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At their annual general meeting on June 4, 2021, Pelham Regional Councillor Diana Huson was elected to the Board of Directors, Ontario Caucus for the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM). FCM has been the national voice of municipal government since 1901 and plays an important role in advocating to ensure the needs of municipalities are reflected in federal policies and programs.Councillor Huson was selected by FCM members from around Ontario and will serve a one-year term. The FCM Board of Directors sets policy priorities that reflect the concerns of municipal governments around the country. The board meets quarterly to develop policy positions on key national municipal issues.
The federal government has a long standing tradition of consulting with the FCM board when making key decisions that will affect municipalities, as well as when deciding on the allocation of direct federal funding. Having Councillor Huson serving on the FCM Board of Directors will ensure that Niagara has a seat at the table when key decisions are being made at a national level.
Of the 444 municipalities in Ontario, there are only 14 seats for the Ontario Caucus. Prior to Councillor Huson’s appointment, Niagara Region had not been fully represented on the board by a voting member.
With Councillor Huson’s appointment to the FCM, Niagara is now well represented at both the federal and provincial level with Councillor Rob Foster’s appointment to the Board of Directors for the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO).
“I am humbled to have been selected by my peers to represent municipalities across Ontario on the FCM Board of Directors. I want to acknowledge the other impressive candidates across the province, and thank those who voted to put their trust in me. I look forward to ensuring Ontario’s municipalities have a strong voice with the federal government, and I am committed to promoting Niagara’s goals with the decision makers in Ottawa.” ~ Regional Councillor, Diana Huson
