Top 10 Reasons you must vote on Oct 27th.. All trade begins on Main Street

WOW that's a big statement!  But think about it, all trade no matter how big or small starts on Main Street or another way in our own local communities.  A widget made in Halton Hills and sold in Rosewood Ohio is all part of our community.
About 5 years ago Halton Hills passed a motion on pushing back on the By American provisions.  What happened to it?  Well over 100 other municipalities agreed and it went to FCM to be debated.  To make a long story short it passed and a motion started in Halton Hills was debated nationally, actually internationally and was partially resolved in the White House.  Imagine as a Councillor passing something and having it debated and discussed in the White House!  Still surprises me!
The Buy American provisions proposed then are coming back and once again municipalities are pushing back.  Led again by Halton Hills.  Recently the US has tried to insert Buy American provisions into federally funded infrastructure projects.
Why should municipalities push back?  Because the US is wrong!  Our economies are so intertwined a product may start int he US have some work done in Canada and travel back and forth across the border with sub components added.  Municipalities should push back as there are literally hundreds of thousands of jobs at stake. We spend a fortune attracting new companies and ensuring our businesses have a good environment to work in.
But it also speaks to the importance of advocacy.  Of municipalities working and speaking to other orders of government on our needs wants and desires.
Our municipalities receive gas tax and GST rebates which help keep our taxes down and help us invest in our communities.
All of us locally want to build our communities and have a health community, safe roads, a good business environment and engaged citizens.  By working together we can make it happen.
 

About Clark Somerville

Growing up on a farm just outside of Acton, Clark saw first-hand the value that agricultural and rural areas play in the vitality of our communities.  Clark has served as a Halton Hills Local Councillor and Halton Regional Councillor for over 17 years His ward encompasses both urban and rural areas, and as a result Clark has continuously advocated for protected the countryside and the Niagara Escarpment from being designated for future highway corridors and growth areas.

Municipally, Clark has served as a member of the Halton Regional Police Services Board, Chair of Halton’s Health and Social Services Committee, Vice President of the Halton Community Housing Corporation and a variety of other committees.

Clark has worked with various community groups such as Poverty Free Halton, and has been an advocate for accessible and affordable housing.  He has supported transit passes for low income earners as well as worked to ensure that all official plans include inclusive neighbourhoods and affordable housing options

During his 5 years working on FCM, Clark has served as the Vice Chair of the Social Economic Development Committee as well as the Rural Forum.  He also served as Chair of the Housing Committee and has been a member of the Municipal Finance and Intergovernmental Relations Committee, Municipal Infrastructure and Transportation, International Relations and the Corrections Canada Working Group along with the DFAIT Working group on trade issues.  He was instrumental in founding the “Men4Women” Group that annually raises money for the Mayor Andree Boucher Memorial Scholarship.  Clark also led a fundraiser for the Angel Street Women’s Shelter, in Iqaluit, which brought much needed supplies to the residents of that area.

“I feel my background and unique perspective provides me with the valuable tools to be the 3^rd Vice President of the FCM, “ said Clark Somerville .  “As a Local and Regional Councillor, I understand the issues facing our communities, whether its immigration services, affordable housing, transit or other services that matter to our residents. There is a need for us to continue to work in partnership with the Provincial, Territorial and  Federal government to ensure our communities are sustainable.”

It’s important  that whoever is elected, understand  the uniqueness of all the areas of our country.  Canada’s rural communities have huge housing challenges as well as infrastructure needs that could cripple their ability to pay.  As our natural resource sectors grow its essential to ensure that the rural communities have the necessary services in place.

“I have the experience and the balance as a Councillor who represents a largely rural and urban area, in the fast growing Greater Toronto Area, to understand and work with all areas of the country.  I believe in being open and approachable and always welcome feedback on all the issues,” commented Clark Somerville “I look forward to and appreciate your support.”

À propos de Clark Somerville

 Ayant grandi sur une ferme juste à l'extérieur de Acton, Clark a vu de première main la valeur que les zones agricoles et rurales jouent dans la vitalité de nos communautés. Clark a servi de Halton Hills Conseiller local et régional pour plus de 17 ans sa paroisse englobe à la fois les zones urbaines et rurales, et en conséquence Clark a toujours pousser en faveur de la protection de la nature et de l'escarpement du Niagara d'être désigné pour corridors routiers futurs et les zones de croissance.

Localement, Clark a servi en tant que membre de la Commission des services de police régional de Halton, présidente du comité des services sociaux et de santé de Halton et, vice-président de la Société de logement communautaire de Halton et une variété d'autres comités.

Clark a travaillé avec divers groupes communautaires tels que la pauvreté gratuite Halton, et a été un défenseur de logements accessibles et abordables. Il a soutenu les titres de transport pour les personnes à faible revenu ainsi que veillé à ce que tous les plans officiels comprennent quartiers inclusifs et des options de logements abordables.

