Thompson Engages Vale Stakeholders

Thompson is now three days into Vale’s recent announcement to phase out the smelting and refining operations in our community by 2015.  The initial ‘shock and awe’ at the reported loss of 500 good jobs is still hovering; however Thompson City Council continues to engage stakeholders at all levels to sit down and discuss the best possible options for our community.

All this, and here I am 2,900 km away in Ottawa for a Federation of Canadian Municipalities Board Meeting!

When I first heard the news, I was ready to hop on the next plane heading back home.  However, this announcement by Vale will affect more communities than just Thompson.  I made the difficult decision to remain in Ottawa and help raise our profile, both among municipal leaders from across Canada and Members of Parliament on the Hill.

Vale’s $10 billion spending plan in Canada is not a good news story because it leaves Manitoba workers at a loss.  Shifting jobs from Manitoba to other parts of Canada is not a net benefit and I worry that it’s Manitoba today, and some other Province or Territory tomorrow.

Further, the impact this business decision will have on our northern community of 14,000 is worrisome.  The proposed changes mean losing the economic diversity of a fully integrated mining complex and our Provincial manufacturing ability to add value to an important resource.  My heart goes out to my community, as I know people worry about their property values, their children’s schools and the profits of our small business owners.  I want to ensure the residents of Thompson that your City Council is working diligently to get all the stakeholders to the table so we can focus on community-based solutions and remain a viable and sustainable community in our northern environment.

The City of Thompson is committed to working with Vale, the Steelworkers, the Province of Manitoba and the Federal Government to find solutions to this situation and to protect our residents from any potentially negative fallout.  We are a mining community, and those that have built their lives here have experienced the booms and busts before.  However, our community’s future is as a service centre for Northern Manitoba.  Thompsonites are resilient and passionate people, we’ll be around for a long time – no matter what challenge is thrown in our direction!

I’ve spent the past week in Ottawa lobbying Member’s of Parliament for the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.  At the same time, I’ve also had the opportunity to meet with over a dozen different MPs from coast to coast to coast and raise the profile of the City of Thompson.  Our community cannot be a bad news story for Canada.  

I will be returning home this Sunday afternoon and I encourage all of our residents to attend the Community Forum this Sunday night at 7:00pm at the Letkeman Theatre to learn more about our current situation with Vale.

To view the City of Thompson media releases, click on the links below:

http://issuu.com/bullmarketconsulting.com/docs/press_release_vale?viewMode=magazine 

http://issuu.com/bullmarketconsulting.com/docs/press_release-2vale?viewMode=magazine

Inaugural Meeting of Council

Thompson City Council held it's inaugural meeting on Wednesday, November 3rd.  Joined by family and friends I was proud to take the oath of office, promising to truly, faithfully and impartially, to the best of my knowledge and ability, execute the duties of office.

I am looking forward to working with the new council, and to the challenges and opportunities that are sure to come over the next four years.  My primary goal will be to ensure our collective vision is looking well down the road and working to build a sustainable future in northern Manitoba.

And, as the newly named Chair of Recreation and Community Services, I'm more than ready to get to work on creating conditions of opportunity to work, play and live in our great City.

Thanks Thompson - It's going to be a great four years!

Signing on the dotted line

Taking the oath in Council Chambers

Thompson City Council 2010-2014

GLACIER Inc. Grand Opening

We're looking a total investment of $43 million

It’s been a while since my last entry, and that is entirely reflective of the fact that I've been launched headfirst into a renewed term and my calendar is quickly filling up.  Only two days after the election Mayor, Council and Council-Elect were invited to the grand opening ceremony of The Global Aerospace Centre for Icing and Environmental Research (GLACIER) Inc., a joint venture between Pratt & Whitney Canada and Rolls-Royce Canada.

On October 29^th this state-of-the-art cold weather testing and research facility for aircraft engines officially opened.  This facility is the most advanced of its kind in the world.  It specializes in ice tests for aerospace engine certification programs.  It will also play a leading role in cold weather research for the benefit of the entire aviation industry, and offer unique education opportunities through partnerships with schools and universities.  GLACIER Inc. will work with the Canadian Environmental Test Research and Education Centre (EnviroTREC), a non-profit organization created to develop and maintain research, human resources and education programs in support of GLACIER activities.

Senior Executives from Rolls-Royce and Pratt & Whiteny were in attendance, along with Hon. Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, Hon. Peter Bjornson, Minister of Entrepreneurship, Training and Trade and Hon. Steve Ashton, Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation.

