The Town of Vermilion will not be renewing their membership to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM).
FCM advocates for local communities to ensure their citizens’ needs are reflected in federal policies and programs.
Following the Feb. 4 council meeting, Vermilion council postponed the motion to rejoin FCM to a future council meeting. They also requested additional information as to what FCM offers them.
At the Feb. 18 meeting, council got the opportunity to review an email correspondence from FCM.
“I feel there’s a benefit, it is a budgeted item already, it is in your budget, it’s $1,169.10. It’s not a large amount but ultimately, it’s up to you guys,” said interim CAO Mike van der Torre.
Deputy Mayor Joshua Rayment started the discussion, still not sold on the use of money to remain with FCM.
“I feel if we could take that $1,169 and put it towards our payment to the (Vermilion) Chamber of Commerce, I’d rather see that. I feel that is something that affects local people, local businesses. I feel like FCM, even their email is just repeating the rhetoric that’s on their website, they just excluded all of the stuff we don’t care about at the local level,” he said.
The issues FCM covers were also a problem for Rayment.
“Our concern locally isn’t climate change and equity programs and things like that. We’re here to make sure our municipality runs, and runs in a straightforward fashion. I think supporting our municipality is key. I see other committees and groups would more well-serve the funding we have available,” he said.
Other councillors voiced their opposition to the idea of rejoining FCM.
“I’m not really sold on what they sent back to us, it seems very big city,” said Coun. Paul Conlon.
Coun. Robert Snow says the town needs to be smart with how they spend their money.
“Our role as council is being wise and prudent where our money goes. We want to see that return, we want to see the perceived value when we’re spending money.”
The motion to renew their FCM membership was unanimously defeated by council.
Read more: Vermilion not sold on FCM
