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FCM welcomes the Liberal Party of Canada’s significant commitment to new, flexible funding for municipalities through a Housing Accelerator Fund ($4 billion through to 2024-25) to produce more housing supply. This would directly empower local leaders to make the best choices for their own communities.
The Liberal Party of Canada’s housing proposals respond to FCM’s recommendations to increase affordable rental housing supply by increasing contributions to the Co-Investment Fund ($2.7 billion over 4 years) and introducing a new multi-generational home renovation tax credit.
Indigenous communities disproportionately face housing inequities. We welcome the initial investment to co-develop Indigenous housing in urban, rural and northern communities– however, long term funding is required to ensure key gaps are addressed.
FCM continues to call on all parties to work to end chronic homelessness. We’re looking to scale-up durable solutions by growing the Rapid Housing Initiative, with wraparound supportive housing for those facing mental health and substance use challenges.
FCM welcomes several of the Liberal Party of Canada’s proposals on climate change and disaster mitigation, including a commitment to create 15 national urban parks by 2030 and invest an additional $200 million in the Natural Infrastructure Fund. These investments would advance municipal priorities to expand parks and protected areas, while improving resiliency, biodiversity and access to green space.
We appreciate the commitment to dedicate $500 million to fight wildfires. We would also welcome the creation of a Climate Adaptation Home Rating Program and the expansion of eligibility of home retrofit programs to include climate resilience home improvements. Municipalities are key partners in accelerating retrofits and are ready to partner with the federal government on building a retrofit economy.
FCM appreciates the commitment to accelerate the development of the national net-zero model building code for adoption in 2025, and the commitment to provide $250 million to help low-income Canadians transition from home heating oil.
FCM welcomes the Liberal Party’s commitment to add 500,000 zero-emission vehicle charging stations to Canada’s network, adding charging stations in existing buildings, as well as extending incentives for purchasing zero-emission vehicles.
In addition to calling for long-term federal transit funding to reduce transportation emissions (see Transit section), FCM is asking all parties for commitments to rapidly scale up investment in local pathways to net-zero emissions by 2050.
Building on planned federal investments in municipal infrastructure, FCM welcomes the Liberal Party of Canada’s commitment to improve climate data and create new tools to help municipalities plan and build lower-carbon and more climate-resilient infrastructure.
FCM welcomes commitments to protect freshwater and reduce plastic waste. Proposed new funding could support municipal efforts in these areas depending on program design details. FCM is calling for an investment of at least $500 million annually for 20 years in municipal water and wastewater infrastructure.
FCM continues to call on all parties to commit to long-term federal investment in municipal infrastructure, including by permanently doubling the Canada Community-Building Fund and extending dedicated rural and northern infrastructure funding beyond the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.
We applaud the Liberal Party of Canada’s commitment to permanent, predictable capital funding for public transit, on top of near-term investments in zero-emission transit, rural transit solutions, urban transit system expansion and active transportation. $3 billion in permanent annual funding starting in 2026-27 will unlock the next generation of transformation transit projects, enabling cities and communities to plan around public transit on a path to net-zero GHG emissions.
FCM continues to call on all parties to commit to a multi-year solution to pandemic-induced public transit operating shortfalls. Failure to address this urgent need puts the COVID recovery at risk and jeopardizes transit system expansion.
FCM welcomes LPC commitments to high frequency rail. FCM continues to call on all parties to commit to a sustainable funding model for inter-community passenger bus service, and to expand funding for rail safety, including grade crossing improvements. Inter-community transit services are critical to small communities, our economy, and to a transportation system that is equitable and accessible.
The Liberal Party of Canada’s platform commits to a framework to incentivize national carriers to meet access milestones between now and 2025. FCM welcomes the new deployment goalpost of 2025—fast and reliable broadband Internet is essential to our economy and our daily lives. Ensuring all Canadians can connect online is key to building a strong recovery that everyone can take part in.
