Santos re-elected to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ Board of Directors

The Voice of Canada :

Brampton’s Regional Councillor for Wards 1 and 5, Rowena Santos, has been re-elected to the Board of Directors of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) for the 2025–2027 term. This re-election marks the sixth consecutive year of service for Councillor Santos. In recognition of her dedication and contributions to municipalities across Canada, Councillor Santos was also honoured with an award from FCM for five consecutive years of service.  

“Across Canada, municipalities are stepping up to meet complex challenges with limited resources, especially in the face of an uncertain trade war – we are stronger when we face them together. I am honoured to continue serving on the FCM Board, where I will champion a National Prosperity Partnership to ensure all communities, large and small, have the tools they need to grow sustainably. From housing and transit to climate action, community safety and economic uncertainty, we need a new approach that recognizes the realities on the ground, the resources and partnerships to prosper. Through this work, I am committed to advancing solutions that are equitable, inclusive and reflective of Canada’s diverse communities.” –Rowena Santos, Regional Councillor, Wards 1 and 5, City of Brampton; Board Director, Federation of Canadian Municipalities  

The announcement was made at FCM’s 2025 Annual Conference and Trade Show, Canada’s largest pan-Canadian gathering of more than 2,000 elected officials. This year’s theme, Stronger, Together: Local Strength, National Prosperity, highlights the power of unity, collaboration and solidarity between communities across the country.  

The City’s delegation returned to the conference with a clear mandate, continuing to advocate for collaboration between municipalities and all orders of government, and funding to help advance Brampton’s key projects, including:  

• A clean, reliable and integrated local transit system and transportation infrastructure.  
• Affordable and available housing options to meet the growing local demand. 
• Enhanced community safety through bail reform and investments in newcomer services, protections for international students and a National Encampment Response Plan.    
• Securing funding to continue to implement Brampton’s Climate Change Adaptation Plan, projects and initiatives.   

More information about Brampton’s priorities can be found in the City’s 2025 FCM Conference  handbook online.  

 Councillor Santos has served on the board of FCM since 2020, and currently serves as  

Chair of FCM’s Municipal Finance, Infrastructure and Transportation Committee and a dedicated member of FCM’s Anti-Racism, Equity and Inclusion Committee. In her roles with FCM, Councillor Santos has been a vocal advocate for federal support and investments to tackle pressing issues such as housing affordability, infrastructure development and homelessness.  

 Looking ahead, Councillor Santos is focused on advancing the National Prosperity Partnership to help ensure that municipalities, like Brampton, receive the predictable and sustainable funding needed to build and support complete communities. As population growth continues to place pressure on transit, infrastructure and other municipal services, she is calling for stronger collaboration between all orders of government.  

Councillor Santos will continue to advocate for funding models that account for the pace of growth and the unique needs of local communities. She will also push for a reassessment of municipal responsibilities, including opportunities to upload provincially mandated services, so that municipalities are properly resourced to deliver the high-quality services residents rely on. 

 Brampton, Ontario’s third-largest city and Canada’s seventh-largest municipality, is proud to have Councillor Santos serve as a trusted voice and advocate on the national stage. Her continued presence on the FCM Board ensures that Brampton’s perspective remains influential in shaping federal policies and funding programs that directly impact municipalities and the residents they serve.