Statement by FCM president Basil Stewart following today's speech by Liberal
leader Michael Ignatieff

TORONTO, May 28 /CNW Telbec/ - The following statement was released today by Mayor Basil Stewart, president of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), following the speech to delegates by Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff at FCM's annual conference:

"Today, Michael Ignatieff told municipal leaders that the federal government must treat them as equal partners, and promised to work with them to modernize Canada's aging public transit systems and put in place a national affordable housing strategy.

We applaud this vision and look forward to working with Mr. Ignatieff to make it a top priority in Ottawa.

Mr. Ignatieff clearly understands the serious challenges that our cities and communities are facing, and is prepared to give municipalities a place in federal policy making that matches their essential role in meeting national challenges.

Mr. Ignatieff knows that it's time municipalities had a proper seat at the national table. He believes that our partnership with Ottawa must grow as stimulus spending ends and the federal government fights its deficit. Even when money is tight we must work together and Canada must continue investing in strong, competitive cities and communities."

For further information: Eric Collard, [phone] or [email protected]