The icing tunnel (NOT a giant moose caller)

The facility was constructed by MDS based in Ottawa

Rolls-Royce Engine ready to go

One of the best parts about the whole event was the validation it provided to our northern community.  Although it was a beautiful, sunny late-October day in Thompson, the biting arctic wind had many of our guests shivering and tugging on their toques. The press release states that “sub-arctic temperatures make [Thompson] an ideal location to conduct ice tests using natural weather conditions.”  If this is how our City takes lemons and makes lemonade, I’d say we’re on the right track!

Re-Elect Erin Stewart YouTube Video

Election Platform

My Election Platform was delivered city-wide by the Juniper Centre earlier this week and I'm excited that the word is getting around.  One particular pet peeve of mine is when candidates run on a negative campaign.  I'll tell you one of the most fundamental lessons that I've learned in my ten months on Council is that it's easy to sit and criticize - it's tough making decisions!  As such, my campaign is a positive and constructive approach to making Thompson a place we can all be proud to call home.

I've chosen to focus my campaign on three priority areas:  Creating the Conditions for Opportunity, Building Sustainable Partnerships and Fostering Community Pride.  I believe these priority areas outline a positive vision for the future, while at the same time address important issues of the day, such as community policing, infrastructure renewal and generating value from your tax dollars.

Please read further to learn more about the details of my campaign and remember to vote Erin Stewart for Thompson City Council this October 27th.

What Does Your Thompson Look Like Four Years from Now?

Here’s what Erin Stewart is committed to work toward:

1)    Creating Conditions for Opportunity

-         Continued commitment to the Final Phase of the Thompson Regional Community Centre and enhanced recreation programming from cooking classes and pottery to kid-friendly programming and state-of-the-art fitness facilities for our residents

-          Promoting a safe and healthy community through safe routes to school, expanding brushing, provision of bike racks throughout the City, safe and reliable transit service, etc.

-          Creating affordable housing options for seniors, families, students and young people to ensure they can afford to live, work and play in our community

-          Commitment to University College of the North in Thompson, which includes educational facilities, student housing and child care facilities as integral components of the expanded campus

-          Enable and encourage responsible development and investment in our community to add value, expand our choices, increase sources of municipal revenue and invest in our long term future

-          Engage and invest in our youth by creating City Hall internship program for high school and/or university students to learn about municipal governance and build leaders for tomorrow

2)    Building Sustainable Partnerships

-          Build positive working relationship with Government – Federal, Provincial and Aboriginal – to access new sources of revenue, funding and programming to fulfill our municipal needs

-          Work with corporations, businesses and community groups to provide quality services through partnerships – as in the Humane Society, Boys & Girls Club, and the Thompson Aboriginal Accord, etc.

-          Work with the RCMP and Vale to arrive at the best possible options in 2012 when the RCMP Municipal Policing Contract is up for renewal and the City’s funding agreement with Vale is set to expire

-         Continue to work with residents to enhance communications at City Hall – enhance community meetings, re-vamp website as more user friendly, support quarterly City Hall newsletter to inform residents on the value they are receiving for their tax dollars, and enhancing City Hall as a public space

-          Engage the Association of Manitoba Municipalities and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities to lobby on behalf of Thompson at the Provincial and Federal level, including the development of a funding plan to replace our aging municipal infrastructure

3)    Fostering Community Pride

-         Commitment to showcasing our strengths as a community and promoting Thompson as a progressive and innovative community, inside our City limits and beyond

-          Enhanced professionalism and value for municipal service provision; encouraging environment of access, responsibility and respect

-          Highlight community safety as a priority area in municipal budget, enhance property standards enforcement and commit to targeting behavioural and social issues in our downtown with respectful, but firm enforcement standards

-          Commitment to our City’s investment in the Thompson Sustainable Community Plan, allowing our community to grow responsibly and sustainably into the future

Weekend of Volunteering

As the weekend wraps up I find myself reflecting on the volunteer opportunities I've been able to participate in over the past few days.

First, on Saturday morning I joined a handful of other City Council candidates in a "Candidates Build" of Our Home Kikinaw.   Our Home Kikinaw is a project of the Thompson Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation that assists low-income families in achieving home ownership.  It is modeled after the Habitat for Humanity project and provides the opportunity to empower people and build community pride.  The project collaborates with volunteers to help build.

