Leah Main, a Silverton councillor and Regional District of Central Kootneay director, has been re-elected by members of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) to serve on its national board of directors.
The FCM is the national voice of local government, with nearly 2,000 members representing more than 90 per cent of Canadians.
“Just like here in the Kootenays, frontline local governments across the country are working hard to keep people safe through this pandemic,” said Main. “FCM’s advocacy has helped secure the federal support we’ve needed to protect essential services, families and local businesses. As the pandemic progresses, and as we gear up for Canada’s recovery, we need municipal voices from every corner of our country to be heard at the federal level. As an FCM board member, I’ll be working hard to keep our local priorities front and centre.”
FCM’s elections concluded on Oct. 15 at its first-ever virtual annual general meeting, attended by local leaders nationwide. In addition to selecting the 75-seat board of directors — including Main — FCM members acclaimed Prince George city councillor Garth Frizzell as their president for 2020-2021. He succeeds Halifax Regional Municipality councillor Bill Karsten, who now moves to the role of past president.
“This FCM Board team is primed and ready to deliver for members,” said Frizzell. “Job No. 1 is to ensure municipalities of all sizes have the right tools to keep Canadians safe. That includes working with federal partners to tackle urgent challenges, in ways that also lay ground for the recovery Canadians deserve. We will come out of this pandemic with a better Canada — more resilient, sustainable and inclusive.”
Main said Canada’s economic recovery needs to start at the local level.
“Communities like ours are where people are working from home and sending their kids back to school.” she said. “It’s where small businesses are the heart of our economy. My FCM colleagues and I know we can make a difference because we are the government closest to people’s daily lives.”
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