climate action, can gain support from all Canadians.
“Our public transit solutions mean faster commutes and lower emissions. Our disaster mitigation and climate adaptation solutions include protecting communities from the impacts of new weather extremes.”
Balsom added she and the FCM look to Budget 2020 to enhance the federal-municipal partnership.
Krista Balsom represents the province of Alberta on the FCM Board of Directors.
FCM comprises of almost 2,000 municipal governments in a national organization, which represent at least 90 per cent of Canadians.
More information on the FCM is available on its website.
As of publication, Federal Finance Minister Bill Morneau has yet to announce the release date for Budget 2020.
