Voices of Alberta
- Municipal Affairs
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Welcome to Municipal Affairs.
Canada’s capital was the centre of attention for local governments from across the country. More than 2,000 municipal leaders gathered in Ottawa for the annual Federation of Canadian Municipalities Tradeshow and Convention — a landmark event that brings together communities of all sizes to share ideas, elevate concerns, and help shape the national conversation on municipal priorities.
The agenda was full and forward-looking — touching on everything from bail reform and calls for stable, predictable federal funding to mental health and addiction, and the growing concern of misinformation in our digital age.
Among those in attendance were delegations from all corners of Alberta.
We first sat down with Strathcona County Mayor Rod Frank, who spoke wo us about attending the convention and what he gets from the four-day conference.
(INTERVIEW)
Our hometown of Calgary, Alberta was at the convention in Ottawa, we chatted with Ward 11 Councillor Kourtney Penner about attending and her topics that she was focused on over the course of the convention.
(INTERVIEW)
Cypress County Councillor Robin Kurpuweit was also in attendance and spoke about what he was getting from the convention and how he plans to make the work done at the convention continue once he leaves.
(INTERVIEW)
Northern Sunrise County Reeve Corrina Williams travelled to Ottawa to hear from other municipal leaders, and bring a northern perspective to the convention.
(INTERVIEW)
Former Past President and Vegreville Councillor Taneen Rudyk spoke to us on the third day of the convention about the key take aways, and what delegates should be doing once they get back home. (INTERVIEW)
For a rural perspective, we turned to Kara Westerlund, President of the Rural Municipalities of Alberta. She spoke with us about the unique needs of rural communities and the critical role FCM plays in ensuring their voices are heard.
(INTERVIEW)
Next, we caught up with Tyler Gandam, President of Alberta Municipalities. He shared why Alberta had such a strong showing this year, what his recent meeting with new Municipal Affairs Minister Dan Williams meant for local leaders, and what role FCM continues to play for his province.
(INTERVIEW)
And finally, we close with one of the major highlights of the week: the acclamation of Vancouver City Councillor Rebecca Bligh as the new President of FCM. We spoke with President Bligh on the final day of the convention to discuss her plans for the year ahead and how FCM continues to serve municipalities from coast to coast to coast.
(INTERVIEW)
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