In a symbolic move with a powerful message, Quebec City and Montreal are joining Quebec's Federation of Municipalities.
The Federation has represented more than 1,000 small towns and cities across the province since its creation in 1944, which frequently join forces to present a united front on key issues.
And that's exactly why Quebec City and Montreal are joining the Federation as associate members.
Mayors Regis Labeaume and Denis Coderre say with the looming battle over changing pension benefits for municipal employees, all towns and cities need to stand together.
"There's a time where you need the metropolis and you need the capital, but there's a time where the metropolis and the capital needs the region. Why? Because we're all together," said Coderre.
Cities and towns say the pension reform is necessary, but they also argue they need to find ways to generate revenue without relying on property taxes.
The Federation hopes that by joining with the two largest cities in the province they will have an even stronger voice.
"We are focusing on one thing, the sake of our citizens," said Coderre.
Despite joining forces Montreal and Quebec City will only be associate members of the FMQ, without a seat or a vote on its board.
The two cities will still be the leading members of the Union of Municipalities of Quebec, which includes other large- and medium-sized cities.
