Valentino Takes 3rd in Close Race at FCM

Tension was high on the last day of the FCM Convention in Downtown Calgary.

On the fourth and final day, Kathy Valentino, Deputy Mayor of Thompson, Manitoba, was elected as the third Vice President of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), defeating two other candidates.

In a post-announcement interview, an emotional Valentino expressed her gratitude and excitement for the new chapter in her municipal career. "I'm very thankful for everyone who put their support towards me," she said.

Valentino will undergo intensive preparation over the next few weeks as she transitions into her new role as 3rd Vice President. Balancing her responsibilities will be a significant challenge; in addition to her new title, she will continue serving as Deputy Mayor of Thompson and as Vice President of the Association of Manitoba Municipalities (AMM).

Valentino emphasized that her new role with FCM would not affect her position with the AMM. "I wouldn't have done this if I had to step off of AMM," she stated. "I am passionate about my role as vice president of AMM, and I love working for President Blight and with my fellow vice president, Brad Saluk."

Throughout the conference, Valentino took the opportunity to connect with both familiar faces and new colleagues from across Canada. She noted that many delegates shared personal connections to her hometown of Thompson, Manitoba. "It clearly shows that Canada is really such a small country, and we are all very passionate," she remarked.

Now elected, Valentino is eager to bring not only national municipal issues to the forefront but also the concerns specific to Thompson. However, there will be no rest for the new 3rd Vice President. Valentino is set to return to Manitoba for district tours of various municipalities in the coming weeks. "So I think I'm home on June 20th just in time for summer and mosquitoes," she joked.

Valentino's victory was hard-fought. She topped her challengers, Strathcona County Councillor Katie Berghofer and Penhld Mayor Mike Yargeau, both from Alberta, securing 227 votes. Berghofer and Yargeau garnered 215 and 198 votes, respectively.

As the new 3rd Vice President, Valentino joins an esteemed group of FCM Table Officers. Geoff Stewart of Colchester County will serve as FCM President, Rebecca Bligh of Vancouver as 1st Vice President, and Tim Tierney of Ottawa as 2nd Vice President. Our full Interview with 3rd VP Kathy Valentino Airs Tuesday June 11th at 2:00 PM (MST)