Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) chief administrative officer Janette Loveys says she’s passionate about Canada’s role in local democracy building around the world, and this week she was honoured by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) for her work with the FCM’s international programs.
Loveys is to receive the FCM International Award of Excellence.
“Every year, FCM recognizes the great work done by individuals in FCM international activities and the leadership they demonstrated through their contributions to programs,” said Sébastien Hamel, senior director, FCM programs in a release announcing the award. “FCM is very grateful for the support and expertise that the Sunshine Coast Regional District provided to the Caribbean Local Economic Development project (CARILED).”
The Caribbean Local Economic Development project is one of several the FCM runs with full funding and support from the federal government.
Loveys told Coast Reporter that she was already deeply involved in the FCM’s international programs before joining the SCRD.
“I have been participating in FCM International programs for a long time now and had the opportunity to contribute in many different ways to the local government in developing countries. Throughout my time, I have done work in Africa (governance and service delivery), China (migrant labour rights and public engagement) among a few examples, and most recently in the Caribbean related to local economic development.”
Loveys also said the Caribbean Local Economic Development program provided an opportunity to share the experiences of Sunshine Coast local governments in creating their own economic development agency – the Sunshine Coast Regional Economic Development Organization (SCREDO).
“I did have the opportunity to share the governance model of SCREDO to the Caribbean countries considering local economic development initiatives,” she said. “It was particularly interesting to local governments in Trinidad who are moving from a central government service delivery model to building capacity at the community level. Most governments are seeking more tools and resources to build their own capacities to better serve their communities – the same agenda we at the SCRD have.”
Loveys said she devotes vacation time and weekends to the FCM program so it doesn’t interfere with her duties at the regional district. And SCRD chair Garry Nohr said Loveys’ international experience benefits the SCRD.
“We are very pleased that CAO Loveys has been involved in sharing her expertise through the FCM international programs. Liaising with other professionals and helping out in communities around the world is an opportunity for CAO Loveys to bring back new ideas and experiences that can benefit our local community as well.”
Loveys was scheduled to receive the award during a brief ceremony at the March 23 SCRD board meeting, which was held after Coast Reporter’s deadline.
