Welcome to Municipal Affairs, I’m Christopher Brown. In today's episode, we have an important episode ahead of a major event in the world of Municipal Governance and Advocacy. Today we are honoured to have a one-on-one interview with Carole Saab (SAH-AB), the CEO of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM). The FCM is at the forefront of empowering local governments across Canada, striving to enhance the quality of life for residents. From tackling the housing crisis a

Welcome to Municipal Affairs, I’m Christopher Brown. Today, we have a special guest, Kyle Kasawski, the Alberta NDP's Municipal Affairs Critic, who will help us unpack the implications of several recent legislative moves by the United Conservative Party (UCP) government. Earlier this week Premier Danielle Smith and the UCP passed Bill 18, 20, and 21. All of which have been under fire for a series of legislative actions that critics argue centralize power and undermine democra

Welcome to 'Municipal Affairs”, I'm your host, Chris Brown. In this episode, we're diving into the upcoming election for the 3rd Vice President of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM). The FCM, as many of you know, serves as the national voice for municipal governments, advocating for policies and initiatives that address the diverse needs of communities from coast to coast to coast. And with the annual FCM conference just around the corner, all eyes are on the bu

Welcome to Municipal Affairs, I'm your host Christopher Brown. Today, we have a special focus on a podcast dedicated to the Toronto Municipal political scene— The MuniciPALS. The MuniciPALS is hosted by the dynamic duo of Matthew King, a seasoned podcaster and Host of This Time In History, and Philip Mills, a former Toronto Council candidate in 2021. Together, they bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, offering insightful commentary on municipal affairs in

Welcome Everyone to Municipal Affairs, I'm Chris Brown Today we delve into a pressing and disturbing issue within the world of municipal politics: the dark and often dangerous reality of harassment, bullying, and intimidation faced by our local elected officials. On May 16, 2024, Detectives in the Major Crime Section of the Greater Sudbury Police Criminal Investigation Division initiated a criminal harassment investigation after receiving a complaint from a City of Greater Su

Welcome to Municipal Affairs. Today, we're diving into the significant legislative changes shaking up local governance in Alberta. On Thursday, May 23rd, Minister of Municipal Affairs Ric McIver tabled long-awaited amendments to Bill 20, a piece of legislation poised to overhaul local elections, alter the elections act concerning political parties at the municipal level, and modify the Municipal Government Act to grant the provincial cabinet the power to remove or amend munic

Welcome to Municipal Affairs, I'm your host Christopher Brown. The recent introduction of Alberta Bills 18, 20, and 21 has stirred significant discussion and concern among Municipal Leaders not only here in Alberta, but across Canada. Bill 20 has particularly become a focal point of contention, with Alberta Municipalities describing it as a "power grab" that could drastically reshape local governance and community autonomy. This bill has ignited debates over the extent of pro

Welcome to Municipal Affairs. Today we're diving headfirst into a momentous occasion that's making waves across Oxford County. For the very first time in history, all municipalities in Oxford County will proudly raise the rainbow hues of the Pride flag this June. It's a landmark achievement, a beacon of progress, and a powerful symbol of inclusion for our communities. This moment isn't just about raising a flag; it's about raising Oxford County’s voice in solidarity with the

Welcome to Municipal Affairs. In the realm of Municipal Affairs, where governance intersects with the daily lives of citizens, the discussion of a new Cold War holds profound significance. Municipalities, often the frontline of governance, are not immune to the far-reaching implications of global power struggles and technological advancements. So today, we delve into the intricate dynamics of the new Cold War, where the battleground extends far beyond political ideologies to