We’re turning our focus to the relationship between the provincial government and Saskatchewan’s municipalities — and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for communities across the province. Joining us for a one-on-one conversation is Saskatchewan NDP Shadow Minister of Government Relations, Erika Ritchie. Ritchie was appointed to the role by Saskatchewan NDP Leader Carla Beck and represents the constituency of Saskatoon Nutana in the Legislative Assembly. As Shad

For decades, highways have shaped the way communities grow. They determine where businesses invest, how goods move, and how people connect across rural and urban Alberta. But not every highway receives the same attention, and in northeast Alberta, one particular corridor has become the focus of renewed political pressure. Highway 28 runs through the heart of the region, linking communities, industry, and tourism hubs from the Edmonton area toward Bonnyville, Cold Lake, and be

Over 400 delegates from around the world gathered in Calgary for the 3rd SMR Nuclear Canada Summit. As Canada accelerates toward a nuclear-powered future, communities are emerging as the true catalysts of progress. From rural regions seeking economic diversification, to municipalities planning long-term infrastructure, to First Nations advancing energy sovereignty and equity participation, the future of nuclear energy will increasingly be shaped at the community level. One of

For years, Alberta has built its reputation on a simple promise: low taxes, strong communities, and a government that lives within its means. But across this province, a growing number of local leaders are asking a difficult question: low taxes for whom—and at what cost? Lastweek, the release of Budget 2026 by the Government of Alberta has sparked an immediate and emotional reaction from mayors across Alberta. From small villages on the prairie, to fast-growing towns in the f

It’s been a week since the Alberta government tabled Budget 2026, and across the province, mayors and municipal leaders have been digging into the details. For local governments, the provincial budget isn’t just a headline number — it shapes the financial reality communities will be working with for the year ahead. This year, Alberta is projecting $74.6 billion in revenue, alongside a forecast deficit of $9.4 billion. At the same time, the province has laid out a $28.3 billio

On May 30th, 2026, members of the Conservative Party of British Columbia will choose a new party leader. Leadership contests are not only about party politics—they are also about ideas, priorities, and competing visions for the future of the province. In the weeks leading up to the vote, candidates are outlining their plans for British Columbia, including how they see the role of municipalities and regional districts across the province. Local governments play a central role

For decades, communities along Highway 3 have made the case for change. Stretching from Medicine Hat through Lethbridge and onward to the mountain corridors of the Crowsnest Pass, the route has served as a critical east-west link for agriculture, industry, and rural communities. But much of it remains a narrow, two-lane highway — where motorists contend with powerful prairie crosswinds, heavy truck traffic, farm equipment, and limited passing opportunities. Now, the Alberta g

Last week, Alberta’s fiscal future came into sharper focus with the release of Budget 2026 and the province’s new three-year fiscal plan. In a challenging economic environment, the Government of Alberta has laid out a roadmap that balances deficit spending, economic growth ambitions, and major capital investments—all while municipalities across the province assess what it means for their communities. The numbers tell a complex story. Alberta is projecting $74.6 billion in rev

Last week, the spotlight was on the 2026 Alberta Provincial Budget—and this week it's on what it means for the preventive social services that quietly hold our communities together. In what has been described as an extremely difficult fiscal year, the Government of Alberta has chosen to maintain funding for Family and Community Support Services—known as FCSS—at $105 million. That funding supports municipalities and Métis Settlements across Alberta, helping deliver programs fo