GCoM Canada Implementation Cohort Kicks Off with Inaugural Peer-to-Peer Support Workshop
14th March 2024 —The Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy (GCoM) proudly launched its first group activity under the Implementation Cohort initiative with a dynamic Peer-to-Peer Support Workshop held on March 14, 2024. The Workshop marked a significant milestone in fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange among participating municipalities across Canada.
Funded by the European Union, the GCoM Canada Implementation Cohort is an ambitious initiative to help cities overcome the gap between planning and implementation. The project will help face this challenge by providing implementation support to municipal staff through one-to-one meetings, group training, peer-to-peer workshops, and tailored deliverables to each city’s reality.
Opening the session were Michael Wodzicki, Senior Expert for GCoM in Canada, Rodrigo Führ, General Coordinator of the GCoM Americas Helpdesk, and Megan Meaney, Executive Director of ICLEI Canada, the partner institution in charge of convening the Cohort. Megan, who facilitated the workshop, highlighted the Cohort tailored approach and the engagement of the cities so far. After explaining the methodology and rationale behind the Cohort, she described how “We have meticulously curated this workshop to address the challenges identified by your municipalities, tailoring our support to your local context. This support was only possible by funding from the European Union.”
Michael Wodzicki and Rodrigo Führ emphasized the pivotal role of GCoM in the subnational climate movement. Rodrigo mentioned how “We are the fastest-growing alliance in the world. Currently, more than 13,000 cities are committed to the GCoM. Canadian cities are some of the most advanced among those, always under the spotlight for their ambitious Climate Action Plans. Cities worldwide are keen to exchange and learn with cities in Canada. That’s why initiatives such as the Implementation Cohort are needed: if we are to accelerate local climate action to avert climate change, Canadian cities must be at the forefront”.
Representatives from participating municipalities showcased their commitment to climate action, including Shannon Logan from Durham (ON), Jillian Hudgins from Fredericton (NB), Tijo Joseph from the city of Guelph (ON), Shannon Fernandes from Halifax (NS), Trevor Imhoff from the City of Hamilton (ON), Mike Fair from Huron-Kinloss (ON), Dominique Bastien from Laval (QC), Carrah Bullock from the city of Mississauga (ON), Jen Brown from Ottawa (ON), Matt Regier from Saskatoon (SK), Ali Husnain from the city of St. John’s (NL), and Karina Richters from the city of Windsor (ON).
During the workshop, each participating city delivered a two-minute presentation highlighting their respective municipalities’ environmental and climate strengths and challenges. Additionally, attendees engaged in an interactive activity via breakout rooms, focused on a common challenge: “Identifying and Securing Capital and Operations Funding” for climate actions. The session provided a platform for fruitful discussions, sharing best practices, and exploring innovative solutions to overcome shared obstacles.
Commenting on the workshop, Hélinah Cardoso, Director of GCoM in the Americas, remarked, “The inaugural Peer-to-Peer Support Workshop marks the beginning of a transformative journey for participating municipalities. By fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange, we are empowering cities across Canada to accelerate climate action and build resilient communities. That is only possible by the funding and leadership of the European Commission.”
For more information about GCoM Canada and the Canada Implementation Cohort, please visit https://www.globalcovenant-canada.org/cohort/
