PEMBROKE — County Councillor Glenn Doncaster was joined by municipal leaders from across the country in the County of Annapolis, Nova Scotia, to discuss the goals and objectives of Canada’s municipalities for the year ahead. In addition, the Board looked address Municipal Autonomy in light of the proposed use of Section 33 of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
The discussion of municipal autonomy at this fall’s Board Meeting took place against the backdrop of an important national discussion about the role of municipalities and their relationship with the provincial and federal orders of government. Above all, members agreed that now is the time to focus on local decision-making, greater empowerment for cities and communities, and the fiscal tools necessary to make that happen.
The FCM Board sent a unanimous message that municipalities will oppose any use of Section 33 (the notwithstanding clause) of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms that would have the effect of overriding local decision-making and democratic rights at the local level. The FCM Board also reaffirmed its support for the ability of municipalities to govern their own affairs and represent the interests of their residents.
“As federal political parties prepare for next year’s election, it is time for a mature and modern conversation about how to empower municipal autonomy,” said FCM President Vicki-May Hamm. “We need political will from every order of government to have a conversation about how we work together within the Constitution. With engaged federal partners, we know it can be done.”
“I look forward to supporting opportunities that create effective dialogue across all levels of government on the issue of Municipal empowerment. As the form of governance closest to the people, municipalities should have the autonomy to make effective and impactful decisions that benefit their communities and residents,” stated Doncaster.
FCM is the national voice of municipal government in Canada. Its Board of Directors represents communities of all sizes from coast to coast to coast.
Councillor Doncaster represents the County of Renfrew at FCM as Member of the Board of Directors and serves on the International Relations, Environmental Issues & Sustainable Communities, Ontario Caucus and Rural Affairs committees. He is presently the Reeve of the Town of Deep River.
