WHEREAS the AAMDC and AUMA have established a reputable Elected Official Education Program; and

WHEREAS the Elected Officials are better equipped to fulfill their roles by taking educations courses offered by the Elected Official Education Program; and

WHEREAS not all municipalities in Alberta are able to pay for the courses for their Elected Officials even though it benefits the quality of government throughout Alberta;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the AAMDC urge the Provincial Government of Alberta to compensate municipalities for the cost incurred for Elected Officials to attend EOEP courses to provide an equal opportunity for all Elected Officials in the Province of Alberta to participate in the program.

To receive a Certificate of Achievement from the EOEP, an elected official must satisfactorily complete seven courses. Registration costs are $315 for a one day course and $525 for a two day course.  Attendance at one of these courses can become quite costly once travel and accommodation costs are added to registration fees.

Many municipalities do not provide funding for Council to attend the EOEP courses. In order to provide better governance many Councillors are paying out of their own pocket for the courses, travel and accommodation. Providing funding for attendance at EOEP courses will provide willing participants the opportunity to expand their knowledge and skills of municipal governance.

Resolution 11-09S: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the AAMDC, AUMA and Alberta Municipal Affairs give serious consideration to holding EOEP training sessions on-line to allow equitable accessibility to those municipal councillors serving in areas located at great distances to the training session locations.

Municipal Affairs:

Municipal Affairs has provided significant financial support towards the development of the Elected Official Education Program.  While the ministry has assisted in funding the development of this important tool, it is the responsibility of individual municipalities to provide for appropriate training for local elected officials.

The ministry is supportive of current efforts to transition the Elected Official Education Program to an e-learning environment.  Online delivery will assist the associations to reduce registration, travel and other costs for elected officials who wish to complete courses in the program.

The provincial government is financially supporting the transition of select EOEP courses to an e-learning environment that will minimize the cost of attendance by participants.  The EOEP launched its first online course in Fall 2010.  All courses are expected to be available in an online format in 2012.  The AAMDC is appreciative of the support provided byt he provincial government and accepts in principle that the intent of this resolution is being met.