MacKinnon Report: Implications for Municipalities
Government report makes recommendations that would affect municipal funding On September 3, the Government of Alberta released the MacKinnon Report, which explores Alberta’s provincial government spending. The report makes 26 recommendations to address government spending, one of which is specifically related to municipalities. Recommendation 15 calls on the Government of Alberta to examine the legislative […]
Universal Broadband Fund Survey Live
ISED Canada is seeking input on connectivity grants as well as information on rural internet speeds Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) is seeking input on the Universal Broadband Fund (UBF). The UBF is being developed as part of the Government of Canada’s Connectivity Strategy, which seeks to provide all Canadians with access to […]
Notice of Elections and Procedures for RMA Board of Directors
Four board seats up for election at the RMA Fall 2019 Convention Four of the seven seats on the RMA Board of Directors will be up for election at the Fall 2019 Convention and will serve a two-year term (2019-2021): Vice President Director for District 2 – Central Director for District 3 – Pembina River […]
Upcoming Sessions to Provide Input on Accessing Broadband Resources
Cybera is hosting opportunities, seeking input on rural broadband issues Providing broadband and cell phone service to rural Alberta is key for attracting investment, maintaining local businesses, and allowing all Albertans to participate in the digital economy. Providing these services in rural and remote areas requires innovative strategies and partnerships, and rural municipalities strive to […]
Have Your Say on Renewable Energy Projects
The University of Alberta is conducting a survey within municipalities on renewable energy projects. The University of Alberta is surveying municipalities to gauge their level of interest and motivation for renewable energy projects. The purpose of the survey is to help identify the demand, opportunities, and barriers regarding renewable energy projects in Canadian municipalities. The […]
RMA Minister Meetings this Week
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 […]
Government of Alberta to Host Webinar on Police Costing Consultation
The Government of Alberta has begun the process of reviewing Alberta’s police costing model. This review was identified as a commitment in the UCP election platform. To guide the review, the Government of Alberta has designed a costing model that requires testing with municipalities. All municipalities should have received an invite from Alberta Justice and […]
Insurance Renewal is November 1, 2019
Please don’t delay in getting your renewal packages back to us By now, all of our members should have received their renewal packages. Many of you have compiled the requested information and returned it to us, and we thank you for your help. If you have not had a chance to complete your renewal package […]
Rural Broadband Portal Online
University of Alberta portal will allow users to research broadband issues when completing consultations The University of Alberta’s Centre for Sustainable Rural Communities (ACSRC) developed the Rural Broadband Portal. The Rural Broadband Portal is a tool that systematically sorts broadband-related literature and research for unique interventions and policy suggestions. Through the Rural Broadband Portal, the […]
Province to Release Majority of 2019 MSI Funding Through Interim Supply
Municipal funding secured in advanced of provincial budget being released this fall Municipal Affairs recently communicated that funding allocations to municipalities under the Municipal Sustainability Initiative (MSI) and the Federal Gas Tax Fund (GTF) will be made available through interim supply, in advance of the provincial budget being finalized. A total of $597 million, including […]