Au cours de ses cinq années de travail de la FCM, Clark a servi comme vice-président du Comité de développement socio-économique ainsi que le Forum rural. Il a également servi en tant que président du Comité du logement et a été membre du comité des finances municipales et le Comité intergouvernemental sur les relations, les infrastructures municipales et transports, relations internationales et le Groupe de travail sur les services correctionnels du Canada avec le groupe de travail du MAECI sur les questions commerciales. Il a contribué à la fondation du groupe "Men4Women" qui soulève chaque année des fonds pour la Bourse d'études pour la maire Andrée Boucher.  Clark a également mené une collecte de fonds pour le refuge de l'Ange, rue des femmes, à Iqaluit, qui a apporté des fournitures indispensables pour les habitants de cette région.

Je croie que ma jeunesse et mes expériences et la perspective unique me fournit les outils précieux pour le 3ème vice-président de la FCM », a déclaré Clark Somerville. «En tant que conseillère municipale et régionale, je comprends les problèmes auxquels font face nos communautés, qu'il s'agisse de ses services en matière d'immigration, le logement abordable, de transit ou d'autres services qui comptent pour nos résidents. Il est nécessaire pour nous de continuer à travailler en partenariat avec les gouvernements provinciaux, territoriaux et fédéral pour que nos collectivités soient durables ".

 Il est important que celui qui est élu, comprenne le caractère unique de toutes les régions de notre pays. Collectivités rurales du Canada ont des problèmes de logement énormes ainsi que les besoins d'infrastructure qui pourrait paralyser leur capacité de payer. Comme nos secteurs des ressources naturelles poussent il est essentiel de s'assurer que les communautés rurales aient les services nécessaires en place.

«J'ai l'expérience et de l'équilibre comme un conseiller qui représente une zone essentiellement rurale et urbaine, dans la région du Grand Toronto et sa rapide croissance, de comprendre et de travailler avec toutes les régions du pays. Je crois qu'il faut être ouvert et accessible et toujours recevoir des commentaires sur toutes les questions », a commenté Clark Somerville" J'ai hâte de vous entendre et je vous remercie de votre soutien. "

Regional Councillor Clark Somerville announced his intention to file to run for FCM's third Vice President

For Immediate Release

February 6, 2013

Today, at Regional Council, Halton Hills Regional Councillor Clark Somerville announced his intention to file to run for third Vice President of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM). He received unanimous support from Regional Council. Councillor Somerville has served as a Board member for FCM for 5 years and is one of 11 elected to serve Ontario. He has served on the rural forum, and committees dealing with Infrastructure, Finance, Social Economic Development  and Intergovernmental relations.

“Clark has been instrumental in advocating for Halton and for the much needed funding for our projects,” commented Regional Chair Gary Carr.  “It’s because of the advocacy efforts of Clark and Regional Council that we have been successful in receiving funding for infrastructure and housing projects across Halton.”

“Clark has the advantage of a balanced perspective on both rural and urban issues,” said Rick Bonnette, Mayor of Halton Hills. “If elected, this will give a stronger voice to FCM about the needs of Canadian communities.”

“After careful consideration and consultation with my colleagues across Canada, I have decided to file my papers to run for third Vice President of FCM,” said Regional Councillor Clark Somerville.  “I am humbled by the support shown by Regional Council, and am looking forward to this opportunity to better represent Halton and advocate for our community’s needs.”

The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) is the national voice of Canada’s municipalities, speaking for almost 2000 cities and communities representing 90 per cent of Canada’s population. Its national Board is comprised of municipal leaders from across Canada, and meets quarterly to set policy priorities.  The election will take place at the FCM annual conference in June 2013.

The Regional Municipality of Halton serves more than 500,000 residents in the City of Burlington, the Town of Halton Hills, the Town of Milton, and the Town of Oakville. Halton Region is committed to meeting the needs of its residents through the delivery of cost-effective, quality programs and services, including water and wastewater; Regional roads and planning; emergency medical services; waste management; public health; social assistance/Ontario Works; children’s and seniors’ services; social/non-profit housing; heritage programs; emergency management and economic development. For more information, dial 311 or visit Halton Region’s website at www.halton.ca.

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Media Contact:

Mabel Watt

Senior Strategic Advisor

Office of the Regional Chair

905-825-6050

mabel.watt@halton.ca

Buy American 2.0 UPDATE!

Anyone who has read the local papers and followed anything in Canadian Politics will be familiar with the fight Halton Hills started against the US on protectionist measures.
In April 2009 Halton Hills was the first Municipality that passed a resolution opposing the US and its protectionist measures contained in stimulus bills.
In June FCM passed after much discussion unanimously a motion opposing the Buy American provisions and supported free and fair trade. The contentious part was on not purchasing from countries that did not support our principles.

In August the Premiers of the country came on board and started to push the Feds to take action. Canada was literally bleeding jobs over it.
In September the Feds under Former Minister Day started pressing the US. It took until February to get an agreement but we did!
It was a long tough process and taught me more about international trade then I ever knew!

