RMA board members had the opportunity to discuss important issues for rural Alberta with three ministers this week
RMA had the opportunity to meet with three Government of Alberta ministers this week. These meetings are crucial for building relationships with the new government and discussing issues of importance for rural Alberta. RMA met with Minister Glubish (Service Alberta), Minister Dreeshen (Agriculture and Forestry), and Associate Minister Luan (Mental Health and Addictions). The following items were discussed:
- Minister Glubish – Service Alberta
- The importance of a Provincial Broadband Strategy
- Expanding the cellphone coverage network
- Rural highspeed internet is crucial for development, but it must also be delivered at a reasonable cost to the consumer
- Minister Dreeshen – Agriculture and Forestry
- While there is an agricultural plastics recycling pilot program, a permanent program for all agricultural plastics is necessary
- There is an opportunity to learn from and improve responses regarding the large forest fires in northern Alberta this year
- Funding for Agriculture Service Boards (ASBs) and agricultural societies is an investment in rural communities. These groups provide important services for the agricultural sector
- Associate Minister Luan – Mental Health and Addictions
- Access to mental health resources in rural Alberta is a challenge
- To mitigate rural crime, access to mental health and addictions resources is important
For enquiries, please contact:
Warren Noga
Policy Analyst
warren@RMAlberta.com
Tasha Blumenthal
Director of External Relations & Advocacy
tasha@RMAlberta.com