The best part about it is that they accept all skill ranges - meaning I qualified to help out!  I may not know how to swing a hammer, but I proved I could shovel gravel into a wheelbarrow pretty well!  Another great spin off is the sense of pride this communal work can generate.  This home will be available to a family in need and our volunteers, from many different walks of life, will share a sense of partnership and accomplishment by providing home ownership to a family as means to break the cycle of poverty in our community.  That's an accomplishment worth applauding!

Second on my list of weekend activities, I participated in the Thompson Humane Society 3rd Annual Fall Fashion Show Fundraiser.  The fundraiser is a fashion show of clothes from local retailers, with a silent auction and a dessert bar, with 100% of the proceeds going toward the Thompson Humane Society.  I participated as a baker and, for the second year in a row, as a model. The Thompson Humane Society seeks to promote compassion and humane treatment for all animals.  They provide a shelter for animals and have a number of dogs and cats available for adoption into loving homes.  Definitely a great event, coordinated by great people, for a great cause.

This weekend I took a bit of a different approach to campaigning - to go volunteering rather than door knocking - but when you think about it, volunteers are the root behind most changes, causes or movements that try to make things better and without them, many services wouldn't exist!  Volunteers are fighters, workers, leaders, front runners and visionaries.  They are our community ambassadors and support everything that makes the City of Thompson a great place to be!  Working with our City's volunteers is a great way to keep your finger to the pulse and learn what drives people to step up and give back to our community.

Thank you to all of our volunteers.  Your work DOES make a difference!

The Campaign Trail

This Thanksgiving I am thankful that I have so many wonderful friends, and a fantastic family, that support me in my re-election campaign.  I'm running my second City Council campaign in less than a year and you figured that I would be a pro by now!  The truth is that running a campaign is still a busy, stressful, exciting time and it's time best shared with those that continue to build you up, as well as those that help brainstorm new ideas and renewed approaches to municipal governance.

This Thanksgiving weekend I've had many people volunteer to display lawn signs on their property.  In fact, I managed to disperse all 50 of my signs throughout the City of Thompson in less than 48 hours!  I've also had family and friends volunteer to distribute pamphlets in mailboxes throughout the City and I'll tell you, I am more than thankful for their hard work.  Even the weather has decided to come on side, we've been blessed with absolutely beautiful weather this weekend - it sure helps with volunteer recruitment!

Door knocking is turning into one of my favourite campaign activities.  Although it is slow-going, it is always insightful to talk to residents about the on goings of our City.  It's a great venue for idea-generation, and I truly appreciate the residents that take a few minutes out of their day to chat with me at their doorstep.

Moving along the Campaign Trail

Campaign Kick-Off: Revved Up to Hit the Streets

I like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone that made it out to my "Candidate Meet and Greet" last night at Northern Flavours.  It was great to see people come out and show their support, but it was particularly encouraging to see those who haven't quite made up their minds coming out to ask tough questions.  It's great to see people getting out and getting informed so they can make a responsible decision on Election Day this October 27th. 

Last night I was encouraged, challenged and revved up to head out on to the streets with my door to door campaign.  So if you weren't able to join us last night - no worries, I'll be coming to you!

I'm looking forward to the upcoming doorstep conversations and hearing the concerns that are important to the residents of our great City.

And, of course, I'm always looking to recruit more volunteers and supporters.  If you'd like a lawn sign, or are willing to drop off pamphlets in your area, please contact me and let me know!

Historic Day in Thompson - Council Passes Development Agreement with the Province

Tonight was electric!  I have never seen Council Chambers so full that it was standing room only.  It really goes to show that when there are tough decisions to be made, our community is ready to stand up for what they believe in.

Council called a special meeting for this Monday night to debate a Resolution to approve the Development Agreement with the Province of Manitoba for the development of the UCN Campus.  The debates were passionate and the room attentive.  Not like a regular Monday night...

Honestly, this wasn't a regular Monday night at all.  Tonight marked a historic point in our City's development as a community and charts out an exciting and sustainable future.  I mentioned at the Council meeting that I am incredibly humbled to have my name associated with supporting this Agreement.  I have been on Council for nearly 10 months and am able to ride the coattails of a process that was envisioned many decades ago.  The truth is that this Project has been hashed out over seven year by two different terms of Council, announced by two different Premiers and at a price tag of $82 million it represents one of the largest, if not the largest, single Provincial investment in our community!

I would like to thank the many residents that turned up to show their support.  Not only for the campus, but for the housing and child care components that are integral to the entire Project.  Speaking from experience, I've learned that Development Agreements are complicated, tedious arrangements and rest assured that I have spent the past few weeks in meeting after meeting with my council colleagues to ensure we hashed out the best deal for our residents.

