At their annual general meeting on June 5, 2021, Pelham Regional Councillor Diana Huson was reappointed to the Board of Directors for the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM).

FCM has been the voice of local government across Canada for over 120 years and plays an important role in advocating for municipalities, ensuring the needs of the nation’s cities and towns are reflected in federal policies and programs.

The FCM Board of Directors sets policy priorities that reflect the concerns of municipal governments around the country. The board meets quarterly to develop positions on federal policies that effect local government in Canada.

Law makers in Ottawa have a long-standing practice of working with the FCM Board of Directors when making decisions that will affect municipalities, including the allocation of direct federal funding. Having Councillor Huson return to the FCM board will ensure that Niagara will continue to have strong voice around the table when 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 to the board, the Niagara Region had not had representation among this important group.