Municipal Partnership Program

Timeframe: 2007 - 2010
Implemented by Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM)
Funded by Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)
 
Description:
 
The cornerstone of FCM's international programming for more than twenty years, the Municipal Partnership Program (MPP) enables Canadian municipalities and municipal associations to work with overseas counterparts on a peer-to-peer basis. The program's goal is to improve quality of life by strengthening local governments in participating countries and communities in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean.
 
The program has three components:  
 
Local Governance: MPP strengthens selected local governments through capacity building projects delivered by Canadian-developing country municipal partnerships   and special initiatives; MPP strengthens national associations of local governments through the development of country program strategies, institutional strengthening projects, and strengthening of regional networks
 
Program Enabling Environment: MPP develops policy on local governance issues, develops and shares learning and knowledge with regional and global networks, and promotes public engagement
 
Management Capacity: MPP develops program tools and processes on thematic programming, association capacity building, monitoring and reporting 
 
Knowledge Sharing and Networks: MPP actively promotes knowledge sharing among Canadian and overseas partners. FCM develops and disseminates a range of tools, publications and case studies on municipal development and cooperation emanating from program experience in the MPP, including those that build the management capacity of program partners
 
Program-wide themes
 
Gender Equality: MPP supports inclusiveness in municipal operations and decision-making, builds local capacities to address gender equality issues, and strengthens networks of women in local government. The program develops tools and processes to help members encourage the participation of women and share best practices, as well as to ensure that services meet women's needs. MPP also leads discussions on national policies for women's participation in local governance.
 
Environment: Environment is a theme that cuts across all programming in the Municipal Partnership Program. The program builds capacity in areas such as waste management, land use, water management, and environmental services. Project design includes an environmental assessment that meets the standards of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act as well as national standards in the country in which the project is being implemented. FCM also seeks to raise the profile of local government actions on the environment in national and international networks.
 
Public Engagement: MPP and FCM's other international programs raise awareness of the programs and provide members and their communities with tools to become involved and active in international cooperation at the local level. Public engagement is an important component of project design in municipal partnerships.
 
Program Approach
 
Once a Canadian and an overseas municipality commit to working together, they define a joint work plan that includes a series of short-term technical exchange missions over a period of 2-3 years. Missions take place in Canada and overseas and involve municipal officials and employees. Canadian experience is used strategically to complement local expertise. Missions provide the opportunity for training, technical assistance and coaching. While FCM provides a framework for the partnership and offers guidance and support through its duration, the municipal partners manage their own relationship.
 
For more information, contact:
 
Federation of Canadian Municipalities

International Centre for Municipal Development

Phone: (613) 241-5221

international@fcm.ca

For more information visit FCM web site.