Strengthening Municipal Voices at the National Table

I had the opportunity, in my role as First Vice-President of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, to participate in the Big City Mayors’ Caucus (BCMC) meeting in Ottawa. The meeting brought together mayors and municipal leaders from across the country for focused, candid discussions about the pressures facing communities of all sizes.

I was pleased to take part alongside FCM President Rebecca Bligh and Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, as well as colleagues from municipalities coast to coast. Gathering in the nation’s capital provided an important opportunity for municipal leaders to engage directly with federal partners on the issues that most affect residents at the local level.

Candid Conversations on the Challenges Facing Communities

Throughout the meeting, mayors engaged in thoughtful, solutions-oriented conversations on the most pressing challenges municipalities are facing today. From public safety and infrastructure pressures to housing, mental health, and social supports, the discussions reflected the reality that local governments are increasingly being asked to manage complex issues with limited resources.

We also heard directly from experts working in key fields, including policing and mental health, with valuable insights from the Canadian Mental Health Association. These perspectives helped ground the conversations in lived experience and reinforced the need for coordinated approaches across all orders of government.

Bail Reform Front and Centre

Bail reform emerged as one of the most urgent and widely shared concerns raised by mayors from across the country. Municipal leaders spoke openly about the impacts of repeat violent offending on community safety, frontline services, and public confidence.

The discussion underscored a clear message: decisions made at the federal level have real and immediate consequences for communities on the ground. Municipal voices must continue to be part of the national conversation as the federal government considers reforms to the justice system that balance public safety with appropriate supports.

Direct Engagement With Federal Ministers

A key component of the BCMC meeting was the opportunity for municipal leaders to speak directly with federal ministers. These conversations included discussions with the Minister of Transport, Steven MacKinnon, and the Minister of Finance, François-Philippe Champagne.

These direct exchanges are essential. Municipal governments are responsible for delivering many of the services residents rely on every day, yet often do so within tight fiscal constraints. Open and constructive dialogue with federal partners helps ensure that national policies better reflect municipal realities and support the work happening in communities.

Connecting With Municipal Leaders Across Canada

The meeting also created space for meaningful connections with municipal leaders from across the country. I appreciated the opportunity to connect with Montreal’s new Mayor, Soraya Martinez Ferrada, and to exchange perspectives on shared urban challenges facing large cities today.

It was also great to talk about the strong work being done by our good friend, Leslie Roberts, and his continued focus on serving residents in Ville-Marie.

A Strong, Moderated National Conversation

The discussions were expertly moderated by independent journalist Paul Wells, whose thoughtful facilitation helped drive meaningful and respectful dialogue among participants. A light moment in an otherwise full agenda included a birthday acknowledgement for Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham.

Looking Ahead

The conversations at the BCMC meeting reinforced the importance of strong municipal leadership and sustained collaboration with our federal partners. As communities continue to face growing pressures, ensuring that municipal perspectives are heard at the national table will be critical.

There is a busy year ahead, and continuing these discussions—grounded in real-world experience and focused on practical outcomes—will be essential as we work together to deliver meaningful results for communities across Canada.