City council offered their congratulations to Coun. Garth Frizzell on Monday night for his election as president of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.
Frizzell was elected to lead the national organization, which represents 2,050 municipalities across the country, iduring the FCM's first virtual AGM on Oct. 15. On Monday night, Mayor Lyn Hall presented Frizzell with an FCM pin in a COVID-19-friendly ceremony.
"I know you do a tremendous amount of work," Hall said. "It's not light decision. If you family is not committed to the journey... then it is difficult."
Public service always means time spent away from home and family, Hall said, but especially when sitting on the board of a national organization that requires significant travel.
Frizzell was first elected to city council in 2008 and joined the FCM board of directors in 2009. He served 10 years on FCM board, requiring re-election each year, Hall said.
Frizzell's decision to let his name stand for president, even though he'll only serve an eight-month term instead of the normal 12-month term shows his dedication to the organization and work it does, Hall added.
"You've made our city proud on each and every step along the way," Coun. Frank Everitt said.
Coun. Cori Ramsay said it is an exciting time for northern B.C., with the president of the FCM and the president of the Union of B.C. Municipalities – District of Vanderhoof councillor Brian Frenkel – both coming from the region.
Coun. Murry Krause said he had the privilege to sit on the FCM board with Frizzell, and was impressed with the knowledge and respect he brought to the table.
"I couldn't see any way but up for Coun. Frizzell," Krause said.
Coun. Kyle Sampson congratulated Frizzell, and said he knew his council colleague would do an excellent job representing not just Prince George, but all Canadians.
"It's great to see Prince George is a leader in that, because of you," he said.
Frizzell thanked his wife and three sons for their constant support through his long political journey.
"I know we all have the people who have helped us get where we are. Thank you guys, than you Sue," he said.
His focus over the next eight months will be on helping municipalities manage and recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, Frizzell said.
"It's a real strength of the organization that communities as small as Silverton, B.C. and an big as Toronto pitch in. Let's dig into what Canada can do together," Frizzell said. "Thanks to all the people to elect us all, it's a privilege."
