Truth and Reconciliation, Gathering of Canadian Mayors, Clean Air Day
June 05, 2015
The week began with a trip to Ottawa and a series of meetings on Parliament Hill with MPs of all parties to talk about municipal issues, ahead of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) Conference. Mayor Iveson reiterated the important role the federal government must continue to play in funding core infrastructure, expanding public transit networks and providing sustainable affordable housing funding for cities.
Mayor Iveson was also honoured to deliver a Statement of Reconciliation on behalf of Canada’s Big City Mayors Caucus, committing cities to acting on the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). Before delivering the Statement, the Mayor said: “Together, we recognize the challenges and the opportunities before us in driving change in our communities. The release of the TRC report offers us the chance to do just that - to acknowledge the pain of our past and begin a writing a new, more inclusive future.”
Back in Edmonton on Tuesday, the Mayor welcomed leaders from the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal community to view the live broadcast of the TRC Report Release in City Council Chambers. It was an emotional morning for those gathered, including several survivors (and intergenerational survivors) of Indian Residential Schools who were in attendance. Tears were collected then later burned in the Sacred Fire that was lit earlier in the week just outside City Hall.
The release of the TRC Report provided a powerful backdrop to the start of the largest gathering of municipal leaders in Canada - the FCM Conference. In keeping with tradition, the Big City Mayors’ Caucus gathered ahead of the conference to discuss core issues facing Canada’s largest centres. Their day-long conversation allowed Mayors to question representatives of the NDP, Liberal Party and Green Party on their plan to partner with cities on transit, infrastructure and housing - all critical to growing Canada’s economy. The Mayor's emerged from their meetings calling for a federal debate on municipal issues. “A strong Canada needs globally competitive cities,” said Mayor Iveson. “A debate will help Canadians choose the best partner for Canada’s cities.” The Mayor was joined by Vancouver’s Mayor Robertson and Toronto’s Mayor Tory on CBC’s Power and Politics to talk about the Big City Mayors’ Caucus meeting.
FCM has been active in advocating on behalf of municipalities across Canada, and Friday’s conference launch allowed leaders to gather and discuss a wide variety of issues like improving citizen engagement, building smarter cities, managing civic assets and much, much more. The Conference also features keynote addresses from federal party leaders and ‘study tours’ of City of Edmonton projects and initiatives. The theme for this year’s gathering is ‘Today’s Communities, Tomorrow’s Canada’, which supports a perspective that Mayor Iveson has often advocated: municipalities are the driving force of change in Canada.
Not to be forgotten in this week’s events was the launch of Clean Air Day as part of Environment Week, and an event with Oilers Captain Andrew Ference to encourage Edmontonians to leave their grass clippings on their lawn in order to reduce household waste. As we head into a Saturday of household chores, remember to Go Bagless!
We’re excited for a busy weekend in Edmonton, including the annual Pride Parade and the opening game of the FIFA Women’s World Cup featuring Canada vs. China. Go Canada!
For More Information
Mayor Don Iveson
2nd Floor, City Hall
1 Sir Winston Churchill Square
Edmonton, AB
T5J 2R7
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