Municipalities Need More Autonomy to Thrive
May 30, 2002

Federation of Canadian Municipalities Big City Mayors Hamilton, Ontario - The Mayors of Canada's largest cities today released a Model Charter, telling Federal and Provincial leaders that Canadian cities need greater autonomy and access to more flexible revenue streams to address the complex challenges facing them in the 21st century. "Cities around the world are bulking up their revenues and responsibilities to meet the competitive challenges of the global economy," says Mel Lastman, Mayor of Toronto. "Unless Canada's cities are given the tools and resources they need to achieve their full potential, our future prosperity will be in jeopardy."

"Cities are a responsible and accountable order of government with a key role to play in positioning Canada for the future," says Winnipeg Mayor Glen Murray. "We need to work cooperatively with our federal and provincial counterparts to modernize our legislative framework to better reflect the economic and social realities facing cities."

The Model Charter clarifies municipal responsibilities, while providing cities with more autonomy and access to more flexible revenue streams. This approach is increasingly winning support from business, community and political leaders across the country.

"Having a Charter gives a city like Winnipeg the means to deal with local issues without always having to go to the Province, hat in hand, asking for more money or a legislative change," says Mayor Murray. "That would be a major change for the better, and a much more efficient way to govern."

FCM has been the national voice of municipal governments since 1901. The organization is dedicated to improving the quality of life in all communities by promoting strong, effective and accountable municipal government.

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