Coordinated advocacy is needed to advance municipal perspectives.
The RMA recognizes that responsible resource development is essential for the future of municipalities across Alberta. To accommodate coordinated advocacy, the formation of the Resource Communities of Canada Coalition (RCCC) has been supported by the RMA in partnership with the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association (AUMA) and other provincial municipal associations including the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM), the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA), and the Association of Manitoba Municipalities (AMM). Through the RCCC this group of provincial municipal associations is liaising industry experts, trade groups, and the Canadian Chambers of Commerce to share information to strengthen understanding and support clear advocacy.
The goal is a coordinated Canadian municipal voice to ensure that municipal perspectives are being heard on issues impacting resource development.
Focused Activities
The RCCC is currently focusing on three major activities:
Education campaign at the FCM Conference in Quebec City
The FCM Board of Directors at their March Board meeting recently adopted a resolution, Federal Support for Energy Infrastructure Projects, which calls on the Government of Canada to support the further development of nation-building energy infrastructure projects. This resolution was submitted and sponsored by the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities, RMA, and AUMA. It was amended in the debate to obtain a cross Canada approval at the meeting by representatives from all provinces and territories. We are pleased that is now FCM policy and is the starting point for our FCM activities and education campaign. By facilitating this resolution and the dialogue and negotiations that incurred around it we understand the common ground we have across Canada on Energy Infrastructure and what we need to do to have Canada wide support for our energy future.
Next up is the FCM Conference in Quebec City, May 30 -June 2. We know RMA members want to be engaged at the 2019 FCM Conference, bringing the municipal voice forward on the importance of resource development projects. The RCCC is working on an education campaign to support engagement at the FCM Conference and will share information for member involvement as soon as it is available. The RCCC is meeting April 12 and we plan on providing information shortly after.
Bill C-69 Advocacy
Municipal associations across Canada have been actively advocating regarding the impacts of Bill C-69. The RCCC has facilitated a coordinated approach for testifying at the Senate Committee hearings by sharing messaging and key information with sister associations and those presenting at the hearings here in Alberta.
Formal establishment of the RCCC
Having started out informally the RCCC is in the process of formalizing the group.
Consolidated and Consistent Advocacy
To support strategic and consistent advocacy, the RCCC is focused on a collaborative and consolidated effort between municipal associations and our municipal members to strengthen the municipal voice. The RMA is aware that other municipally-focused groups are also initiating advocacy campaigns focused on Bill C-69; however, RMA would like to emphasize that the RCCC is an initiative that your association is engaging in on your behalf. The RCCC will not request financial support from individual municipalities to do this work.
The RMA recognizes that members are eager to learn more about opportunities for involvement in the RCCC. We will share information as it becomes available and encourage members to continue to share local advocacy efforts related to responsible resource development with us to maintain consistent advocacy on this important issue. The RCCC is meeting April 12 and we plan on providing information shortly after.
For enquiries, please contact:
Gerald Rhodes
Executive Director
gerald@RMAlberta.com
Al Kemmere
President
akemmere@RMAlberta.com