Regular readers will recall the Gazette report that CAO McCulloch agreed to have a conversation with KICLEI’s Maggie Hope Braun. It was hoped she would inform him about sneaky globalist plans: climate action disguises systematic dismantling of democratic governance to weaken municipalities. Unfortunately, as soon as KICLEI was making some headway, it was attacked by the McMedia, in particular the National Post, which maligned and smeared using falsehoods, a common silencing tactic these days. Braun refuted the falsehoods but the stress took its toll. Long story short, for now, no conversation with the CAO. 

Braun reported: “At the FCM [Federation of Canadian Municipalities] conference, an ICLEI session labelled our message as “misinformation”. When councillors asked for a response to our documented concerns, ICLEI refused—saying even acknowledging our questions would “give them attention.” Let that sink in. “Elected officials are being told not to examine questions of jurisdiction, consent, or cost—because the answers might empower their communities. But it’s not working. Across the country, councillors are stepping up. 

“In Alberta, our issues became election issues. We are breaking through. And they know it. Wheatland County the Town of Vermilion and others withdrew from FCM, setting a precedent for others to follow. Lethbridge challenged PCP/IPCC targets, recommending a 20% GHG reduction instead of 40%–saving $63 million in projected carbon credit costs. In B.C., we exposed the truth: the Net-Zero Action Charter frameworks are voluntary, not mandatory. That opens the door for respectful withdrawals and local debate. 

Reflecting on 2025 challenges, Braun said, “If you’re feeling burnt out or behind—so am I. But none of us are alone. Every email, delegation, and conversation you had this year helped lay a foundation for something powerful.” 

kiclei.substack.com