LIVE SHOW: MB Votes '26 - How To Lead In A Rural Municipality
Good morning, and welcome back to Municipal Affairs.
We’re continuing our special seven-week series looking ahead to the 2026 Manitoba Municipal Election — a series where we’re taking you inside municipal government and exploring the people, the positions, and the responsibilities that keep communities across Manitoba moving forward.
This special series on the 2026 Manitoba Municipal Election is brought to you in partnership with the Association of Manitoba Municipalities.
Last week, we began our conversation by looking at the role of a municipal councillor from the perspective of Manitoba’s urban centres.
But today, we’re taking that conversation outside the city limits.
Because while the title may be the same, the experience of serving as a councillor in a rural municipality can look very different.
Rural councillors often represent communities spread across large geographic areas, where the needs of residents can vary from one corner of a municipality to another. From roads and infrastructure, to local services, development, agriculture, and the everyday concerns of residents — the responsibilities can be wide-ranging.
And with that comes a unique set of challenges, but also some very real rewards.
So, if you’re thinking about putting your name on the ballot this fall, what should you know before taking on the role?
What does the day-to-day life of a rural councillor actually look like? How do you represent residents when your municipality covers a large geographic area? How do you balance the needs of individual communities with the needs of the municipality as a whole? And what makes serving on rural council both challenging — and rewarding?
To help us answer those questions, we’re honoured to be joined by three municipal leaders from across rural Manitoba.
Joining us from the Rural Municipality of Sifton, Councillor Scott Philips.
From the Municipality of Harrison Park, Councillor Steve Langston.
And from the Municipality of Alexander, Deputy Mayor and Councillor Mac Kinghorn.
Thank you all for joining us today.
Whether you’re considering running for council, you’re a longtime rural municipal voter, or you simply want a better understanding of how local government works outside Manitoba’s cities, today’s conversation will give you a firsthand look at what it means to serve as a rural councillor.
So, with that, let’s get started.
As this is Municipal Affairs — live, I’m Christopher Brown and today, We’re Asking… How Do You Lead In A Rural Municipality?
------
Listen To The Show:
Apple: https://apple.co/41p5I2I
Spotify: https://bit.ly/3tkvb0E
------
Follow Us On Social Media:
Municipal Affairs is Part of The Cross Border Network
©2026
Comments