FCM honours municipal leaders driving change in communities across Canada

Press Release

June 8, 2026

Edmonton, Alta. — The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) honoured local elected officials, organizations and partners at its 2026 Annual Conference and Trade Show, recognizing leadership that is strengthening communities in Canada and abroad. This year’s awards also recognized emerging leaders whose work is advancing collaboration, equity and innovation across the country.

Award for Excellence in Municipal Leadership

Mayor Sharilyn Knox (Portage la Prairie, Man.)
Mayor Sharilyn Knox is being honoured for her principled local leadership and her national advocacy for meaningful bail reform following a tragic loss in her community. Her efforts have helped advance the conversation on safer communities while strengthening collaboration across orders of government. She has also led important reconciliation efforts in Portage la Prairie, building respectful partnerships with First Nations and helping foster a more inclusive, forward-looking community.

Emerging Municipal Leader Award

Reece Van Breda (Sioux Lookout, Ont.)
As one of the youngest municipal councillors in northwestern Ontario, Reece Van Breda is being honoured for the leadership he has already shown in tackling affordability and quality-of-life challenges in northern communities. He has championed cost-of-living fairness, mental health awareness and community well-being, while also mobilizing local action through environmental initiatives. His energy and commitment reflect a new generation of municipal leadership already making a difference for residents.

Ann MacLean Equity and Impact Award

Uzma Shakir (Ont.)
Uzma Shakir is being honoured for decades of leadership advancing equity, inclusion and anti-racism across municipal, non-profit and academic sectors. Her work has helped change institutional practices and elevate diverse voices in decision-making, contributing to more equitable and representative communities. Beyond policy change, she has also mentored and supported emerging leaders, helping strengthen community connections along the way.

Pam McConnell Award for International Impact

Nicole Yardy (Collingwood, Ont.)
Nicole Yardy is being honoured for bringing municipal expertise to the global stage through her leadership in climate action and international partnerships. Her work has helped strengthen municipal governance and gender-responsive leadership abroad, while also bringing valuable knowledge and collaboration back to her home community. By connecting local and international efforts, she shows how municipalities can help drive solutions to global challenges.

Mike Badham International Municipal Partner Award

Municipality of Shippagan and VALORĒS (N.B)
The Municipality of Shippagan and VALORĒS are being honoured for an innovative partnership that brings municipal leadership and scientific expertise together to advance climate resilience. Their work has supported stronger governance and practical climate solutions in partner communities abroad, while also strengthening knowledge sharing at home. Together, they show how local collaboration can help deliver lasting impact across borders.

“This year’s recipients reflect the strength, creativity and leadership found in municipalities across Canada and beyond,” said FCM President Tim Tierney. “Their work is making communities stronger, more inclusive and more resilient. On behalf of FCM, I congratulate all of this year’s winners and nominees for the difference they are making every day.”

The Federation of Canadian Municipalities is the national voice of municipal governments, with over 2,000 members representing more than 90 percent of the Canadian population.

For more information: FCM Media Relations, (613) 907-6395, media@fcm.ca

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