Santos re-elected to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ Board of Directors

June 2, 2025

Brampton’s Regional Councillor for Wards 1 and 5, Rowena Santos, has been re-elected to the Board of Directors of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) for the 2025–2027 term. This re-election marks the sixth consecutive year of service for Councillor Santos. In recognition of her dedication and contributions to municipalities across Canada, Councillor Santos was also honoured with an award from FCM for five consecutive years of service.

“Across Canada, municipalities are stepping up to meet complex challenges with limited resources, especially in the face of an uncertain trade war – we are stronger when we face them together. I am honoured to continue serving on the FCM Board, where I will champion a National Prosperity Partnership to ensure all communities, large and small, have the tools they need to grow sustainably. From housing and transit to climate action, community safety and economic uncertainty, we need a new approach that recognizes the realities on the ground, the resources and partnerships to prosper. Through this work, I am committed to advancing solutions that are equitable, inclusive and reflective of Canada’s diverse communities.” –Rowena Santos, Regional Councillor, Wards 1 and 5, City of Brampton; Board Director, Federation of Canadian Municipalities

The announcement was made at FCM’s 2025 Annual Conference and Trade Show, Canada’s largest pan-Canadian gathering of more than 2,000 elected officials. This year’s theme, Stronger, Together: Local Strength, National Prosperity, highlights the power of unity, collaboration and solidarity between communities across the country.

The City’s delegation returned to the conference with a clear mandate, continuing to advocate for collaboration between municipalities and all orders of government, and funding to help advance Brampton’s key projects, including:

A clean, reliable and integrated local transit system and transportation infrastructure.

Affordable and available housing options to meet the growing local demand.

Enhanced community safety through bail reform and investments in newcomer services, protections for international students and a National Encampment Response Plan.

Securing funding to continue to implement Brampton’s Climate Change Adaptation Plan, projects and initiatives.

More information about Brampton’s priorities can be found in the City’s 2025 FCM Conference handbook online.

Councillor Santos has served on the board of FCM since 2020, and currently serves as

Chair of FCM’s Municipal Finance, Infrastructure and Transportation Committee and a dedicated member of FCM’s Anti-Racism, Equity and Inclusion Committee. In her roles with FCM, Councillor Santos has been a vocal advocate for federal support and investments to tackle pressing issues such as housing affordability, infrastructure development and homelessness.

Looking ahead, Councillor Santos is focused on advancing the National Prosperity Partnership to help ensure that municipalities, like Brampton, receive the predictable and sustainable funding needed to build and support complete communities. As population growth continues to place pressure on transit, infrastructure and other municipal services, she is calling for stronger collaboration between all orders of government.

Councillor Santos will continue to advocate for funding models that account for the pace of growth and the unique needs of local communities. She will also push for a reassessment of municipal responsibilities, including opportunities to upload provincially mandated services, so that municipalities are properly resourced to deliver the high-quality services residents rely on.

Brampton, Ontario’s third-largest city and Canada’s seventh-largest municipality, is proud to have Councillor Santos serve as a trusted voice and advocate on the national stage. Her continued presence on the FCM Board ensures that Brampton’s perspective remains influential in shaping federal policies and funding programs that directly impact municipalities and the residents they serve.

For more information on the City’s advocacy efforts, visit brampton.ca/fundingpriorities.  

Additional Quote:

“As one of Canada’s fastest-growing and most diverse cities, Brampton is proud to have Councillor Santos continue representing our community on the national stage through the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. We are at a critical juncture where meaningful federal investment in housing, transit, economic innovation and public safety is essential in meeting the needs of our growing population. With strong advocates like Councillor Santos at the table, I am confident that Brampton can continue to shape a vibrant, inclusive and resilient future, while contributing to Canada’s national prosperity.” – Patrick Brown, Mayor, City of Brampton

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About Rowena Santos, Brampton’s Regional Councillor for Wards 1 and 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. Councillor Santos was recognized as the  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 Master’s Degree 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 the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM)

The Federation of Canadian Municipalities has represented the interests of local governments across the country since 1901. With over 2,100 member municipalities, ranging from major cities to rural, northern and remote communities, FCM represents more than 92 per cent of Canada’s population. Each year, municipal leaders gather to shape FCM’s policy direction on national priorities. Through its advocacy and programs, FCM ensures the needs of municipalities are reflected in federal policy and funding decisions, helping local governments deliver better services and solutions for the communities they serve. For more information, visit fcm.ca.