Because accelerating connectivity will also require a strong federal partnership with municipalities to see progress on the ground, FCM is calling on all parties to launch a municipal digital capacity program to build technical expertise and accelerate broadband deployment, and to commit to a needs-based stream for federal broadband funding targeting small ISPs and community partners who are essential in meeting connectivity targets in underserved communities.
FCM is calling on all parties to establish a digital affordability target to drive progress on affordability, and to create a national roundtable on digital infrastructure—with all orders of government—to develop a vision for broadband connectivity to ensure the investments future-proof our infrastructure for the long term.
In this election, all the major parties recognized that municipalities are key to solving national social, economic and environmental challenges. For instance, FCM welcomed the Liberal Party of Canada’s (LPC) commitment to new, flexible funding for municipalities through a Housing Accelerator Fund ($4 billion through to 2024-25) and their commitment to a permanent federal transit funding mechanism, which will enable cities and communities to plan around public transit on a path to net-zero GHG emissions.
FCM is calling on the next government to actively deepen federal-municipal cooperation through measures such as: establishing political-level working groups on national priorities like housing affordability, pathways to net zero, digital inclusion and mental health; and engaging municipalities directly in federal-provincial/territorial (FPT) processes.
FCM welcomes the LPC commitments to support rural Canada by continuing to strengthen Canada’s Regional Development Agencies and by improving access to rural healthcare. FCM will continue to call on the next government to apply a rural and northern lens to federal policy development and program design.
FCM welcomes LPC commitments to support Western Canada, including by responding to FCM recommendations to support energy sector transformation and to help communities through a transition to net-zero GHG emissions. FCM will continue to call on the next government to support regulatory innovation by approving national utility corridors.
FCM welcomes LPC commitments to advance the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. FCM is committed to working with the next federal government to deepen engagement and coordination with all orders of government, to redress the legacy of residential schools and move forward on reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.
FCM welcomes several of the Conservative Party of Canada’s (CPC) housing proposals, including expanding affordable housing by leveraging Community Land Trusts, and the focus on improving rental supply through deferral of capital gains on sale of rental properties when reinvested in new rentals.
FCM appreciates the recognition that more can be done to unlock federal lands to create housing (CPC proposes to target 15% of the federal real estate portfolio)– this will have greatest impact if focused on affordable options. Housing affordability for all Canadians must include significant investments in non-market rental supply.
We agree that transit-oriented development is critical to creating livable communities – cities are leading on this, working closely with federal and provincial partners.
We welcome the proposal for a “for Indigenous, by Indigenous” housing strategy and look forward to seeing how this would translate into meaningful funding commitments.
FCM welcomes the recognition that access to housing is critical to building equitable and strong communities. We look forward to seeing specific and detailed plans from all parties on how to end homelessness and provide supportive housing to the most vulnerable.
FCM welcomes specific Conservative Party of Canada proposals on climate change and disaster mitigation, including a significant commitment to invest $3 billion before 2030 in natural climate solutions. This would help municipalities of all sizes manage and restore natural infrastructure like forests, grasslands and wetlands across Canada to absorb GHG emissions and help protect communities against disaster risks such as flooding.
FCM appreciates the commitment for a National Action Plan on floods to establish a residential high risk flood insurance program, as well as a National Adaptation Strategy with measurable targets to reduce risks of flooding, drought and wildfire exposure.
To protect communities and save Canadians from extreme weather, FCM is urgently calling on all parties to commit to significant long-term funding for disaster mitigation and climate resilience projects, as well as commitments to strengthen local capacity to respond to climate risks.
We welcome commitments to increase electric vehicle sales and work with municipalities on EV charging infrastructure, commitments to improve the energy efficiency of residential and commercial buildings, including through building codes, as well as commitments to increase parks and protected areas.
In addition to calling for long-term federal transit funding to reduce transportation emissions (see Transit section), FCM is asking all parties for commitments to rapidly scale up investments in local pathways to net-zero by 2050.
