Department of Fisheries and Oceans Issuing New Codes for the Conservation of Fish and Fish Habitat
Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) has released one new Standard, four new Codes of Practice, and updates its six existing Codes of Practice for the guidance on municipal projects taking place in or near water. These standards provide a framework on how to carry out routine work near water while reducing impacts on fish and fish habitat. A Standard provides guidance on how to design implement, maintain, monitor and remove specific […]
Creating an AI Policy for Municipalities
As our world evolves to include the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI), it is crucial that municipalities have a framework for the ethical, transparent, and effective use of AI. AI can help increase efficiency by automating routine tasks. It can also enhance service quality and speed using chatbots. There are also many risks – data privacy, legal […]
New Police Funding Model Introduced
The new PFM makes several notable changes to the existing formula. The Police Funding Model (PFM) was implemented in April 2020 and redistributes a portion of frontline policing costs from the Government of Alberta (GOA) to municipalities that receive policing services through the Provincial Police Service Agreement (PPSA). The PFM is set to expire on March 31, […]
AER Directive 071 – Emergency Preparedness and Response
The Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) has released revised editions of Directive 071: Emergency Preparedness and Response and Manual 026, along with new emergency management forms. These revised editions are not yet in effect; the February 2023 versions remain current until required rule amendments are finalized. Between July and November 2024, the AER conducted public and stakeholder engagement as part of developing the final version. RMA participated in the […]
Register Now: RMA 101 Webinars Kicking Off in January
As new rural elected officials continue to settle into their roles, RMA will hold a series of webinars to introduce all the association has to offer. Beginning in January, members are invited to attend an RMA 101 webinar series that will provide an overview of the association, as well as key advocacy and business services functions. While the webinar series is […]
Primer on Structured Notes
RMA recommends caution and prior planning to municipalities when investing in structured notes. RMA has been made aware of the use of structured notes as an investment tool by a financial institution. While structured notes have been available for some time, RMA has learned that in some cases they are being presented to municipalities without a clear explanation of their risks […]
RMA Fall 2025 Endorsed Resolutions
Resolutions form an important part in identifying direction for the RMA’s advocacy efforts. The RMA membership endorsed the following resolutions in Fall 2025: 1-25F Funding for Protein Programs in Alberta Food Banks – Support for Livestock Processing Fees (MD of Taber) 2-25F Quasi-Judicial Decisions and Inter-agency Communication (MD of Willow Creek) 3-25F Review of RMA […]
RMA’s Legislative Update: Week of December 8 – 12
These bulletins summarize and explain the important and relevant details of potential and upcoming legislation in Alberta, including important and poignant points from the debates between elected Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) as they create law. The final week of the Fall session delivered. There were so many historic moments, expedited decision-making, and political […]
Government Releases Sand and Gravel Task Force Report
The Government of Alberta released the final report from Sand and Gravel Task Force. The Task Force met over the spring and summer in 2025 to identify recommendations to policies and implementation processes aimed at balancing environmental protection with economic development. The report’s recommendations are limited by the Task Force’s scope to “the provincial role […]
Risk Management for Outdoor Rinks
Skating is an essential part of Canadian heritage and culture, with roots dating back over 200 years. Many of us have fond memories of gliding across frozen ponds or playing pickup hockey at the local outdoor rink—moments filled with laughter and, more often than not, a bit of pain while learning to skate. While outdoor […]