The report outlines the inequality of the current voting structure and provides an overview of approaches used in other jurisdictions
The RMA has released a report titled Seeking Balance: Voting Inequalities in Alberta’s Growth Management Boards. The report takes a close look at how decisions are currently made within the Edmonton Metropolitan Region Board and Calgary Metropolitan Region Board, and how the current provincially-mandated voting structure used in both boards fundamentally disempowers rural growth management board (GMB) members.
The report provides an overview of the origins and history of the voting structure, outlines the implications of the structure for rural GMB members, examines voting structures used by similar regional bodies in other jurisdictions, and considers alternative metrics that could be used to measure the voting strength of GMB members. It also proposes that the following priorities should guide the development of a fairer GMB voting structure:
- GMB member voting strength should be determined based on a combination of member population, area, and infrastructure responsibilities.
- No single GMB member should have the ability to individually pass or veto a motion.
- To maximize equity, the GMB voting structure should utilize a combination of weighted and unweighted voting, similar to the approach used in BC’s regional districts.
- GMB appeals should be sent to an independent third party.
- The scope of decisions subject to member votes under the regional evaluation framework should be reduced.
While the RMA has advocated for the elimination of GMBs in alignment with RMA resolution ER1-19F, if they remain in place in the Edmonton and Calgary regions, it is crucial that the voting and governance structures be redesigned to prioritize equitability among urban and rural members.
Wyatt Skovron
Manager of Policy & Advocacy
780.955.4096
wyatt@RMAlberta.com