FCM welcomes the Conservative Party of Canada’s (CPC) recognition of the importance of federal infrastructure investment and its role in supporting economic growth, as well as the commitment to accelerate federal infrastructure funding and make it easier for municipalities to access funding. And we note the commitment to work directly with municipalities if funding is to be reprioritized from existing federal infrastructure commitments. FCM continues to recommend doubling the Canada Community-Building Fund (formerly the Gas Tax Fund) as the best way to achieve these outcomes. The CCBF is transferred directly to municipalities, putting federal infrastructure dollars to work for Canadians immediately.
FCM appreciates commitments to protect freshwater and reduce plastic waste. FCM is calling for an investment of at least $500 million annually for 20 years in municipal water and wastewater infrastructure to ensure that water quality objectives can be met.
FCM continues to call on all parties to commit to long-term federal investment in municipal infrastructure, including by establishing a new long-term water and wastewater infrastructure fund and extending dedicated rural and northern infrastructure funding beyond the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.
FCM applauds the Conservative Party of Canada’s commitment to accelerate near-term federal investments in public transit system expansion. These investments will reduce congestion, shorten commutes and reduce GHG emissions. We also note the commitment to work directly with municipalities if funding is to be reprioritized from existing federal infrastructure commitments. Low-to-zero transit fleets and rural transit projects remain FCM priorities.
FCM is calling for permanent, predictable capital funding for transit expansion, starting with $3 billion in permanent annual funding starting in 2026-27. We look forward to further details on the CPC’s long-term transit plan.
FCM continues to call on all parties to commit to a multi-year solution to pandemic-induced public transit operating shortfalls. Failure to address this urgent need puts the COVID recovery at risk and jeopardizes transit system expansion.
We welcome CPC commitments to high-frequency rail. FCM continues to call on all parties to commit to a sustainable funding model for inter-community passenger bus service, and to expand funding for rail safety, including grade crossing improvements. Inter-community transit services are critical to small communities, our economy, and to a transportation system that is equitable and accessible.
We welcome the Conservative Party of Canada’s commitment to connect all Canadians to high-speed internet by 2025. Ensuring all families can connect online is key to building a strong recovery that everyone can take part in.
Accelerating connectivity will require a strong federal partnership with municipalities to see progress on the ground. FCM is calling on all parties to launch a municipal digital capacity program to build technical expertise and accelerate broadband deployment, and to commit to a needs-based stream for federal broadband funding targeting small ISPs and community partners who are essential in meeting connectivity targets in underserved communities.
FCM is calling on all parties to establish a digital affordability target to drive progress on affordability, and to create a national roundtable on digital infrastructure—with all orders of government—to develop a vision for broadband connectivity to ensure the investments future-proof our infrastructure for the long term.
In this election, all the major parties recognized that municipalities are key to solving national social, economic and environmental challenges. For instance, FCM welcomed the Conservative Party of Canada’s (CPC) recognition of the importance of federal infrastructure investment and its role in supporting economic growth, as well as commitments to accelerate and make it easier for municipalities to access federal infrastructure funding.
FCM is calling on the next government to actively deepen federal-municipal cooperation through measures such as: establishing political-level working groups on national priorities like housing affordability, pathways to net zero, digital inclusion and mental health; and engaging municipalities directly in federal-provincial/territorial (FPT) processes.
FCM welcomes the CPC commitments to support rural Canada by appointing a Minister of Rural Affairs to Cabinet and by setting aside a portion of federal infrastructure funds for projects in rural communities. FCM will continue to call on the next government to apply a rural and northern lens to federal policy development and program design.
FCM welcomes the CPC commitments to support Western Canada, including by responding to FCM recommendations to invest in trade infrastructure, implementing a hydrogen energy strategy, and improving federal impact assessment processes. FCM will continue to call on the next government to support regulatory innovation by approving national utility corridors.
FCM welcomes CPC commitments to advance the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. FCM is committed to working with the next federal government to deepen engagement and coordination with all orders of government, to redress the legacy of residential schools and move forward on reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.
