Santos appointed Chair of key Federation of Canadian Municipalities committee for 2026–27
BRAMPTON — August 28, 2026
Brampton Regional Councillor Rowena Santos has been appointed Chair of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) Standing Committee on Community Safety and Crime Prevention for the 2026–27 term, giving Brampton a prominent voice in national discussions on crime prevention and community safety.
The appointment places Santos, who represents Wards 1 and 5, at the forefront of municipal discussions involving policing, crime prevention, community corrections, emergency preparedness and emergency management.
Santos said she was grateful for the confidence placed in her by FCM’s Board of Directors and municipal colleagues from across Canada.
“Community safety is fundamental to the well-being of our residents, children and families,” Santos said. She added that the new role will allow her to bring Brampton’s perspective to the national table while working with municipalities across the country to develop practical solutions and advocate for the resources cities need to keep their communities safe.
Brampton gains stronger national voice
The appointment comes at a time when Brampton and other rapidly growing Canadian municipalities are facing increasingly complex public-safety challenges.
Among the priorities Santos is expected to advance are stronger federal support for local policing, efforts to combat organized crime, auto theft, firearms and drug trafficking, and improved measures to address gender-based violence and human trafficking.
Other priorities include countering hate and extremism, strengthening emergency preparedness, addressing homelessness and supporting community well-being through affordable housing, food security and accessible public services.
Brampton has also been advocating for increased federal support for Peel Regional Police, including resources to combat transnational crime and funding related to policing responsibilities at Toronto Pearson International Airport.
Years of leadership at FCM
Santos has served on FCM’s Board of Directors since 2020 and has held several national municipal leadership positions.
She previously served three terms as Chair of the Standing Committee on Municipal Finance, Infrastructure and Transportation and two terms as Vice-Chair of the Standing Committee on Anti-Racism and Equity.
She has also been involved with FCM’s work to increase women’s participation in municipal government and has been recognized by the organization as a Municipal Trailblazer.
Leaders welcome appointment
Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown described the appointment as an important recognition of Santos’ leadership and said it would strengthen Brampton’s voice in national discussions.
“Having a Brampton representative in this role helps ensure our residents’ needs are part of national discussions,” Brown said, adding that the position will strengthen the city’s advocacy for resources and partnerships needed to protect families and build safer neighbourhoods.
Ruby Sahota, Secretary of State for Combatting Crime and MP for Brampton North–Caledon, also congratulated Santos, saying municipal leaders bring an essential local perspective to national efforts to improve public safety.
Peel Regional Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah said community safety is among the most important and complex challenges facing municipalities and requires cooperation among governments, police and communities.
He described Santos as a consistent advocate for community safety and prevention in Brampton and Peel.
FCM President Tim Tierney also welcomed the appointment, highlighting Santos’ experience in areas including crime prevention, road safety, gender-based violence and protecting families.
National role with local impact
FCM represents municipalities whose residents account for approximately 90 per cent of Canada’s population. Its committees bring together elected municipal representatives from across the country to examine major policy issues and make recommendations to FCM’s Board of Directors.
As Chair of the Community Safety and Crime Prevention committee, Santos will now have an opportunity to bring Brampton’s experiences and priorities directly into national municipal policy discussions.
For Brampton, the appointment provides another channel to advocate for federal partnerships and resources on issues ranging from organized crime and auto theft to gender-based violence, homelessness and emergency preparedness.
Santos said her focus will be on strengthening partnerships and advancing practical solutions that help municipalities build safer, stronger and more resilient communities across Canada.