Brampton Regional Councillor Rowena Santos appointed as FCM’s Chair of the Standing Committee on Anti-Racism and Equity for 2023-2024
The Voice of Canada News:
The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) has announced that Brampton Regional Councillor Rowena Santos has been appointed by FCM President Scott Pearce as Chair of the Standing Committee on Anti-Racism and Equity 2023-2024.
FCM is a national advocacy organization for municipal governments that represents more than 2,100 municipalities and 20 provincial and territorial municipal associations. FCM ensures that the needs of municipalities are reflected in federal policies and programs. Municipal leaders from across Canada assemble each year to set FCM policy on key issues.
Previously, Councillor Santos served two terms as the Vice-Chair of the Standing Committee on Anti-Racism and Equity and was a member of the Standing Committee on Increasing Women’s Participation in Municipal Government. Councillor Santos has also been re-appointed to serve as a member of the Standing Committee on Municipal Finance, Infrastructure and Transportation.
FCM’s Standing Committee on Anti-Racism and Equity Committee drives board capacity building on anti-racism and equity issues such as gender, accessibility, and anti-Indigeneity, establishes a forum to discuss promising municipal practices nationally, highlights opportunities to develop more equitable governance models and practices and collaborates with FCM’s policy committees to bring forward federal advocacy recommendations.
FCM’s Standing Committees facilitate detailed debate and provide the FCM Board with recommendations on priority policy and program issues. Standing Committees require strong leadership in their Chairs and Vice-Chairs who guide the committees’ deliberations on issues and strategies related to their mandate, ensuring that all committee members have the opportunity to engage in focused and productive discussions. Each committee meets three times per year, in conjunction with the meetings of the Board of Directors.
Councillor Santos is a proud Bramptonian inspired by community and driven by a passion to change the culture of politics and build a more prosperous, livable and sustainable future. Councillor Santos remains committed to advocating for the needs of communities, including Brampton, as a strong and influential leader at the FCM.
Quotes
“It is an honour to serve as Chair of FCM’s Standing Committee on Anti-Racism and Equity. I am thrilled to continue working alongside colleagues across Canada, to share and implement ideas that build stronger communities. By working together and ensuring municipalities have the tools, we can remove barriers and discriminatory policies to address racism across municipalities.”–Rowena Santos, Regional Councillor, Wards 1 & 5, City of Brampton; Member, FCM Board of Directors
“On behalf of Council, I congratulate Councillors Santos on her new appointment. I’m proud she will continue to advocate for our community and municipalities across the country. I know she will serve the Standing Committee dutifully as she works to break down barriers to create more equitable and inclusive communities.”–Patrick Brown, Mayor, City of Brampton
