Ahead of Today’s Vote – Clarifying the PCP Program and ICLEI Participation
Open Letter to the Town of Cochrane, AB
Dear Mayor Genung and Members of Cochrane Council,
I’m writing on behalf of KICLEI Canada to thank you for your careful attention to the upcoming motion regarding the Town of Cochrane’s participation in the ICLEI/FCM Partners for Climate Protection (PCP) program.
As you now know, Cochrane has been listed as a PCP participant since 2004—a fact that was never revisited or reaffirmed by the current Council. This is not unusual. Across the country, we’ve spoken with dozens of councillors who had no idea their municipalities were listed in the PCP program, nor that it is administered jointly by ICLEI Canada (a UN-founded, corperate funded NGO) and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), with substantial funding from the federal government.
This lack of awareness is not a conspiracy—it’s a governance issue. The PCP program often enters municipalities with little debate, oversight, or long-term review. Its structure mimics a corporate marketing funnel: free entry, escalating commitments, and no real liability from its sponsors. And while environmental stewardship is essential, it must always reflect the democratic will and priorities of local residents—not international mandates.
A recent example from Lethbridge, AB illustrates the hidden cost of these frameworks. Lethbridge adopted a 2030 corporate emissions reduction target aligned with the PCP and IPCC-recommended 40%. Yet after planning approximately $20 million in feasible upgrades, they could only reach a 20% reduction. To meet the 40% target, administration advised council it would require an additional $63 million—just to purchase carbon credits. This is the kind of escalating commitment that PCP terms as “voluntary,” but which quickly becomes politically, financially, and operationally binding.
Many municipalities are now re-evaluating these arrangements. Thorold, Ontario recently voted to formally withdraw from the PCP program—and many others have disengaged or stepped away quietly, without public debate. Cochrane now has the opportunity to take a clear, transparent, and democratic stand.
KICLEI exists to raise awareness of this reality, support local decision-making, and ensure transparency. Our materials are sourced directly from ICLEI, FCM, and public documents. We respect elected officials and the principle of subsidiarity—decisions made at the level closest to the people.
Councillor Wilson’s motion calls for:
Formal withdrawal from the PCP program
Clear oversight of externally funded initiatives
A recommitment to local priorities and democratic accountability
These are reasonable, professional, and much-needed measures.
We encourage all members of Council to vote in support of this motion on Monday. You have the opportunity to set a national example for principled, informed leadership.
You can read our full breakdown of the issue here:
🔗 BREAKING: Cochrane Council to Vote on Leaving ICLEI-FCM Climate Program
If you have any questions or would like to speak further, we would be honoured to connect.
Respectfully,
Maggie Braun
National Organizer, KICLEI Canada
📫 info@kiclei.ca | 🌐 kiclei.ca
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