Brampton’s Regional Councillor for Wards 1 & 5, Rowena Santos, has been reappointed for a third consecutive term as Chair of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ (FCM) Standing Committee on Municipal Finance, Infrastructure and Transportation for 2025–2026. This reappointment by FCM President Rebecca Bligh affirms Councillor Santos’ leadership and dedication to advancing municipal priorities across Canada.
“Being reappointed to a third term as Chair of this committee is both an honour and a responsibility I take very seriously. I am grateful for the ongoing confidence of my colleagues at FCM and remain committed to pushing for solutions that will build more sustainable, resilient and equitable municipalities across Canada. I hope this work continues to inspire young women and girls to see themselves as leaders who can shape the future of politics.”
– Rowena Santos, Regional Councillor, Wards 1 & 5, City of Brampton; Member, FCM Board of Directors
FCM serves as the national voice of local governments, representing more than 2,100 municipalities as well as provincial and territorial municipal associations nationwide. The organization ensures that federal programs and policies reflect municipal priorities, with mayors and councillors from across Canada gathering annually to help set its direction.
Driving progress for municipalities nationwide
In her third term as Chair, Councillor Santos will continue to lead national discussions on infrastructure investment, public transit, transportation networks, rail safety, telecommunications, municipal finance and international trade. She remains committed to strengthening Canada’s municipal growth framework and advancing sustainable, reliable funding models so that cities and towns can better serve their residents. This work complements Brampton’s federal advocacy priorities and strengthens the city’s presence at the national level.
Years of service and leadership within FCM
Councillor Santos has been an active contributor to FCM since first being elected on the Board in 2020. In addition to serving now three terms as Chair of the Finance, Infrastructure and Transportation Committee, she has been an active member of the Standing Committee on Increasing Women’s Participation in Municipal Government and served two terms as Vice-Chair of the Standing Committee on Anti-Racism and Equity.
Her reappointment reflects her effectiveness as a collaborative leader, amplifying Brampton’s voice while shaping federal policies that strengthen communities across Canada.
About Councillor Rowena Santos
Elected in 2018, Councillor Rowena Santos is the first Filipino elected to municipal council in Ontario and a proud Brampton resident. She is passionate about transforming the culture of politics and building an inclusive, sustainable and thriving future for residents.
Her leadership has been recognized nationally, including being named a 2023 Women of Influence honouree by Municipal World and a Municipal Trailblazer by FCM. Councillor Santos holds an Honours Bachelor of Business Administration from York University’s Schulich School of Business and a Master’s degree in Sustainable Development and Environmental Planning from the London School of Economics. Before entering elected office, she worked at the Ontario Legislature for over a decade and has mentored countless youth across the GTA in civic engagement.
About FCM’s Standing Committee on Municipal Finance, Infrastructure and Transportation
The Committee addresses key areas such as infrastructure renewal, public transit, mobility, transportation, rail safety, telecommunications, finance and procurement, municipal autonomy, Canada Post and international trade.
Each year, the Standing Committees of FCM meet three times in conjunction with the Board of Directors. Chairs and Vice-Chairs play an important role in leading policy discussions and helping committees shape recommendations that guide FCM’s advocacy efforts.
Additional Quotes
“Councillor Rowena Santos’s reappointment as Chair for a third term reflects her outstanding leadership and commitment to Brampton and municipalities nationwide. Her continued role at FCM ensures that Brampton’s priorities are well-represented while helping shape stronger, more resilient communities across Canada. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition, Councillor Santos.”
– Patrick Brown, Mayor, City of Brampton
“I thank Councillor Santos for continuing as Chair of FCM’s Municipal Finance, Infrastructure and Transportation Committee. Her leadership and deep commitment to local government have been instrumental in advancing our advocacy. I look forward to continuing our work together to deliver results that matter to communities across Canada.”
– Rebecca Bligh, President of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), Councillor, City of Vancouver
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