OPINION: Feds and Prov. should work with, not against Rural Communities
In the vast expanse of the beautiful province that is Alberta, rural municipalities have and will always play a pivotal role in shaping our economy and fostering vibrant communities.
However, the provincial and federal government's treatment of these regions and the lack of meaningful consultation with rural municipal leaders have resulted in a sense of neglect and frustration. Don't take my word for it, take the word of the President of the Rural Municipalities of Alberta Reeve Paul McLauchlin.
Reeve McLauchlin in a one-on-one interview with me recently aptly captured the sentiments of many when he stated, "We complain about how Ottawa treats us. The legislature and Edmonton do the same thing to rural municipalities on a regular basis."
It is imperative that we address this issue and demand a more inclusive and collaborative approach from our government.
McLauchlin rightly points out that rural municipalities are often perceived as barriers rather than partners in decision-making processes. This mindset is detrimental to progress and hampers the ability of rural municipalities to contribute effectively to policies that impact their communities.
The recent example of the provincial government's delayed response to the urgent need for a fire ban during a wildfire crisis further illustrates this point. McLauchlin explained in our one-on-one that rural municipal leaders advocated for a swift response, but it took several days for the government to implement necessary measures. This lag in decision-making exacerbates risks and undermines the trust of rural communities.
Rural municipal leaders possess invaluable local knowledge that can inform effective policy development. They understand the unique challenges faced by their communities and can offer insights that are often overlooked.
He emphasized, that these rural leaders can provide valuable feedback on the feasibility and efficacy of proposed policies. If the provincial government continues to ignore their input and expertise, it will not only undermine the democratic process but also leads to policies that may not align with the realities and needs of rural municipalities.
Rural municipalities are entrusted with critical responsibilities, including land use planning and safeguarding agricultural interests while promoting economic development. However, their authority and autonomy are frequently disregarded by provincial agencies and, in some cases, even by the provincial government.
This undermines their ability to effectively protect their communities and ensure sustainable growth.
I will admit prior to moving to Alberta, there was a natural sense of condensation I had towards Rural Alberta. I will admittedly say that I assumed that rural Alberta was just a bunch of hard-right-wing politicians who only wanted to put it to Eastern Canada.
It couldn't have been more the opposite. In my short time doing the Cross Border Interviews, I have had the privilege to sit down and chat one-on-one with Reeves, Mayors, and Councillors from Rural Alberta. They only truly want one thing - for their community to thrive.
My conversations have taught me that rural municipal leaders make difficult decisions at the local level, and their voices deserve to be heard and respected in larger policy discussions.
The people living in these communities are our brothers, and sisters, they are our neighbours and parents, they are our co-workers, and our friends. They aren't our enemies.
Edmonton, and Ottawa have become so out of touch with reality that it's hard not to believe that rural Albertan, rural municipalities are feeling neglected and taken advantage of.
To bridge the divide between rural municipalities and the provincial government, a shift in approach is needed. Meaningful consultation, active engagement, and collaborative decision-making processes are essential to address the concerns and aspirations of rural communities.
I spoke with a Reeve from Northern Alberta for our Northern Exposure show we produced back in April, and was told during the interview that in the four years of office their local MLA hadn't contacted them once. Not a request for a meeting, not a zoom invite, not even a sit-down coffee.
By embracing the expertise and experiences of rural municipal leaders, all levels of government can strengthen policies and initiatives that truly reflect the needs of these regions. Empowering rural municipalities with the necessary resources and support will contribute to their growth and enhance the overall prosperity of the province.
It is high time that the provincial and federal governments recognize and address the concerns of rural municipalities.
The voices of Reeve McLauchlin and other rural municipal leaders echo the frustration felt by many in rural regions.
Meaningful consultation, timely decision-making, and genuine collaboration are crucial for bridging the gap between urban and rural areas.
By embracing the expertise and local knowledge of rural municipal leaders, we can create a more inclusive and prosperous province, and country that values the contributions of all its communities.
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