BRAMPTON, ON (August 5, 2021) – Today, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) announced that Brampton Regional Councillor Rowena Santos has been appointed by FCM President Joanne Vanderheyden as Vice-Chair of the Standing Committee on Anti-Racism and Equity 2021-2022.
FCM’s Standing Committees facilitate detailed debate and provide the FCM Board with recommendations on priority policy and program issues. Standing Committees require strong leadership in their Chairs and Vice-Chairs who guide the committees’ deliberations on issues and strategies related to their mandate, ensuring that all committee members have the opportunity to engage in focused and productive discussions. Each committee meets three times per year, in conjunction with the meetings of the Board of Directors.
The City of Brampton is focused on strengthening partnerships with Canadian municipalities and our federal partners, and will continue to advocate on key priorities for Brampton residents, including infrastructure, climate change and flood mitigation, transit expansion, the Hurontario-Main St. LRT, and COVID-19 relief.
In June, Councillor Santos was re-elected to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Board of Directors for a one year term. She is a member of the FCM Standing Committee on Increasing Women’s Participation in Municipal Government, Standing Committee on Municipal Finance and Intergovernmental Arrangements, and Standing Committee on Municipal Infrastructure and Transportation Policy.
FCM has been the national voice of Canada’s municipal government since 1901. Members include more than 2,000 municipalities of all sizes, from Canada's cities and rural communities, to northern communities and 20 provincial and territorial municipal associations. Together, they represent more than 90 per cent of all Canadians from coast to coast to coast. Municipal leaders from across Canada assemble each year to set FCM policy on key issues.
Brampton City Council’s actions and Term of Council Priorities reflect those of many Canadian municipalities from coast to coast to coast, including celebrating diversity and implementing anti-racism policy, affordable housing, transit, climate action, and COVID-19 support for businesses and communities to restart the economy safely.
Quotes
“At the City of Brampton, people are at the heart of everything we do. We are dedicated to embedding diversity, equity and inclusion into all of our programs and services, and to removing barriers so that all of our residents are treated fairly and equitably regardless of race or gender. I am honoured to be appointed as Vice-Chair of the Standing Committee on Anti-Racism and Equity, and am eager to get to work with fellow municipalities to celebrate our country’s diversity, foster inclusivity, and strengthen the strong relationship between Canadian municipalities and the federal government. Through ongoing partnership and collaboration, we can fight against racism, remove barriers and create a more equitable country for all, and improve transportation and infrastructure across Canada.”
- Rowena Santos, Regional Councillor, Wards 1 & 5, City of Brampton; Member, FCM Board of Directors
“Collaboration between all levels of government is essential to getting results for Bramptonians and everyone across our country. On behalf of Council, I’m pleased that Councillor Santos – a passionate anti-racism and equity advocate who is committed to getting results for our residents – has been appointed as Vice Chair of the Standing Committee on Anti-Racism and Equity. I know that she will continue the work our City has been doing to identify and remove barriers – like laying the foundations of an Equity Office to serve our employees and citizens and launching the City’s first-ever Anti-Black Racism Unit – and work to collaborate with our federal partners to get results on transportation, COVID-19 recovery support and other issues important to Brampton residents.
- Patrick Brown, Mayor, City of Brampton
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As one of the fastest-growing cities in Canada, Brampton is home to more than 700,000 people and 75,000 businesses. People are at the heart of everything we do. We are energized by our diverse communities, we attract investment, and we are embarking on a journey to lead technological and environmental innovation. We partner for progress to build a healthy city that is safe, sustainable and successful. Connect with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Learn more at www.brampton.ca.
MEDIA CONTACT
Megan Ball
Senior Advisor, Media Relations, City of Brampton
905.874.2143 | megan.ball@brampton.ca
