​​​BRAMPTON, ON (August 22, 2024) – 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. The reappointment to serve a second term in this role, made by FCM President, Geoff Stewart, underscores the renewed trust in Councillor Santos’ leadership and her unwavering commitment to municipal governance.

 ​Regional Councillor Rowena Santos speaking at the 2024 FCM Annual Conference in Calgary, Alberta. Credit: City of Brampton

FCM is a national advocacy organization for municipal governments representing more than 2,100 municipalities and 20 provincial and territorial municipal associations. FCM ensures the needs of municipalities are reflected in federal policies and programs. Municipal leaders from across Canada assemble each year to set FCM policies on key issues. 

The Standing Committee on Municipal Finance, Infrastructure and Transportation, under Councillor Santos’ leadership, will continue to focus on enhancing board capacity in areas such as infrastructure, public transit, transportation, rail safety, telecommunications, municipal finance and more. Santos will push the important work to develop a new municipal growth framework and advocate for municipal funding models to be more diverse, predictable and equitable so that cities and towns can be better positioned to give Canadians the quality of life they expect and deserve. This aligns closely with the City of Brampton’s federal advocacy priorities and offers an opportunity to further strengthen the City’s influence at the national level. 

Councillor Santos has actively contributed to several FCM Standing Committees during her tenure, including four years as a member of the Standing Committee on Municipal Finance, Infrastructure and Transportation. She also served on the Standing Committee on Increasing Women’s Participation in Municipal Government. Currently, in addition to serving as Chair of the Standing Committee on Municipal Finance, Infrastructure and Transportation, after completing two terms as Vice-Chair of the Standing Committee on Anti-Racism and Equity, Councillor Santos was promoted and is proudly leading the Standing Committee as Chair.

Councillor Santos continues to be inspired by the community in Brampton and remains devoted to building a better tomorrow 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 inspired by community and driven by a passion to change the culture of politics and build a more prosperous, livable and sustainable future. She was elected in 2018 and is the first Filipino elected to a municipal Council in Ontario. Santos is recognized as the 2 2023 Women of Influence honouree by Municipal World and a Municipal Trailblazer by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. ​​

Councillor Santos holds an Honours Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the Schulich School of Business, and a Masters in Sustainable Development and Environmental Planning from the London School of Economics. Prior to being elected she worked at the Ontario legislature for over a decade and has mentored countless youth to be politically active across the Greater Toronto Area. 

About Federation of Canadian Municipalities 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. Standing Committees require strong leadership in their Chairs and Vice-Chairs who guide the committees’ deliberations on issues and strategies related to their mandate, ensuring all committee members can engage in focused and productive discussions. Each committee meets three times per year, along with the Board of Directors meetings. 

Quotes

​“Being reappointed as Chair of this committee is both an honour and a significant responsibility 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 the FCM brings great pride to Brampton and ensures our city's priorities are strongly represented on the national stage. I have no doubt 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 and in particular for her to again Chair the Municipal Finance, Infrastructure and Transportation Committee. With her return as chair continuity on this important file can and will be upheld.”- Geoff Stewart, President of FCM and Deputy Mayor of the Municipality of the County of Colchester, Nova Scotia ​​​