Why Does Alberta Need FCM?

For more than 125 years, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities — better known as FCM — has been the national voice of local government in Canada. Since 1901, municipalities from coast to coast to coast have come together through this organization to advocate for stronger communities, better infrastructure, and federal policies that reflect the realities Canadians experience at the local level. Today, FCM represents nearly 2,000 municipalities and 20 provincial and territorial municipal associations, speaking on behalf of more than 90 percent of Canadians. From major urban centres to rural towns and northern communities, municipal leaders gather each year to share ideas, set priorities, and tackle the challenges shaping communities across the country. This year, that national conversation comes to Edmonton. Today, we wanted to better understand what FCM means in an Alberta context. What value does the organization provide to Alberta municipalities? Are municipalities stronger when they work together through a national organization? And do communities see a meaningful return on their investment in FCM membership and participation? To explore those questions, we’re joined by three Alberta municipal leaders who are taking on new roles with the FCM Board following this year’s convention: Robin Kurpjuweit, Councillor for Cypress County; Robert Parks, Councillor for Strathcona County; and Mike Yargeau, Mayor of the Town of Penhold. Welcome to Municipal Affairs. ------ Support The Show Today: https://www.crossborderinterviews.ca/support-the-show Join The Show: https://www.crossborderinterviews.ca/be-part-of-the-show ------ Listen To The Show: Apple: https://apple.co/3XwwXIv Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cross-border-interviews Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/crossborderinterviewswithchrisbrown ------ Follow Us On Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crossborderpodcast/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@crossborderpodcast Blusky: https://bsky.app/profile/crossbordernetwork.bsky.social Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CrossBorderInterviews/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/crossborderinterviews/ Website: https://www.crossborderinterviews.ca/ Cross Border Interview is Part of the Cross Border Network © 2026