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Preamble:
WHEREAS the Rural Municipalities of Alberta currently hosts two conventions each year, one in the spring and one in the fall at the Edmonton Convention Centre; and
WHEREAS conventions are becoming increasingly costly for RMA members, with expenses approaching $3000 per person per convention for many municipalities, which includes hotel, registration, mileage and other expenses are considered; and
WHEREAS offering a virtual attendance option for the spring convention would enable the continued involvement of elected officials and municipal staff in convention activities such as information sharing and learning, ministerial forums and resolution sessions at a considerably reduced costs to taxpayers; and
WHEREAS facilitating a virtual option would not affect existing RMA contracts with the Edmonton Convention Centre
Operative Clause:
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Rural Municipalities of Alberta amend the convention process to offer virtual attendance at the spring RMA convention annually.
Member Background:
The Rural Municipalities of Alberta have been conducting two conventions annually since its inception.
The tax burden is increasing on individual ratepayers, and most municipalities are seeking ways to alleviate tax increases by reducing administrative costs to continue to provide a consistent level of service despite inflationary pressures.
While there is value in networking, resolution sessions and ministerial forums, the relevance of many events and activities related to the convention is becoming increasingly difficult to justify financially.
Public scrutiny of these types of events and the spending associated with them is increasing. The M.D. of Willow Creek spent approximately $3000 per person to attend the 2024 Fall Conference including: $861 for conference registration, $1,400 for hotels, $650 for mileage and approximately $100 in miscellaneous expenses including parking and meals. Annual costs that approach $50,000 for Council and certain staff to attend two conventions is not justifiable.
In-person meetings with government ministers is highly restricted during the RMA conventions, which limits the opportunity for municipalities to connect with government officials, requiring many to travel to Edmonton at times other than during a convention to meet in person.
Providing an option for virtual attendance at the spring convention would assist in alleviating the financial burden associated with conference attendance, provide council members who are livestock producers an opportunity to participate during the busy spring season and address the growing public frustration of the public with unnecessary government spending.
RMA Background:
RMA has no active resolutions directly related to this issue.
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