BRAMPTON, ON — Regional Councillor Rowena Santos has been re-elected to the Board of Directors of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) for the 2025–2027 term, marking her sixth consecutive term. Her re-election was announced at FCM’s Annual Conference and Trade Show, the largest gathering of municipal leaders in the country. Santos also received special recognition from FCM for five consecutive years of service to municipalities across Canada.
As Brampton’s Regional Councillor for Wards 1 and 5, Santos has played a pivotal role in advancing municipal priorities at the national level. She currently serves as Chair of FCM’s Municipal Finance, Infrastructure and Transportation Committee and is a member of its Anti-Racism, Equity and Inclusion Committee. Through her work, she has championed federal investment in affordable housing, local transit, climate initiatives, and stronger protections for vulnerable communities.
This year’s FCM conference, themed Stronger, Together: Local Strength, National Prosperity, brought more than 2,000 elected officials together to address challenges facing municipalities nationwide. Brampton’s delegation, led by Mayor Patrick Brown and Councillor Santos, advocated for strategic federal investments to support local infrastructure, housing, climate resilience, and public safety — all critical to the city’s fast-growing population.
As Brampton continues to push for a National Prosperity Partnership, Santos emphasized the need for stable and predictable funding for municipalities. She also called for a reassessment of municipal responsibilities, including the potential uploading of provincially mandated services, to ensure cities like Brampton are adequately resourced to serve their residents.
Mayor Patrick Brown praised Santos’ re-election and leadership, noting her continued role on the FCM board will ensure Brampton’s priorities are well-represented as federal decisions are made that directly impact local communities.
A trailblazer in municipal leadership, Santos is Ontario’s first Filipino elected to municipal council and was named a 2023 Women of Influence honouree by Municipal World. With academic credentials from the Schulich School of Business and the London School of Economics, and over a decade of public service experience at Queen’s Park, Santos continues to be a driving force in Canadian municipal advocacy.
For more on the City’s federal advocacy priorities, visit: brampton.ca/fundingpriorities.
Quotes:
“Across Canada, municipalities are stepping up to meet complex challenges with limited resources. We are stronger when we face them together. I’m honoured to continue serving on the FCM Board and will champion a National Prosperity Partnership that reflects the realities of our communities and ensures sustainable growth for all.”
— Rowena Santos, Regional Councillor, Wards 1 & 5, City of Brampton
“Brampton is proud to have Councillor Santos continue representing our community on the national stage. With strong advocates like her at the table, I’m confident we can shape a vibrant, inclusive and resilient future.”
— Patrick Brown, Mayor, City of Brampton