FCM welcomes the New Democratic Party’s (NDP) focus on increasing affordable and social housing, including the proposal to fast-track funds to municipalities and community partners to quickly address local needs.
The positive commitments to end homelessness and promote affordable housing will require close partnership with municipalities and the community housing sector to achieve real affordability for Canadians. We look forward to more details on specific funding.
Other meaningful proposals include the focus on rental affordability by tackling renovictions and creating new rental supply by waiving federal portion of GST on construction of new affordable rental homes.
We welcome the proposal to co-develop an Indigenous housing strategy and look forward to seeing how this would translate into meaningful funding commitments.
FCM is looking to all parties to provide specific and detailed plans to end homelessness including clear commitments to wraparound supportive housing for the most vulnerable people in our communities.
FCM welcomes several of the New Democratic Party’s proposals on climate change and disaster mitigation. In particular, FCM applauds the New Democratic Party‘s commitment to significant funding for adaptation, disaster mitigation and climate resilient infrastructure ($3 billion over four years), and its commitment to establish a National Crisis Strategy to help communities reduce and respond to climate risks that includes long-term federal funding. This responds to FCM’s recommendation for investments to protect communities from climate risks. FCM is calling on all parties to commit to significant long-term funding for disaster mitigation and climate resilience projects, as well as commitments to strengthen local capacity to respond to climate risks.
We welcome the commitment to expand urban national parks and restore urban biodiversity, and commitments to support conservation, restore wetlands and plant trees. FCM welcomes the NDP’s commitment to a mission-based approach to retrofitting all buildings by 2050 – including ensuring all new buildings are net-zero by 2025, providing low interest loans for retrofits for families, and providing targeted support for low-income households and renters.
FCM appreciates the commitment to support community-owned and operated clean energy projects and reduce reliance on diesel; a commitment to help municipalities improve waste management and recycling; and a commitment to smart community planning and active transportation including e-bikes.
FCM is asking all parties for commitments to rapidly scale up investments in local pathways to net-zero emissions by 2050.
FCM applauds the New Democratic Party’s (NDP) commitment to permanently double the Canada Community-Building Fund, responding directly to a key FCM recommendation. Every day, municipalities of all sizes put the Canada Community-Building Fund (formerly Gas Tax Fund) to work, delivering frontline solutions for people from coast to coast to coast.
FCM also welcomes the NDP commitment to long-term, predictable infrastructure funding for rural communities and the creation of a Northern Infrastructure Fund. FCM is calling for a commitment of at least $250 million annually in new funding for 10 years for rural and northern infrastructure.
FCM continues to call on all parties to commit to establishing a new long-term water and wastewater infrastructure fund, investing at least $500 million annually for 20 years.
FCM applauds the New Democratic Party’s commitment to maintain planned near-term federal transit investments, including for zero-emission transit, and to establish a permanent federal transit fund. FCM has also welcomed the NDP’s commitment to permanently double the Canada Community-Building Fund (see Infrastructure). FCM is calling for $3 billion in permanent annual transit funding starting in 2026-27, over and above the CCBF.
FCM also applauds the NDP commitment to develop a public inter-city bus system and support high-frequency rail. Inter-community transit services are critical to small communities, our economy, and to a transportation system that is equitable and accessible.
FCM continues to call on all parties to commit to a multi-year solution to pandemic-induced public transit operating shortfalls. Failure to address this urgent need puts the COVID recovery at risk and jeopardizes transit system expansion.
FCM is also calling on all parties to expand funding for rail safety, including grade crossing improvements.
We welcome the New Democratic Party’s commitment to ensure that every Canadian has access to affordable, reliable high-speed broadband within four years. Ensuring all families can connect online is key to building a strong recovery that everyone can take part in.
Accelerating connectivity will require a strong federal partnership with municipalities to see progress on the ground. FCM is calling on all parties to launch a municipal digital capacity program, and to commit to a needs-based stream for federal broadband funding) targeting small ISPs and community partners who are an essential part of meeting connectivity targets in underserved communities. FCM is also calling for a national roundtable on digital infrastructure—with all orders of government—to develop a vision for broadband connectivity to ensure the investments future-proof our infrastructure for the long term.
