Before today's conversation, it's worth reflecting on what leadership looks like when a community faces a crisis. When an emergency unfolds, there is rarely a perfect plan. Events move minute by minute. New information arrives constantly. Decisions often have to be made in seconds, sometimes with only part of the picture available. In those moments, leaders are tasked with balancing uncertainty, risk, and responsibility. Sometimes things go wrong. Sometimes things go right. B

Thousands of local elected officials from across Canada gathered in Edmonton, Alberta, this week for the Federation of Canadian Municipalities' 2026 Annual Conference and Trade Show, marking 125 years of municipal leadership, collaboration, and advocacy. Over the course of the four-day convention, representatives from across Manitoba connected not only with delegates from their own provinces but with municipal leaders from coast to coast to coast. The event provided an opport

Thousands of local elected officials from across Canada gathered in Edmonton, Alberta, this week for the Federation of Canadian Municipalities' 2026 Annual Conference and Trade Show, marking 125 years of municipal leadership, collaboration, and advocacy. Over the course of the four-day convention, representatives from across Saskatchewan connected not only with delegates from their own provinces but with municipal leaders from coast to coast to coast. The event provided an op

Thousands of local elected officials from across Canada gathered in Edmonton, Alberta this week for the Federation of Canadian Municipalities' 2026 Annual Conference and Trade Show, marking 125 years of municipal leadership, collaboration, and advocacy. Over the course of the four-day convention, representatives from across Alberta connected not only with delegates from their own provinces but with municipal leaders from coast to coast to coast. The event provided an opportun

The relationship between municipalities and businesses can sometimes be a complicated one. Businesses may feel burdened by regulations and processes, while municipalities are often challenged to balance economic growth with the needs and expectations of their communities. Yet in every community, there is an organization that serves as a vital bridge between these two worlds: the local Chamber of Commerce. In some communities, it may be known as a business association, a downt

Downtown Edmonton is already humming with the energy of the 2026 FCM Convention. Municipal leaders stepped out into the streets of Edmonton with a message that cuts through the usual policy language and procedural rhythm. “Elbows up for climate.” It’s part rallying cry, part warning, part invitation to do more—now. A national call for action on climate change, carried not from Parliament Hill, but from city halls, band councils, and regional offices across the country. Behind

We are turning our attention to a growing crisis in east-central Alberta—one that residents say is no longer just about inconvenience, but about safety, survival, and the basic ability to call for help when it matters most. In the small community of the Village of Amisk and the surrounding region, cellular and data service have been deteriorating for months. According to a formal letter sent by Council to Alberta MLA Nate Horner and federal MP Pierre Poilievre, what was once

For more than 125 years, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities — better known as FCM — has served as the national voice of local government in Canada. Since its founding in 1901, municipalities from coast to coast to coast have come together through this organization to advocate for stronger communities, better infrastructure, and federal policies that reflect the realities Canadians experience every day at the local level. Today, FCM represents nearly 2,000 municipalitie

As Canada moves to strengthen its defence readiness and meet new commitments with NATO, municipalities are being recognized as critical partners in the effort. At the Federation of Canadian Municipalities' annual convention in Edmonton, FCM announced the creation of a new Defence Task Force aimed at strengthening collaboration between local governments and federal partners. The task force will be co-chaired by Councillor Will Cole-Hamilton of Courtenay, British Columbia, and