Friday, June 5

Opening Ceremony

President’s Forum Representatives from four federal political parties answered questions on key issues from a panel of Mayors.

Workshops The first wave of concurrent workshops covered a range of topics: An opportunity to learn more about FCM’s policy work and advocacy strategies through small group discussions. Harnessing the energy, ideas and experiences to engage citizens to enhance municipal decision-making processes. The latest tools and best practices in fighting urban flooding, and raising awareness to prepare for a new reality. Success stories from communities across Canada that are adopting new Smart Cities technologies.

Keynote: The Hon. Joe Oliver Finance Minister Joe Oliver spoke about the Conservative record to address key municipal issues.

Keynote: Justin Trudeau Justin Trudeau, Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada, emphasized the need for a real partnership with Ottawa to ensure fairness for Canada’s cities and communities.

Workshops The first day drew to a close with another engaging series of concurrent workshops: Hearing first-hand about the critical issues that concern young Canadians as we head into the next federal election. Learning how a robust asset management process can improve municipal decision making. An interactive session about new approaches to advancing global democracy and the key role municipalities can play. Leveraging municipal corporate sponsorships to generate new revenue and fill the deficit void. A lively discussion led by members of FCM’s Northern and Remote Forum on the building blocks for sustainable communities in Canada’s North.

Saturday, June 6

Resolutions Plenary Six resolutions were passed with strong support at the 2015 FCM Annual Conference. They call on FCM to engage the federal government to take action on the following issues: Climate change Missing and murdered Aboriginal women and girls Infrastructure program design Social housing and housing affordability Emergency response planning for marine oil spills A federal leaders’ debate on municipal issues in advance of election 2015

Workshops Day two started with workshops focused on: Exploring different methods of influencing decisions through proven advocacy techniques. FCM’s efforts to ensure that women make up 30% of municipal elected officials. An interactive session on the challenges facing first responders and new approaches to service delivery. Using digital media to mobilize neighbourhoods and forge links between stakeholder groups. A special session with the Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade, on working together to build Canada’s long-term economic competitiveness.

Workshops Getting the messages you need into the media Building mutually beneficial relationships and strong local economies between First Nations and municipalities. Learning more about FCM’s Rural Forum and sharing key policy issues that are critical to the future of rural Canada. Exploring the need for more and better municipal revenue sources; financing options for municipal infrastructure; and progressive ways to harness local capital. The benefits of developing an urban forest and best practices in dealing with a range of issues.

Keynote: Tom Mulcair Mr. Mulcair, Leader of the Official Opposition and the New Democratic Party of Canada, made a number of detailed proposals the NDP would implement if they become government in 2015.

Trade Show

Sunday, June 7

Women in Local Government Shirley Kalyniuk, former Mayor of the Village of Rossburn, Manitoba Winner of the Ann MacLean Award for Outstanding Service by a Woman in Municipal Politics

Awards of Excellence Roll of Honour Awards Basil Stewart, Summerside, PEI Doug Reycraft, Glencoe, ON Karen Leibovici, Edmonton, AB Awards of Excellence for Outstanding Contribution to International Programs Gary MacIsaac, Union of British Columbia Municipalities (Individual) Town of Beaumont, AB, (Institutional) MRC de la Matawinie, QC, (Institutional) Green Champion Awards Gerald Minchuk, City of Langley, BC, (Individual) Halifax Regional Municipality, NS, (Municipality)

Keynote: Elizabeth May Elizabeth May, Leader of the Green Party focused on strengthening democracy.

Keynote: Bruce Anderson, Chairman, Abacus Data Pollster Bruce Anderson provided great insight into the opinion of Canadians on national politics and the local implications.

Monday, June 8

Study Tours The City of Edmonton offered a host of engaging study tours for FCM’s 2015 Annual Conference, including:study tours A visit to the city’s Office of Traffic Safety and its innovative and robust public safety model. The Northern Alberta Institute of Technology’s Alternative Energy Lab, where students and researchers are shaping the future of Edmonton’s investment in renewable energy sources. An opportunity to learn about the city’s initiatives to get more women involved in leadership in public life. A visit to the Amiskwaciy Academy to learn about Edmonton’s aboriginal cultures through its unique curriculum. A walking tour through historic downtown Edmonton. A tour through a Business Revitalization Zone designed to create a meeting place to appreciate Edmonton’s French heritage.

The Road to Election 2015