Flawed Process, Flawed Outcome

Welcome back to Municipal Affairs.

Today we’re talking about a strategy that was supposed to secure Alberta’s energy future—but may instead be shifting burdens onto rural communities.

Earlier this month, the Government of Alberta released its long-awaited Mature Asset Strategy, or MAS—a plan that, according to the province, is meant to support the viability of older oil and gas wells, keep companies operating longer, and maintain energy security.

But the Rural Municipalities of Alberta, or RMA, says not so fast.

In a strongly worded statement, RMA called the report disappointing, unclear, and dangerously narrow in scope—criticizing it for prioritizing industry profits over public accountability. Missing from the strategy, according to RMA, are any meaningful plans to address unpaid property taxes, surface lease payments, or environmental liabilities—issues that have left many rural municipalities footing the bill.

The strategy, they say, leans heavily on industry narratives—without offering data, transparency, or inclusive input from other stakeholders like landowners, environmental groups, or rural Albertans themselves. And while it skirts major changes to municipal taxation, it still pushes the idea—without evidence—that property taxes are somehow holding the industry back.

So today on Municipal Affairs, we’re digging into the heart of these concerns with someone who has been at the table throughout the MAS process and isn’t afraid to speak out.

Joining us is Kara Westerlund, president of the Rural Municipalities of Alberta. She’s here to break down what this strategy means for rural communities, where the process fell short, and what needs to happen next to ensure industry prosperity doesn’t come at the expense of municipal survival.

Stick around—this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.

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