FCM welcomes the New Democratic Party’s commitment to affordable internet and cellphone services, a critical aspect of digital inclusion. FCM is calling for a national digital affordability target – that reflects the diverse economic realities of communities across the country – to drive progress and ensure that connectivity is within reach for all families.
In this election, all the major parties recognized that municipalities are key to solving national social, economic and environmental challenges. For instance, FCM welcomed the New Democratic Party’s commitment to permanently doubling the Canada Community-Building Fund, which empowers local leaders to create jobs and build better lives—from upgrading roads and bridges to keep people moving to expanding cultural-recreation facilities to bring people together.
FCM is calling on the next government to actively deepen federal-municipal cooperation through measures such as: establishing political-level working groups on national priorities like housing affordability, pathways to net zero, digital inclusion and mental health; and engaging municipalities directly in federal-provincial/territorial (FPT) processes.
FCM welcomes the NDP commitments to support rural Canada by improving access to in-person services in northern and rural communities and investing in regional economic development agencies. FCM will continue to call on the next government to apply a rural and northern lens to federal policy development and program design.
FCM welcomes NDP commitments to support Western Canada, including by responding to FCM recommendations to support communities through a transition to net-zero GHG emissions. FCM will continue to call on the next government to support regulatory innovation by approving national utility corridors.
FCM welcomes NDP commitments to advance the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. FCM is committed to working with the next federal government to deepen engagement and coordination with all orders of government, to redress the legacy of residential schools and move forward on reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.
We applaud the Green Party of Canada’s commitment to expand proven tools like the Rapid Housing Initiative that empower cities and community partners to provide affordable housing. FCM is calling for an additional $5.5 B over the next 5 years.
The emphasis on addressing Canada’s homelessness crisis is welcome. We look forward to seeing specific and detailed plans to end homelessness, including clear commitments to wraparound supportive housing, so everyone can have a safe and affordable place to live.
FCM agrees on the need to ensure access to housing for Indigenous peoples. We look forward to seeing more details that will ensure a meaningful funding commitment and approach.
We are happy to see the commitments to non-market rental supply. Investing in the social, nonprofit and co-op sector is key to addressing Canada’s housing crisis.
The housing policies recognize the need for the federal government to dedicate more resources and funding to addressing our housing crisis, which can be better achieved through greater intergovernmental co-operation.
FCM is asking all parties for commitments to rapidly scale up long-term funding for disaster mitigation, climate resilience and natural infrastructure projects, as well as commitments to strengthen local capacity to respond to climate risks. We are also asking for commitments to scale up investments in local pathways to net-zero emissions by 2050.
FCM applauds the Green Party of Canada’s (GPC) commitment to permanently double the Canada Community-Building Fund, responding directly to a key FCM recommendation. Every day, municipalities of all sizes put the Canada Community-Building Fund (formerly Gas Tax Fund) to work, delivering frontline solutions for people from coast to coast to coast.
FCM welcomes the GPC’s commitment to create a dedicated, long-term funding program for water infrastructure, responding to another key municipal priority. FCM is calling for an investment of at least $500 million annually for 20 years.
We welcome the emphasis on closing the gap in rural and northern communities by expanding investments in rural infrastructure. FCM is calling on all parties to bolster rural and northern infrastructure by committing at least $250 million annually in new funding for 10 years.
FCM applauds several of the Green Party of Canada’s (GPC) transit proposals. The GPC’s commitment to provide multi-year funding to address COVID-induced operating shortfalls recognizes the dire financial situation facing municipalities and transit authorities and is especially welcome. FCM also applauds the commitment to maintain planned near-term federal transit investments, including for zero-emission transit, and to establish permanent federal transit funding of $3.4 billion per year, responding directly to a key FCM recommendation.
