Across Western Canada, some of the decisions affecting local communities are being made far beyond the municipal council chamber. Municipal leaders from British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba gathered at Fort Edmonton for the 2026 Western Canadian Municipal Association meeting, bringing some very big issues to the table. The escalating Canada-U.S. trade war, ongoing RCMP contract negotiations, infrastructure funding, and the development of economic corridors wer

Across Western Canada, some of the decisions affecting local communities are being made far beyond the municipal council chamber. Municipal leaders from British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba gathered at Fort Edmonton for the 2026 Western Canadian Municipal Association meeting, bringing with them some very big issues. The escalating Canada-U.S. trade war, ongoing RCMP contract negotiations, the rapid growth of data centres, and the development of economic corrid

Spruce Grove is a city in transition — growing quickly, while working to preserve the community character that brought people here in the first place. For municipal leaders, that growth comes with difficult questions: how to manage development, provide services, invest in infrastructure, and make sure residents have a voice in the future of their city. Today on Cross Border Interviews, we sit down with City of Spruce Grove Councillor Erin Stevenson. We'll talk about life in m

For decades, the Canada-U.S. relationship has been built on trade — billions of dollars crossing the border, supporting businesses, jobs and communities on both sides. Now, that relationship is under renewed strain. As of midnight Saturday, a new 50 percent U.S. tariff is in effect, escalating an already difficult trade war and creating new uncertainty for Canadian businesses, workers and families. And while the negotiations are happening between national governments, the con

In northern British Columbia, communities like Smithers are shaped by a unique mix of small-town character, natural beauty, economic opportunity, and the challenges that come with being far from the country’s largest cities. And leading a community through those challenges requires more than making decisions at City Hall. It requires listening, balancing competing priorities, and having a clear vision for the future. Today on Cross Border Interviews, we sit down with Gladys A

It may be one of the most talked-about issues facing communities across Canada right now. Data centres. Municipal leaders are increasingly being asked to consider these massive facilities — and in some provinces, the debate has even become an election issue. For municipalities, the questions go well beyond technology. What are the economic benefits? What are the impacts on power, water, land and infrastructure? And are municipal leaders prepared to have an open conversation w