Engage Your Local MLA on the Importance of Rural Alberta
RMA has resources available to support local advocacy on rural municipal issues Since the election this spring, RMA has been actively engaging with government and all MLAs to demonstrate the importance of rural Alberta. Our goal continues to be focusing on ensuring provincial decision-makers understand that rural Alberta is an integral piece of Alberta’s economic, […]
Energy Lease Payment Tools for Landowners
AER and Farmers Advocate have tools available to landowners if oil and gas companies do not fulfill their access agreements Many rural Alberta landowners have benefited economically from surface access agreements with oil and gas companies. However, there are situations where individual energy companies have approached landowners in an attempt to not pay the full […]
Province Announces Shallow Gas Tax Relief Program
Municipalities may offer impacted companies a reduction of up to 35% on well and pipeline taxation, to be reimbursed by an equivalent reduction in the education property tax requisition amount On July 2, 2019, the Government of Alberta announced a plan to offer tax relief to struggling shallow gas companies operating in rural municipalities across […]
Applications Open for Rural Mental Health Program
RMH is seeking applications for its second year of operation. The Rural Mental Health Project (RMH), hosted by the Alberta Division of the Canadian Mental Health Association, is a program that works with rural communities to develop community mental health roadmaps and action plans. The RMH works to train local Community Animators, who will then […]
RMA Response to Shallow Gas Industry Relief
Nisku, AB, July 2, 2019 – The Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA) appreciates the Government of Alberta’s decision to enable short-term relief to the shallow gas industry through the forgiveness of a portion of municipal property taxes on specific wells and pipelines identified by the Government of Alberta. This will allow municipalities to reduce the […]
Rural Economic Development and Connectivity Strategies Released
The Government of Canada released two strategic documents. The Honourable Bernadette Jordan, Canadian Minister of Rural Economic Development has published two strategic documents related to rural economic development broadly and rural connectivity specifically. The Economic Development Strategy for Rural Canada brings together information on Government of Canada activities, including funding for rural economic diversification, rural […]
New Zero-Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Funding Opportunity for Municipalities
The Government of Canada is requesting project proposals for electric vehicle charging stations in public areas and on-street. The Government of Canada has introduced the Zero-Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program (ZEVIP) to address the lack of charging and refuelling stations in Canada. ZEVIP will provide funding to increase the availability of charging and zero-emission refuelling opportunities […]
Alberta Energy Regulator Seeking Input on Public Involvement in Approval Process
Alberta Energy Regulator launches 60-day review of Participant Involvement Process. The Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) has released a draft of Directive XXX – Participant Involvement and is looking for public feedback within the next 60 days. The directive is part of a regulatory framework that seeks to ensure members of the public are informed about […]
Government of Alberta Launches Public Red Tape Reduction Initiative
Albertans can submit their ideas for cutting red tape through email or a fillable form The Government of Alberta has launched a red tape reporting website to enable Albertans to suggest red tape reduction opportunities and share their experiences in encountering red tape when interacting with provincial government services or processes. The website is one […]
Parliamentary Report Finds Invasive Species Protections Lacking
Federal Government news release calls for immediate government actions on aquatic invasive species On June 18, 2019, the Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans released a report that found the federal government’s protections of Canadian lakes and waterways against aquatic invasive species inadequate. The report also contains nine recommendations directing the federal government to undertake […]