FCM applauds the Green Party of Canada’s commitment to expand low-carbon and affordable bus and rail transportation linkages between communities. Inter-community transit services are critical to small communities, our economy, and to a transportation system that is equitable and accessible.
FCM agrees that active transportation and multi-modal systems like bike paths and pedestrian bridges are an important part of a sustainable transit network and a pathway to net-zero.
We welcome the emphasis on rail safety in the GPC platform. FCM continues to call on all parties to expand funding for rail safety, including grade crossing improvements.
FCM applauds the Green Party’s commitment to an additional $150 million annually in federal broadband funding, over and above existing funding, to bring highspeed, reliable internet to hardest-to-reach communities. This is a direct response to FCM’s recommendations. Ensuring all families can connect online is key to building a strong recovery that everyone can take part in.
Accelerating connectivity will require a strong federal partnership with municipalities to see progress on the ground. FCM is calling on all parties to launch a municipal digital capacity program to develop technical expertise and support local and regional broadband infrastructure planning and deployment in underserved communities.
FCM is calling on all parties to establish a digital affordability target to drive progress on affordability, and to create a national roundtable on digital infrastructure—with all orders of government—to develop a vision for broadband connectivity to ensure the investments future-proof our infrastructure for the long term.
Coming Soon
FCM welcomes the Bloc Quebécois commitment to create an acquisition fund that would allow co-ops and non-profits to acquire residential buildings to preserve affordability, and turn it into social, community and deeply affordable housing.
We also welcome the focus on need to invest in homelessness prevention in Quebec. Municipalities are the governments closest to Canadians & know what works on the ground. That’s why FCM is calling for greater resources to invest in deeply supportive and affordable housing.
FCM acknowledges the Bloc Québécois’ focus on ensuring environmental and climate change priorities are considered across federal policies.
We appreciate the Bloc’s recognition of the need to invest in shoreline protection from the impacts of climate change.
FCM is asking all parties for commitments to rapidly scale up long-term funding for disaster mitigation and climate resilience projects, as well as commitments to strengthen local capacity to respond to climate risks. We are also asking for commitments to implement local pathways to net-zero emissions by 2050.
Coming Soon
FCM welcomes the Bloc Québecois’ commitment to high frequency rail. We agree that connecting Canada’s regions are vital to thriving communities and economies. Inter-community transit services are critical to small communities, our economy, and to a transportation system that is equitable and accessible.
FCM is calling on all parties to commit to a multi-year solution to pandemic-induced transit operating shortfalls; permanent, predictable federal capital funding for public transit expansion; a sustainable funding model for inter-community passenger bus service; and to expand funding for rail safety, including grade crossing improvements.
Coming Soon
In this election, all the major parties recognized that municipalities are key to solving national social, economic and environmental challenges. For instance, FCM welcomed the Green Party of Canada’s commitment to permanently doubling the Canada Community-Building Fund, which empowers local leaders to create jobs and build better lives—from upgrading roads and bridges to keep people moving to expanding cultural-recreation facilities to bring people together.
FCM is calling on the next government to actively deepen federal-municipal cooperation through measures such as: establishing political-level working groups on national priorities like housing affordability, pathways to net zero, digital inclusion and mental health; and engaging municipalities directly in federal-provincial/territorial (FPT) processes.
FCM welcomes the Green Party commitments to support rural Canada by addressing disparities in delivery, access, and funding for rural services, establishing a parliamentary committee on solutions to rural challenges, and improving access to rural healthcare. FCM will continue to call on the next government to apply a rural and northern lens to federal policy development and program design.
FCM welcomes Green Party commitments to support Western Canada, including by responding to FCM recommendations to support communities through a transition to net-zero GHG emissions. FCM will continue to call on the next government to support regulatory innovation by approving national utility corridors.
FCM welcomes Green Party commitments to advance the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. FCM is committed to working with the next federal government to deepen engagement and coordination with all orders of government, to redress the legacy of residential schools and move forward on reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.