The City of Brampton’s Regional Councillor for Wards 1 & 5, Rowena Santos, has been reappointed as Chair of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ (FCM) Standing Committee on Municipal Finance, Infrastructure, and Transportation for the 2024-2025 term. This reappointment by FCM President Geoff Stewart highlights the continued confidence in Councillor Santos’ leadership and her unwavering dedication to advancing municipal governance across Canada.
FCM, a national advocacy organization representing more than 2,100 municipalities and 20 provincial and territorial municipal associations, plays a pivotal role in ensuring that municipal needs are reflected in federal policies and programs. Municipal leaders from across the country convene annually to set FCM policies on key issues impacting cities and towns.
Under Councillor Santos’ leadership, the Standing Committee on Municipal Finance, Infrastructure, and Transportation will continue to strengthen board capacity in crucial areas such as infrastructure, public transit, transportation, rail safety, telecommunications, and municipal finance. Councillor Santos is committed to advancing the development of a new municipal growth framework and advocating for more diverse, predictable, and equitable municipal funding models. These efforts closely align with the City of Brampton’s federal advocacy priorities and present an opportunity to further enhance the city’s influence on the national stage.
Councillor Santos has actively contributed to several FCM Standing Committees throughout her tenure, including four years as a member of the Municipal Finance, Infrastructure, and Transportation Committee. She has also served on the Standing Committee on Increasing Women’s Participation in Municipal Government. In addition to her role as Chair of the Municipal Finance, Infrastructure, and Transportation Committee, Councillor Santos also served on the Standing Committee on Anti-Racism and Equity, having completed two terms as Vice-Chair.
Councillor Santos remains deeply inspired by the Brampton community and is committed to building a better future for all. Her reappointment as Chair reflects her passion and effectiveness as a strong and influential leader on the national stage.
About Rowena Santos, Brampton’s Regional Councillor for Wards 1 & 5
Councillor Santos is a proud Brampton resident, driven by a passion to transform the culture of politics and create a more prosperous, livable, and sustainable future. Elected in 2018, she is the first Filipino to be elected to a municipal council in Ontario. Santos was honored as a 2023 Woman of Influence by Municipal World and recognized as a Municipal Trailblazer by FCM.
She holds an Honours Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the Schulich School of Business and a Master’s degree in Sustainable Development and Environmental Planning from the London School of Economics. Prior to her election, she spent over a decade working at the Ontario legislature and has mentored numerous youth to become politically active across the Greater Toronto Area.
About the FCM Standing Committee on Municipal Finance, Infrastructure, and Transportation
The committee focuses on policies and programs related to infrastructure, public transit, mobility, transportation, rail safety, telecommunications, finance and procurement, Canada Post, international trade, and municipal finance and autonomy.
FCM’s Standing Committees facilitate detailed debate and provide the FCM Board with recommendations on priority policy and program issues. Strong leadership is required from the Chairs and Vice-Chairs to guide committee deliberations, ensuring focused and productive discussions. Each committee meets three times per year, alongside the Board of Directors meetings.
Quotes
“Being reappointed as Chair of this committee is both an honour and a significant responsibility that I deeply value. The renewed trust from my colleagues at FCM strengthens my commitment to advocating for the needs of our communities, including Brampton. I am dedicated to driving meaningful change that will contribute to a more prosperous, livable, and sustainable future for all Canadians. Through my work, I hope to inspire the next generation of women-identifying individuals in politics, encouraging them to break barriers and forge their own paths.”
– Rowena Santos, Regional Councillor, Wards 1 & 5, City of Brampton; Member, FCM Board of Directors
“Councillor Rowena Santos’s reappointment as Chair of the Municipal Finance, Infrastructure, and Transportation Committee is a testament to her exceptional leadership and dedication. Her work at FCM brings great pride to Brampton and ensures our city’s priorities are strongly represented on the national stage. I have no doubt that under her continued guidance, this committee will make significant strides in shaping a better future for municipalities across Canada. Congratulations, Councillor Santos, on this well-deserved recognition!”
– Patrick Brown, Mayor, City of Brampton
“It is wonderful to have Councillor Santos return to the FCM Board of Directors, especially in her role as Chair of the Municipal Finance, Infrastructure, and Transportation Committee. Her continued leadership ensures that this important file will be handled with the continuity and expertise it requires.”
– Geoff Stewart, President of FCM and Deputy Mayor of the Municipality of the County of Colchester, Nova Scotia