Regional Councillor Brampton Wards 1 & 5

Mid-Term (2022-2026) Review

Time to reflect on what we’ve achieved and get your input on the next two years. My focus is always based on what I hear directly from you at your doorstep, on the phone, at community events, at council and through digital channels. Thank you for engaging on the issues that help build a brighter future for Brampton.

Councillor Rowena Santos Reappointed as Chair of FCM Finance and Infrastructure Committee

Rowena Santos, Brampton’s Regional Councillor for Wards 1 & 5, 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, reflecting her leadership and commitment to municipal governance. The committee, with her guidance, will focus on enhancing infrastructure, transportation, and municipal finance, aligning with Brampton’s federal advocacy priorities.

FCM Resolutions

At the FCM Annual Conference, Councillor Rowena Santos highlighted critical local issues on a national platform, advocating for measures to address harassment against officials, support survivors of violence, and combat food insecurity. With over 3,100 delegates gathered, discussions underscored the commitment to safeguard democracy and promote long-term support for marginalized groups, aiming to build safer and more equitable communities across Canada.

Municipal Growth Framework

Committed to ensuring our municipalities have the resources and frameworks needed to thrive, we put in our collective efforts which are focused on modernizing municipal finance and fostering inclusivity, addressing pressing challenges faced by communities across Canada. As Chair of the FCM Municipal Finance, Infrastructure, and Transportation Committee,  Santos helped move initiatives to secure additional […]

Harassment of Elected Municipal Officials

A growing number of elected municipal officials are resigning due to harassment, intimidation, and threats of violence. This disproportionately affects women, Black and racialized officials, and 2SLGBTQIA+ representatives. This trend discourages underrepresented groups from entering politics, hindering diversity and healthy democracy. Data says Municipal councils are becoming more diverse, with an increase in women holding elected […]

Enhancing Shelter Supports for Women and Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a significant concern in Canada, with rates on the rise. While women are disproportionately affected, IPV also impacts men, Indigenous communities, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, and people with disabilities. Women’s shelters play a critical role in providing support, but they face challenges related to funding and limited accessibility in rural areas. Federal […]

Federal Support for Food Banks

The resolution by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) calling on the federal government to address food insecurity in Canada. Problem Food insecurity is a growing problem in Canada, with a significant increase in food bank usage between 2019 and 2023 (78.5%). This increase is driven by factors like inflation, high housing costs, and stagnant wages. Food banks, which […]

2023 Year in Review

2023 was our team’s first full year of the term of council. We set the stage for the next 3 years of hard work and city building.