Centre Wellington Mayor Joanne Ross-Zuj recently joined municipal leaders from across Canada for a meeting of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities board of directors in Saguenay, QC, to discuss solutions to issues facing Canadians.
“From creating local jobs, to building livable and sustainable communities, to keeping Canadians safe, municipalities are at the heart of building a strong country and providing a high quality of life for Canadians,” said Ross-Zuj.
Investing in Canada’s hometowns remains one of the smartest ways to build our country, the board states. “With every new road, bridge, we create new jobs and improve the quality of life in our communities.”
Housing that is affordable for newcomers, young families, the middle class and seniors alike helps build thriving communities and puts money back into the national economy is key the group feels. With renting and construction included, housing makes up 20 per cent of Canada’s GDP. For both new construction and renovations, an expenditure of $1 million on housing generates roughly three full-time-equivalent jobs, and a further 10 indirect and ancillary jobs.
The tragedy in Lac-Mégantic and destruction caused by severe weather events serves as an important reminder of the fundamental responsibility of all governments to keep Canadians safe. All levels of government need to work together to keep towns safe, foster economic growth, and improve the quality of life, the group feels.
“Municipal leaders left Saguenay united behind one message we have for all federal political parties: the solutions necessary to move Canada forward start in our hometowns, and we are ready to work together to implement them,” said Ross-Zuj.