Here are a few points of the Development Agreement that was approved tonight that I feel are important to highlight:

• The outlined intent of the Project is to connect the campus and the Thompson Regional Community Centre in order to create a facility with complimentary uses that will allow for a greater use of space for both the University College of the North and the Thompson Regional Community Centre.

• The campus component of the Project is to be completed by June 2013

• Shared parking services agreement(s) with UCN and the City will address the parking needs of all stakeholders on the site

• The City will establish a financial assistance program that will reduce Manitoba's municipal taxes by 50% up to a yearly maximum of $250,000.  The total value of the program is $6.675 million and the City will not be responsible for any interest on this program   

• The construction of student housing and infrastructure related to the student housing is conditional upon the City passing a zoning by-law amendment. 

However, any great victory is not without the small, constant battles.  Residents were mixed on priorities as we debated the Agreement tonight, with the most obvious division pitting principle against process.  As I noted, I am 100% committed to advancing education for northern residents and providing greater opportunities for our residents to develop multiple skill sets at home.    Not only does continued education increase incomes and support the diversification of our local economy, but it also has been shown to lead to better community health, increased participation in governance and the democratic process, increase volunteerism, increased use of libraries, increased community safety and quality of life.  After seven years of negotiations and decades of leaders passing on the vision, I am more than ready to commit now!

The other side of the debate is the concern about process.  Residents noted that they feel left out of the process.  I'll admit that now that I am sitting on the other side of the table, it is a constant struggle to be innovative in how you reach out to residents.  Community meetings, delegations, advertisements, and chatting with everyone you see at Safeway on a Saturday morning still doesn't quite cut it.  Unfortunately, the argument for proper consultation is an easy and convenient one to make now that campaign fever is in the air and municipal elections are taking place later this month.

To the issue of proper consultation, however, I believe residents must be given the opportunity to participate.  It is then a matter of individual choice whether they wish to partake or not.  I can comfortably say that most community groups and many residents that have been deeply concerned with the development of this Agreement have been paying attention to the process and engaging Council in addressing their concerns.  The greatest thing about our democratic government is that you don't need to be an elected official to express an opinion and influence a decision - if you're willing to be vocal, you're able to participate.

I feel that the struggle will continue to be getting the facts out to people.  People are reasonable and I believe that with all the information, people can make good choices and good decisions.  But we need to talk about them first.  Public debate provides opportunities to confront new ideas, new people and new conceptions of what's best for our community.  It also allows short-sighted and otherwise indefensible assumptions to be found out. 

I am proud of the residents of Thompson for coming together tonight to debate, and ultimately show support for the University College of the North in our City.  I believe that we'll look back in twenty years and ask ourselves: "Why did it take so long?"

Communities in Bloom

Adding Blooms at City Hall 

Today I presented to the Thompson Chamber of Commerce, along with the Communities in Bloom Committee, on our success this summer as first-time participants in the Communities in Bloom Program.

Communities in Bloom is a Canadian non-profit organization committed to fostering civic pride, environmental responsibility and beautification through community involvement.  The program was first held in 1995 with 29 municipalities and now includes more than 500 communities across Canada.

Provincial Editions have now been established and the City of Thompson participated in the Manitoba Edition.  Two volunteer judges visited Thompson in late July and assessed our community according to eight criteria:

• Tidiness
• Environmental Awareness
• Community Involvement
• Natural and Cultural Heritage Conservation
• Tree/Urban Forest Management
• Floral Displays
• Turf and Groundcover

Here are a few comments that the judges shared after their tour of our community:

"Overall, the City impresses as tidy and clean.  Entrance ways, thoroughfares, roadway ditches, parks and other spaces were nearly litter and graffiti free."

"The judges congratulate the City, the Thompson Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation and the Canadian Mental Health Association on their partnership to provide graffiti removal to business in Thompson beginning in 2008.  Clearly the program is effective."

"Thompson's draft Sustainable Community Plan Strategies and Policies document will be the foundation for moving toward a more sustainable and livable city (a valuable community engagement and planning tool - congratulations on taking this critical action in strategic planning)"

"Thompson is blessed with an abundance of community-minded residents/business people who volunteer with their time and money."

Overall the City of Thompson received a 3 Bloom designation (out of a possible maximum 5 Blooms), which is the Communities in Bloom award scale that corresponds to the points scored during assessment. Our local Communities in Bloom Committee is proud of this achievement, which we consider a very respectable score for a first year participant. 

