Rural Alberta is the backbone of the provincial economy. 28% of Alberta’s GDP comes from economic activity within RMA member municipalities, and it’s time for the province to invest in Alberta’s economy and prosperity by investing in rural infrastructure. Roads, bridges, and utility networks managed by rural municipalities connect the agricultural, forestry, energy, and other key industries to resources and markets, workers to jobs, and families to essential services.
As highlighted in Week 1 of the Closing the Gap campaign, rural municipalities manage the majority of Alberta’s transportation and utility infrastructure but receive only a fraction of provincial and federal funding. Week 2’s release builds on this by emphasizing that rural transportation infrastructure is not just a local or rural issue; rather, it is a provincewide economic priority. When rural assets decline, industry costs rise, supply chains slow, and Alberta’s economy and global competitiveness suffer.
Despite this challenge, the current condition of rural infrastructure presents a strategic opportunity for the Government of Alberta: invest in Alberta’s economic prosperity by investing in rural transportation infrastructure. Doing so would reduce long‑term expenses, support responsible asset management, and protect Alberta’s economic engine. Strengthening rural infrastructure strengthens Alberta.
See Week 2 of our Closing the Gap campaign for more information.
Joseph Kay
Policy Advisor
587.689.5484
joseph@rmalberta.com
Warren Noga
Manager of Policy and Research
825.319.2285
warren@rmalberta.com