Federation of Canadian Municipalities. Image: FCM.

It’s the largest gathering of municipally elected officials in Canada happening in Calgary this week, with several local councils attending. 

The Federation of Canadian Municipalities annual conference (FCM) is usually held with larger policy issues in mind that are in the federal scope. 

In year’s past, like in 2019 in Quebec City, the Lakeland proudly boasted “I Love Oil & Gas” t-shirts to the chagrin of other municipalities. 

This year’s branding for 2024 is Redesigning our Future and they say they will discuss a Municipal Growth Framework to empower communities during these uncertain times. 

Mainly, it’s used as a networking tool to meet other elected officials, as well as spend time with your council. 

There are also study tours to visit facilities. Cold Lake Mayor Craig Copeland said he’s going to see their wastewater plant. 

“It’s all about relationships and talking to other mayors and councillors, but also go on study tours to see what other communities are doing,” he said. 

“On the recreation side, we’ve had a lot of value from doing these study tours. We’ve learned from stuff we’ve done in the past…but you also got to see some warts that other communities have.”

At least as of interview time with Copeland last week, he said the only federal leader scheduled to speak at the conference is Jagmeet Singh of the NDP. 

In year’s past, it’s quite common to have the Prime Minister and official opposition with keynotes as well.  

“The big topic back in the day was oil, no more pipelines. Now you’re coming to Alberta, home of the oil and gas, so lots of resources here in the province.

“There’s a lot of things in terms of the environment, climate change. You gotta remember, it’s going to be about federal policy. There’s not going to be talk about crosswalks, it’ll be about the climate, lowering the carbon footprint, and that kind of angle.” 

Bonnyville Mayor Elisa Brosseau said her whole council will be attending, since it’s within driving distance. 

The conference runs from June 6-9.