In addition to our 3 Bloom Provincial designation, the Communities in Bloom Committee decided to hold our own community competition called "City Pride" where residential areas, businesses, institutions and rental properties vied against one another in their own category for the most impressive beautification techniques.  We also held a Council Flower Pot Competition to kick-off the growing season.

All in all, participation in Communities in Bloom Committee produces multiple benefits for Thompson.  It increased civic pride and community involvement, valuable information and feedback is received from the provincial judges, it can lead to decreased vandalism, adds to economic development and increased property values, provides marketing and promotional opportunities and improves the quality of life for residents.

Thompson's Communities in Bloom Committee is set on evaluating the feedback from the judges and discussing the lessons we learned this season.  We have 5 Blooms to aim for next summer!

 

Manitoba Hydro / City of Thompson Executive Breakfast Fundraiser

Manitoba Hydro and the City of Thompson hosted an exceptional Executive Breakfast Fundraiser at the Greenwood Inn in Winnipeg this past Friday, September 24, 2010. 

Your emcee for the event

We were joined at 7:30 in the morning by Executives and CEOs from many notable corporations in our Province, as well as a handful of Thompson Ambassadors, from CEO of the Thompson Airport Authority to the spokesperson for Vale Manitoba Operations.  The agenda was simple: sell Thompson as a great place to live, work and play.  And the objective: Get businesses to invest in Thompson, particularly the Thompson Regional Community Centre.

Based on the premise that the Thompson Regional Community Centre is meeting place for the community; a place for families to play and citizens to achieve personal wellness.  The TRCC will attract visitor and new families to Thompson as well as retain our current population. 

Table conversations proved that Thompson today is not the same as it was 20 years ago. Many of our guests had their curiosity piqued by the question: Have you looked at us lately?

I was especially excited to participate in the Fundraiser because I got to don both my Manitoba Hydro hat and my City of Thompson hat.  As an employee of Manitoba Hydro, and my connection to the City, I was asked to emcee the event!  I never say no to a challenge, so I took it up as a chance to gain more experience.  I have to say, it went pretty darn well for my first time as emcee! 

One of the best presentations of the morning was when Mayor Tim Johnston presented Manitoba Hydro Vice-President Lloyd Kuczek with a hockey jersey for being a "TRCC Team Player".  A similar jersey was presented earlier this month to Steve Wood, Vice-President, Smelting and Refining, Canada-UK Operations for Vale at their announcement of another $1.5 million contribution toward the TRCC final phase in Thompson.

Mayor Johnston presenting Team TRCC hockey jersey to Manitoba Hydro VP

The Thompson Regional Community Centre is another step closer to the goal of raising the remaining $3 million for the $12 million cost of the final phase of construction.  Once complete, the TRCC will include a large indoor multi-sport playing field, arts/cultural programming space, a fitness area, a boardroom, food services and administrative offices.  The project expands Thompson's ability to deliver recreational, cultural and social programs, and contributes to our region's overall economic viability.

The guests at our Executive Breakfast Fundraiser were invited to invest in two different contribution packages, one at $10,000 and the other at $25,000.  I'm looking forward to the positive response this great event is sure to generate for the residents of Thompson.

Women in Politics

Nominations closed yesterday and the line up stands at 14 well-intended residents seeking 8 council seats.  Most surprisingly here is that of these 14 individuals, 5 are women.  I find this striking, especially when my by-election win in December pushed council up to 50% female representation for the first time ever in Thompson!

For the most part, I find these numbers a little sad.  I grew up in the era of third-wave feminism and never had to fight the tough battles for equality or against the rigid public/private sphere dichotomy.  At the same time I believe that the struggle for balance is ongoing and when you look at public office, we are falling incredibly short.

Municipal politicians in Canada are about 22% women. The United Nations defines 30 per cent female representation as the minimum required in a government body before policy begins to adequately reflect women's concerns.  Not only that, but women also tend to take a different approach to the process and content of policy.  Think more deliberation and consensus-building and less adversarial.  Honestly, based on my experience growing up in Thompson, the women here are our community leaders already.  My own mother led multiple organizations when I was young, from Can Skate to the Women's Hospital Auxillary.  There's just something about being in the fish bowl of public office that makes us shy away! 

I attended a workshop that focused on encouraging more women to run for municipal politics and providing them the tools to do so.  It was a very valuable experience that highlighted many important considerations for running a successful campaign.  Perhaps the tools need to reach further.  Perhaps we need different tools.  Plan Canada's Because I Am a Girl Campaign targets investment in girls as the key to eliminating poverty and creating a better world, simply by giving girls the tools to succeed in an increasingly globalized world.  Interesting...  Perhaps the key to bringing balance to the democratic deficit or combating voter apathy is to get more women involved in politics.

