Martensville City Councillor Jamie Martens has been elected by members of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) to serve on its national Board of Directors.
As the national voice of local governments, FCM is playing a critical role in supporting cities and communities through the COVID-19 pandemic—while advocating federally for a locally rooted national economic recovery.
Martens’ election to the FCM Board was contingent on the results of the November 9 municipal elections
Martens was re-elected to a third term on Martensville City Council.
“Just like here in Martensville, frontline local governments across the country are working hard to keep people safe through this pandemic,” said Martens in a news release issued November 17. “FCM’s advocacy has helped secure the federal support we’ve needed to protect essential services, families and local businesses.
“As the pandemic progresses, and as we gear up for Canada’s recovery, we need municipal voices from every corner of our country to be heard at the federal level,” she added. “As an FCM board member, I’ll be working hard to keep our local priorities front-and-centre.”
FCM’s elections concluded on October 15 at its first-ever virtual annual general meeting, attended by local leaders nationwide.
In addition to selecting the 75-seat Board of Directors—including Jamie Martens—FCM members acclaimed Garth Frizzell as their President for 2020-2021. The City of Prince George councillor succeeds Halifax Regional Municipality councillor Bill Karsten, as he completes his term and moves to the role of past president.
“This FCM Board team is primed and ready to deliver for members,” said incoming President Frizzell. “Job number one is to ensure municipalities of all sizes have the right tools to keep Canadians safe. That includes working with federal partners to tackle urgent challenges, in ways that also lay ground for the recovery Canadians deserve. We will come out of this pandemic with a better Canada—more resilient, sustainable and inclusive—our cities and communities need to be empowered to help to lead the way.”
“How we respond to today’s urgent pandemic challenges will shape tomorrow’s economic recovery, and this needs to start at the local level.” said Martens. “Communities like ours are where people are working from home, wearing masks to the grocery store, and sending their kids back to school. It’s where small businesses grow and thrive. My FCM colleagues and I know we can make a difference because we’re the governments closest to people’s daily lives.”