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 bus

Welcome to 'Municipal Affairs”, I'm your host, Chris Brown. Today, we delve into the pulse of Saskatchewan's municipal landscape as we explore what mayors across the province are seeking from provincial leaders in the upcoming Saskatchewan provincial election, slated for October of this year. The recently concluded SUMA Convention held in Regina, Saskatchewan, served as a pivotal platform where municipal leaders congregated to advocate for their respective communities and eng

Welcome to Municipal Affairs, I’m your host Christopher Brown This episode is a follow-up segment to our previous episode from March around the pending carbon tax increase scheduled for April 1st. We sat down with Mayor Gerald Aalbers of Lloydminster at the 2024 SUMA Convention in Regina, Saskatchewan to get his reaction on this increase and what it means for residents and municipalities like his. In our last conversation, Mayor Aalbers urged Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's g

Welcome to Municipal Affairs, I'm your host Christopher Brown. As the province braces for potentially severe drought conditions, collaborative efforts are underway to mitigate the impact on communities, the economy, and the environment. In a move that the province is calling a landmark agreement, 38 prominent water licensees across southern Alberta have voluntarily come together to address the looming water crisis. Representing a significant portion of water allocation in key

Welcome to Municipal Affairs, I'm your host Christopher Brown. While we typically focus on local governance issues, we recognize the importance of the broader political landscape on municipal affairs. That's why here on the Municipal Affairs we decided to sit down with federal, provincial, and territorial leaders to delve into their perspectives on municipal governance, and how their levels of government are addressing municipal concerns. Todays Guest is Kathleen Ganley, the

Welcome to 'Municipal Affairs”, I'm your host, Chris Brown. As Municipal leaders from across Canada gear up for the June Federation of Canadian Municipalities Convention in Calgary, Alberta. there is a buzz in the air of the return of a successful mixer hosted by Rural Municipalities of Alberta. Building off the resounding success of the Toronto FCM Convention, the Rural Municipalities of Alberta is rolling out the welcome mat, inviting delegates from across Canada to join t

Welcome to 'Municipal Affairs”, I'm your host, Chris Brown. In today's show, we shine a spotlight on the pivotal role of a councillor in a rural municipality, exploring the unique challenges and triumphs encountered in these environments. Joining us for this insightful discussion are two esteemed guests: Councillor Robin Kurpjuweit from Cypress County, Alberta, and Councillor Deanna Stang from Sturgeon County, Alberta. With their wealth of experience in rural municipal leader

Welcome to 'Municipal Affairs”, I'm your host, Chris Brown. Today’s episode is dedicated to the 2024 Association of Manitoba Municipalities Spring Convention, where councillors, mayors, and reeves gathered in the vibrant city of Brandon, Manitoba. Hosted at the Keystone Centre, this bi-annual event serves as a crucial check-in for municipal leaders from every corner of the province. Throughout the three-day conference, attendees had the opportunity to engage in discussions, w

Welcome to 'Municipal Affairs”, I'm your host, Chris Brown. Today marks the continuation of our ongoing series dedicated to exploring the vital role of Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs) in municipal governance. In this installment, we explore a fascinating phenomenon: the transition from elected office to the role of Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) within municipalities. Our discussion will centre on the experiences of three distinguished guests who have traversed this