WHEREAS the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) provides a strong voice for municipalities at the federal government level; AND WHEREAS the FCM provides an excellent avenue to bring Albertas rural issues to the attention of the federal government; AND WHEREAS additional rural representation from Alberta on the FCM National Board of Directors would further enhance rural Albertas voice at the federal government level;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties select and support a candidate for one of the at-large members allotted to Alberta on the FCM National Board of Directors; AND FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED that the Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties pay all expenses including meals, accommodation, mileage and per-diems for the candidate in fulfilling his/her obligations on the FCM National Board of Directors if elected.

The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) provides a strong voice for municipalities at the federal government level. This strong voice is an opportunity for rural Alberta to bring its rural issues to the attention of the federal government. The County of Newell feels that one of the best ways to take advantage of this opportunity is to have an elected official from one of the AAMDC members sitting on the FCM National Board of Directors. It is our understanding that expenses for a National Board Director could be upwards of $10,000 yearly. Although a large amount, it would be easily managed spread across all AAMDC members. The County feels that the $10,000 would return far more benefits to rural Alberta over and above the costs and respectfully requests your support for this resolution.

The AAMDC has no resolutions currently in effect with respect to this issue.

The FCM has amended its bylaws to allow for a rural member-at-large from Alberta to sit at the Board table. Tim Stone, Reeve of Saddle Hills County was selected as this representative.