Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM)

Published purpose

This 36-month project aims to increase the participation and retention of women in municipal leadership and support a more diverse, inclusive and equitable environment in municipal governance processes, particularly among underrepresented women including youth, Indigenous, Black and other racialized women and members of the LGBTQ2S+ community. FCM will work in partnership with provincial and territorial associations (PTAs), stakeholders and its regionally diverse membership base to 1) enable more women to run for elected office 2) strengthen the capacity of municipal stakeholders to address gender-based violence and harassment; and 3) create a more conducive context for women leaders to thrive in their leadership through mobilizing, fostering and strengthening gender inclusive leadership, knowledge and best practices across municipalities. The project will establish a steering committee made up of representatives from WAGE, FCM, PTAs and a national women's organization with experience in women's political participation. Sub-grants will also be provided to implementing partners at the local level (e.g. PTAs, municipalities, community-based organizations), to develop virtual training opportunities, resources and tools, including peer-to-peer learning and mentorship.