Today, we’re diving into a program designed to strengthen the very foundation of municipal leadership: the Governance Essentials for the Municipal Sector, or GEMS, offered through the Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy. Municipal governance is more than passing bylaws or balancing budgets—it’s about understanding the nuances of leadership, stewardship, and accountability. Whether you’re a council member, a municipal administrator, or simply passionate about your

Today, we’re diving into a story that has sparked debate not just in the mountain town of Canmore, but across Alberta about the scope of municipal authority and the role of taxation in shaping communities. For several years, Canmore has faced a housing crunch. Sky-high real estate prices, limited rental availability, and an influx of second-home owners have put pressure on local residents and municipal services alike. In response, the town introduced what it calls the Livabil

It’s a budget that, from a rural Saskatchewan perspective, sends some positive signals—but also sets the stage for a broader conversation about whether long-term support will match long-term need. Today, we look at what Budget 2026 means for rural communities across Saskatchewan, where local governments are watching closely for support in the areas they say matter most: agriculture, infrastructure, health care, policing, and a fair, predictable model for municipal revenue sha

It’s a provincial budget that highlights record investments—but also raises new questions about balance, fairness, and the future of municipal funding. Today we turning our focus to Budget 2026–27 in Saskatchewan, and what it means for the communities that deliver the services people rely on every day. At the centre of the conversation is Municipal Revenue Sharing—now at a record $392.4 million. It’s predictable, unconditional funding that helps municipalities maintain essent

It’s a budget that the Government of Saskatchewan says is about protecting communities—while still planning for growth. Today we are taking a closer look at Budget 2026–27, which commits more than 700 million dollars in direct provincial support to municipalities across the province. That’s an increase of nearly 47 million dollars over last year—about seven percent—and it comes as communities continue to balance rising costs, infrastructure demands, and public safety concerns

Today’s conversation sits at the intersection of some of the biggest challenges—and opportunities—facing Alberta’s municipalities right now. With Budget 2026 now on the table, many local leaders are raising concerns about what it means on the ground. From shifting tax burdens onto property owners, to stalled infrastructure funding, to the absence of increased investment in prevention programs like FCSS, municipalities are being asked to do more—often with less clarity, less c

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