Federation of Canadian Municipalities launches new defence task force

The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) is launching a new defence task force to increase collaboration between cities and the federal government as Canada invests further into enhancing the country’s military capacity.

“I think everyone in this room is acutely aware that Canada and the world are facing considerable geopolitical shifts,” Rebecca Bligh, who is the FCM’s president and also a Vancouver city councillor, said at a news conference held  at the Edmonton Convention Centre on Friday. 

The task force is intended to bring together different partners like RCMP detachments and chambers of commerce to help bridge gaps when it comes to municipalities offering military support. 

“Times are changing, and strengthening Canada’s defence posture is now a real and urgent national goal,” Bligh said.

The FCM is currently meeting in Edmonton for its annual conference. The FCM is an organization that advocates for municipal issues and its membership includes almost 2,000 municipalities.

Bligh and other FCM officials, many of whom are also municipal leaders, said the new task force is a response to the federal government’s recent investments in military defence spending.

Last year, the Liberal government set aside an additional $81.8 billion over five years to bolster the Canadian military.

“As Canada works towards dedicating five per cent of federal spending to defence by 2035, including 1.5 per cent to infrastructure, it is critical that local governments are fully engaged in both knowledge and delivery,” Bligh said. 

“Bases are expanding, core infrastructure is under pressure, municipal systems are facing rapid growth and real capacity challenges, and all of this points to the simple truth: defence readiness is built locally.”

Edmonton Mayor Andrew Knack said he believes his city is uniquely positioned to be a key contributor.

“Edmonton has a critical role to play in Canada’s supply chain,” he said. “We are the closest major metropolitan area to key strategic locations in the Arctic and the North, which is critical for national sovereignty and long-term defence capability.

“Edmonton is a leader in innovation, AI (artificial intelligence) research, advanced manufacturing and life sciences. Our contribution strengthens Canada’s security, resilience and self-reliance.” 

WATCH | What role can Canadian cities play in national defence readiness?:

What role can Canada’s cities play in national defence readiness?

As mayors from across Canada meet in Edmonton for an annual conference, the focus has turned to a national issue: defence. As the federal government focuses on building up Canada’s military, municipalities see a role in supporting military bases and the families of armed forces members.

The new task force will be chaired by Coun. Will Cole-Hamilton from Comox, B.C., and Coun. Conny Glenn from Kingston, Ont. 

“I come to this with some lived experience. I grew up in a military family,” Cole-Hamilton said. 

“Local governments are essential to defence readiness, and that national sovereignty is founded on a bedrock of resilience at the community level.”