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LATEST NEWS
“The RMA is pleased by the Government of Alberta’s announcement to replace the Municipal Sustainability Initiative (MSI) upon its completion in the 2021-22 budget year with permanent, legislated municipal funding which will be based on a consistent portion of the province’s overall revenue. This announcement signifies a respect for the critical role that municipalities of all types play in supporting sustainable, livable communities and a strong provincial economy. The RMA looks forward to working with the Government of Alberta and other partners to develop a funding model that is fair for all municipalities.”
“The RMA applauds the Government of Alberta’s decision to make available $800 million of future Municipal Sustainability Initiative (MSI) funding in the 2018-19 budget year. While the overall level of MSI funding to be made available until the program’s completion in 2021-22 is unchanged, this decision will support municipalities in developing long-term capital plans and investing in multi-year infrastructure projects.
“The RMA is concerned with the Government of Alberta’s decision to reduce funding for the Strategic Transportation Infrastructure Program (STIP). While the RMA understands the importance of practicing fiscal restraint, the rural transportation infrastructure supported by STIP is, in many cases, critical to Alberta’s economy by providing access to natural resources and connecting rural communities. Sustainable rural transportation infrastructure funding has been a priority for RMA members for many years, and the RMA will continue to advocate for stable targeted funding for rural infrastructure.”
The Government of Alberta has released their budget for the 2018-19 fiscal year (April 1, 2018 to March 31, 2019).
The 2018-19 budget is based on three pillars identified by the Government of Alberta:
For a full breakdown of the budget and estimates, visit the Government of Alberta’s Budget 2018 webpage.
The following are details of the 2018-19 budget that will be important for RMA members:
The attached backgrounder provides more budget highlights that may affect rural Alberta. The RMA will provide additional details through member bulletins as they become available. To view the complete budget and its supporting documents, please click here.
Enquiries may be directed to:
Gerald Rhodes
Executive Director
780.955.4077
Tasha Blumenthal
Director of External Relations and Advocacy
780.955.4094
Backgrounder Attached
BACKGROUNDER: RMA Budget 2018-19 Details
PROVINCIAL FINANCES
ADVANCED EDUCATION
AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY
ALBERTA CLIMATE LEADERSHIP PLAN
COMMUNITY SERVICES
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND TRADE
EDUCATION
ENERGY
ENVIRONMENT AND PARKS
HEALTH, SENIORS AND HOUSING
INDIGENOUS RELATIONS
JUSTICE AND POLICING
MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS
STATUS OF WOMEN
TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Resolutions form an important part in identifying direction for the RMA’s advocacy efforts. The RMA membership endorsed the following resolutions at the spring 2018 convention:
The RMA will incorporate endorsed resolutions into advocacy efforts and will report back to the membership as developments are available. The RMA resolutions database is temporarily unavailable as the RMA transitions to a new website. The RMA plans to have the resolutions database updated and available in mid-April 2018. A complete package of the endorsed resolutions is attached.
For enquiries, please contact:
Tasha Blumenthal
Director, External Relations and Advocacy
tasha@RMAlberta.com
780.955.4094
Wyatt Skovron
Policy Analyst
wyatt@RMAlberta.com
780.955.4096
As the RMA transitions to a new website, the resolution database will be temporarily unavailable. In the meantime, the RMA’s Fall 2017 Report Card is attached for reference and we encourage you to contact the staff members noted at the bottom of this bulletin with any resolution-related questions.
The RMA plans to have the resolution database available with updated resolutions from the spring 2018 convention in mid-April. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
For enquiries, please contact:
Tasha Blumenthal
Director, External Relations and Advocacy
tasha@RMAlberta.com
780.955.4094
Wyatt Skovron
Policy Analyst
wyatt@RMAlberta.com
780.955.4096