The RMA has several concerns with the Bill, which will require provincial approval for federal funding agreements with municipalities
On April 10, 2024 Bill 18: Provincial Priorities Act was introduced in the Legislative Assembly. Bill 18 is intended to ensure the province reviews and approves any funding agreements made between the federal government and “provincial entities” (including municipalities) to ensure that the funding aligns with provincial priorities. This bill’s intent is similar to Quebec’s Act Respecting the Ministère Du Conseil Exécutif, which also requires any federal funding agreements with municipalities to be approved by the provincial government.
The Minister of Municipal Affairs and the Premier have both emphasized that Bill 18 is intended to ensure agreements between the federal government or federal bodies and municipalities do not contradict provincial priorities or infringe on provincial jurisdiction. In addition to municipalities, the bill will apply to all public bodies in Alberta, including public agencies, municipalities, Crown-controlled organizations, post-secondary institutions, school boards, regional health authorities, and Covenant Health.
The RMA has several concerns regarding with Bill 18. The requirement for provincial approval of all funding agreements reduces municipal autonomy, increases red tape, and could delay or even exclude Alberta municipalities from receiving federal funding support for local events and projects. At a time when municipalities of all types across Alberta face growing infrastructure deficits, heightened expectations to accommodate residential and industrial growth, and downloaded responsibilities from other levels of government, adding more red tape to funding access is the last thing Alberta’s municipalities need.
While the RMA is hopeful that there will be an opportunity to work with the Premier and Minister of Municipal Affairs to develop exemptions and design a streamlined provincial approval process, engagement with municipalities on this issue prior to Bill 18 being drafted may have led to an alternative approach to harmonizing provincial and federal priorities without introducing further risks to municipal sustainability.
Karrina Jung
Policy Advisor
780.955.4085
karrina@RMAlberta.com
Wyatt Skovron
General Manager of Policy & Advocacy
780.955.4096
wyatt@RMAlberta.com