Canada's municipal leaders gather to discuss national challenges facing cities and communities

Close to 2000 municipal leaders from across Canada will gather this week in the Niagara Region for the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) Annual Conference. Delegates will discuss national challenges facing Canada's hometowns, including infrastructure, adequate housing, and rail safety.

In anticipation of the upcoming federal election, delegates will also be involved in workshops, strategy sessions and policy discussions focused on pushing cities and communities to the top of the federal agenda.

"A strong Canada begins with strong hometowns, and we need more hometown champions across the country and at every level of government," said FCM President Claude Dauphin. "I know Canadians share this belief and they expect our federal government to work with municipalities to ensure we have the tools to build, move and innovate."

Municipal leaders will also hear from their federal counterparts including, Hon. Lisa Raitt, Minister of Transport, Hon. Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade, Hon. Thomas Mulcair, Leader of the NDP and the Official Opposition, Justin Trudeau, Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada, and Elizabeth May, Leader of the Green Party of Canada.