3 Vie for 3rd: Race for 3rd FCM VP Set

When Muicipal Leaders from across the County descend upon Calgary on June 6th, an important election will take place that will fill out the Table Officers of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) Convention.

At this years FCM Convention delegates from across the country will vote for the position of 3rd Vice President of the municipal organization.

This year, the esteemed role is designated to candidates from the prairie provinces and territories, including Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, the Yukon Territory, the Northwest Territories, and Nunavut.

The three contenders hailing from Alberta and Manitoba are Strathcona County Councillor Katie Berghofer, Penhold Mayor Mike Yargeau, and Thompson Deputy Mayor Kathy Valentino.

Councillor Katie Berghofer Strathcona County, Alberta

Councillor Katie Berghofer has been a prominent figure in Strathcona County since her election in 2017. In addition to her local duties, Berghofer serves on several key committees, including the Edmonton Salutes Committee, the Accessibility Advisory Committee, and the Strathcona County RCMP Community Advisory Committee. She chairs the COVID-19 Citizen & Community Support Task Force and is deeply involved with the Heartland Housing Foundation, reflecting her dedication to affordable housing and community welfare. Berghofer has also been an active member of the FCM Board of Directors since 2021, earning re-elections in 2022 and 2023.

Deputy Mayor Kathy Valentino

Thompson, Manitoba

Deputy Mayor Kathy Valentino brings a decade of experience on the City of Thompson Council, including six years as Deputy Mayor. Her tenure has provided her with extensive insights into municipal operations and the importance of building effective relationships. Valentino has also served as a Director and Vice-President for the Association of Manitoba Municipalities, which advocates for 137 municipalities across Manitoba. Her leadership and commitment to municipal governance are well-recognized throughout the province.

Mayor Mike Yargeau Penhold, Alberta

Mayor Mike Yargeau of Penhold, Alberta, has been serving as mayor for six years, following a four-year term as councillor. Yargeau has been a dedicated FCM board member for the past three years, working collaboratively with various levels of government to strengthen communities. His current initiatives in Penhold include partnering with the federal government to develop new outdoor recreation areas and constructing a state-of-the-art, energy-efficient public works building and fire hall. Yargeau's passion for community development and sustainable infrastructure has been a cornerstone of his leadership.

The successful candidate will join the ranks of the FCM’s Table Officers, playing a crucial role in shaping the future of municipal governance in Canada.

They will work alongside Deputy Mayor of Colchester, Nova Scotia, Geoff Stewart, who will assume the role of President of FCM, City of Vancouver Councillor Rebecca Bligh as 1st Vice President, and City of Ottawa Councillor Tim Tierney as 2nd Vice President.

Current FCM President Scott Pearce, Mayor of the Township of Gore, Quebec, will transition to the position of Past President.