Of course, the residents of Thompson may already know that and the 5 women on the ballot could make a majority on council.  Not that I think gender is the only valid qualification when voters are sizing up the candidate list.  I just hope that achieving balance is considered and that Thompson City Council will remain one of the most progressive and forward-looking municipalities in Canada.


To view my interview with CTV News Winnipeg go to this link:
http://watch.ctv.ca/news/clip349640#clip349640


To view Plan Canada's Because I Am a Girl Summary, go to this link:
http://plancanada.ca/Document.Doc?id=122

My First FCM Board Meeting

Our seat at the table

I attended my very first Federation of Canadian Municipalities Board meeting this past week in Iqaluit, Nunavut.  It was a fantastic and eye-opening experience and I am 100% affirmed in my position that the City of Thompson needs to be sitting at this table.

My appointment to the Board of Directors at the AGM this past May was both an amazing opportunity, and an incredible challenge.  City Council supported me in my bid for one of five Manitoba positions, and – no surprise here – I was the youngest councillor from Manitoba seeking a spot.  The City of Thompson has not been on the FCM Board since Mayor Bill Comaskey sat in the chair and I realized quickly that I would need to roll up my sleeves and get to work if I was going to get our community back into the game.

Now, my attendance at the first board meeting of the year in Iqaluit churned up quite the public debate.  I will concede, the dollars and cents of this journey were higher than anticipated.  It’s not very often that our local public officials are required to zip off to the Canadian arctic (although the Provincial and Federal folks seem to be making a habit of it lately).  Nonetheless, I believe it was worth every penny.

FCM has been the national voice of municipal government since 1901.  Since then, municipal governments have maintained a strong advocacy role in persuading the federal government to include municipal concerns in policy development and national decision-making.  Recent successes include the biggest ever federal investment in municipal priorities, $10 billion through the Economic Action Plan, making the Federal Gas Tax Fund permanent, which will deliver $40 billion over the next 20 years, and the protection of the Gas Tax Fund in the 2010 Federal Budget.

The National Board of Directors, in turn, is one of FCM’s greatest assets.  The Board is FCM’s governing body and sets its orientations and adopts its policies and its priorities.  To do this, board members meet three times a year and the FCM staff (a force of about 140 strong) work throughout the year to advance the positions established.

At the September meeting, the Board of Directors set the advocacy priorities for the year.  At the November meeting, the Board meets in Ottawa to lobby federal decision-makers, and at the third meeting in March, the Board  evaluates their efforts and monitors the organization's finances.  The AGM in the spring is when the Board presents their progress to all FCM members.

The September Board Meeting outlines FCM's priorities for the year

This September in Iqaluit, we set our priorities to focus on protecting gains and fighting off-loading, to make sure that federal decision-makers don’t negatively impact the pocketbook of local taxpayers, especially when considering the new federal wastewater regulations and the Federal Government's tough-on-crime agenda.  FCM also seeks to reinforce the value in partnership, making sure that working together equals efficiency and effectiveness for municipal government programming and services.

The City of Thompson has a vested interest in participating in these discussions.  Not only are we able to shed light on challenges facing municipalities across Canada, like affordable housing shortfalls and RCMP contract service, we gain access to a wide arena of potential partnerships and networks seeking to provide solutions.

For example, the Community Safety and Crime Prevention Committee that I sit on has requested the City of Thompson to participate in the Joint Committee on Community Corrections, which is a partnership between FCM, Correctional Service Canada, National Parole Board and Public Safety Canada.  This Joint Committee seeks to provide opportunities for shared knowledge and best practices in addressing crime prevention and community safety.  The collaborative learning opportunities are endless, and the fact that I sit on six Board Committees and two sub-committees means that the City of Thompson is represented in these areas and more doors are about to be opened.

Thompsonite meets the true north, sans trees

In Iqaluit I realized that the FCM Board does not discriminate against me for being a young first-time Board member.  We are all there representing communities across Canada, pushing for our collective interest.  I was received with overwhelming warmth and encouragement by scores of people that are committed to being the positive change they want to see in the world.  The energy and enthusiasm was infectious and did not sway – even after my fourth 3-hour meeting of the day!

I am proud to represent the City of Thompson on the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Board of Directors.  We have a great community and not only will we benefit from this important partnership, FCM will benefit immensely from the contributions made by our community.