{"id":4993,"date":"2025-06-02T12:27:45","date_gmt":"2025-06-02T17:27:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vvgut0abxs.wpdns.site\/?p=4993"},"modified":"2025-07-10T16:33:49","modified_gmt":"2025-07-10T21:33:49","slug":"federation-of-canadian-municipalities-fcm-2025-annual-conference-and-trade-show-a-hub-of-innovation-and-collaboration-for-manitobas-bilingual-municipalities","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ambm.ca\/en\/federation-of-canadian-municipalities-fcm-2025-annual-conference-and-trade-show-a-hub-of-innovation-and-collaboration-for-manitobas-bilingual-municipalities\/","title":{"rendered":"Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) 2025 Annual Conference and Trade Show: a hub of innovation and collaboration for Manitoba\u2019s bilingual municipalities"},"content":{"rendered":"

Following three enriching days at the 2025 Annual Conference and Trade Show of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), held under the theme\u00a0Stronger, Together: Local Strength, National Prosperity<\/em>, the Association of Manitoba Bilingual Municipalities (AMBM) extends its warmest congratulations and thanks to the FCM for a successful event in the nation\u2019s capital. Bringing together over 2,000 municipal leaders from across the country, the event served as a true crossroads of collaboration and innovation for our communities, with active participation from several leaders of Manitoba\u2019s bilingual municipalities.<\/h1>\n

Attendees took part in workshops, panels, and study tours addressing key topics such as housing, infrastructure, public safety, and sustainable development. The FCM used the occasion to call for a mature and pragmatic dialogue among all orders of government, emphasizing the importance of a national partnership for prosperity.<\/p>\n

The presence of Prime Minister Mark Carney was a highlight of the event, reaffirming the importance of open and constructive dialogue to address the pressing challenges facing Canadian communities.<\/p>\n

Solution-oriented engagements<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

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\u201cAlongside the FCM\u2019s annual conference in Ottawa, we held over 10 strategic meetings between municipal officials, Members of Parliament, and government decision makers to present the priorities of Manitoba\u2019s bilingual municipalities as outlined in our Prosperity Framework<\/em>. These discussions were both constructive and hopeful; we are fully committed to working hand-in-hand with our partners to deliver concrete and innovative solutions that will drive economic development and prosperity in our communities,\u201d said Justin Johnson, Chief Executive Officer of the AMBM.<\/h2>\n<\/blockquote>\n

The AMBM joins the FCM in reaffirming the importance of a national partnership for prosperity. On the sidelines of the conference, the AMBM officially launched its\u00a0Prosperity Framework for Manitoba\u2019s Bilingual Municipalities<\/em><\/a>\u2014a strategic roadmap built around five key priorities: modernizing infrastructure; attracting and training a bilingual workforce; stimulating economic development, entrepreneurship, and investment; acelerating sustainable development and climate resilience; and strengthening bilingual services and intergovernmental collaboration.<\/p>\n

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\u201cThis conference once again demonstrated the strength and resilience of our bilingual municipalities. Through our Prosperity Framework<\/em>, we are sending a clear message: we are ready to work collaboratively with all orders of government to build a more prosperous and inclusive future. The discussions held this week are encouraging, and we are determined to turn our priorities into tangible actions,\u201d said Ivan Normandeau, President of the AMBM.<\/h2>\n<\/blockquote>\n

A report rooted in rural realities<\/strong><\/p>\n

The conference also featured the much-anticipated presentation of the report\u00a0The Future of Rural Canada<\/em><\/a>. Developed through extensive consultations with elected officials and key development partners, the report proposes a new approach to recognizing the essential role of rural municipalities in Canada\u2019s prosperity. It addresses today\u2019s challenges, including aging infrastructure, inadequate digital connectivity, growing public safety concerns, and a fiscal framework that no longer meets current needs.<\/p>\n

The goal is to unlock the economic potential of rural regions, ensure reliable access to internet and cellular services for all communities, and enhance national safety and resilience. Achieving these goals requires recognizing and valuing the bilingual advantage that is a core part of Canada\u2019s identity.<\/p>\n

The AMBM expressed its readiness to work closely with the FCM to amplify the voices of Official Language Minority Communities (OLMCs) in the rural areas it serves. This perspective is vital to supporting the economic and social vitality of our rural Francophone and bilingual communities, which demonstrated their commitment in March 2024 by adopting the\u00a0Municipal Maturity Model (3M)<\/a>\u2014an innovative tool for measuring and improving the delivery of municipal services in both official languages.<\/p>\n

Strong Manitoba representation<\/strong><\/p>\n

FCM members also elected their new Board of Directors. Manitoba will have a strong voice on the Board with the election of:<\/p>\n