The bad part is its back! A recent bill put before the house has provisions that require any material used in Municipal projects that receive Federal money to be made in the US. At first blush it may sound innocuous but it is dangerous! With the NAFTA deal parts during process go back and forth across the border as components are added. Final assembly may be here but the pieces may have been made in the US. Or visa versa. That is the idea behind free and fair trade.

The imposition of protectionist measures is politically an easy one. If you were a leader in a economically depressed area in the US it becomes a Motherhood statement. The constituencies may think that it is a way to greater jobs and economic prosperity. But in a global economy our companies compete and can compete on the world stage.

The US economy is in deep trouble still. With elections coming next year they are looking for ways to get it kick started. But the President, the House, Senate and the leaders need to pay heed to the history of the depression befor embarking on more protectionist measures.

In Canada labour union groups and left wing groups that from for them have been pushing Buy Canadian policies. It is a dangerous fools game to enter.
The big push they have is to have material handed out locally espousing fear and unsubstantiated material that like Chicken Little has “the sky is falling.”
In Halton Hills it is interesting as we do not get contacted by them, nor do they send the material to us. But neighbouring towns do!
I guess it is because we can look past the rhetoric and see the reality behind the screen!
It is a shame that yesterdaay CBC News reported that the US Ambassador isaid that Canada will not recieve an exemption under the Buy American provisions.
We have a tenuous world economy. The US is hurting and elections seem to forever loom on the horizon. But why would they risk plunging the world into a deeper recession or a deppresion?
It seems they simply are looking at the immediate and not focusing on what may need to be done down the road.
I have always like Obama and thought he may bring change to the US. I must admit I am disapointed that he would persue the protectionist route.

Federation of Canadian Municipalities

One of the great organisations I have had the honour of working with the last few years is FCM, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. FCM has been the national voice for Municipalities since 1901. It has around 1800 Municipal members from coast to coast to coast and represents over 90% of the population of Canada. While it is a national organisation, this is the logo from this years AGM in Toronto.


I was appointed by Halton Region Council to be their representative on FCM and have been elected to the Board of Directors in 2008. Prior to that I served on the committees I serve on the Ontario Caucus and a variety of other committees. I have received tremendous support from all the Councillors and the staff from Halton and Halton Hills.

One of the goals of FCM is to do advocacy work on behalf of municipalities with the Federal Government and its departments. Also we frequently appear before committees of the house of commons to present the municipal view on issues. The advocacy of FCM has led to Municipalities receiving full GST back, gas tax (which is around 2 million a year for Halton Hills). Also, FCM has the Green Municipal Fund which municipalities can apply for environmental initiatives.

On behalf of CIDA (Canadian International Development Agency), FCM carries out a variety of International projects. Assisting emerging democracies with capacity building and establishing Municipal governments. FCM will have a role to play in Afghanistan and the reconstruction of Haiti.


Halton Region has been recognized as being one of the first, if not the first, Municipalities in Canada to have people on the ground. Ours was by the dedication of our 11 EMS workers who responded to a Halton Staff member’s plea for assistance from the mission he was working at. More can be found at the following link

http://www.fcm.ca//CMFiles/Crossroads%20Spring%202010%20En%20lres1LIC-692010-8371.pdf


FCM is also involved with the following areas of municipal interest:
Municipal Infrastructure
FCM Stimulus Monitoring Centre
Immigrant Settlement
Public Safety
Affordable Housing and Homelessness
Public Transit
Rural, Remote, and Northern Communities
Environment and sustainable development
Municipal Rights of Way
Municipal Finance
Policy Statements
Resolutions
Women in Government
Quality of Life Reporting System
ACT Program
Land Management Project
Annual Ottawa Advocacy days with MP’s from all parties

Last Year when the Town under Mayor Bonnette started the fight against US protectionism, FCM played a key role in getting the ball rolling. The staff at FCM quickly realised the potential downside to Canadian business from the US legislation and helped us craft a resolution for debate at the AGM. I will write another posting on the whole Buy American issue.

The issue spread around the world overnight with media attention from all the major world news papers. An issue started by a Halton Hills business, passed by our Council and supported across the country, then sent to Ottawa was now international news.

Though it took until February of this year to resolve, and it is still not done, the staff at FCM always kept us informed and part of the process. They always looked at it as Halton Hills resolution. They always made sure that we knew it was our resolution and they were working with us.

This year I assisted the Men4Women campaign and offered to have my head shaved to raise money for the scholarship for women FCM offers. We were able to raise over 3200 for the scholarship and Jane Fogal could not wait to get the clippers and help the cause!



The next few years will be challenging for municipalities. Both federal and provincial governments are fighting record deficits. We need to speak with that one collective voice to ensure any cuts are not on the backs of OUR Municipal taxpayers. I hope to continue working with FCM.

We speak loudest when we speak with the power of one voice.