Municipal Affairs

Welcome to Municipal Affairs. It’s July 2025 — which means we’re under three months away from municipal election day here in Alberta. Across the province, candidates are stepping forward with visions for stronger communities, smarter growth, and more responsive local government. Today, we continue our coverage with a conversation that’s especially timely for Edmonton voters. Joining us in this epi...

Welcome to Municipal Affairs,  Today’s were heading south to the City of Brotherly Love, The City of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where Canadian municipal leaders were continuing important work to build international bridges. Earlier this month, two representatives from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities—Neal Comeau, Chair of FCM’s Rural Forum, and Alysson Storey, Councillor from Chatham-Ken...

Welcome to Municipal Affairs. Today, we’re taking you more than 10,000 kilometers from Saskatchewan to the West African nation of Benin — where local leadership is stepping up, and Canadian municipalities are playing a unique role in supporting that growth. At the heart of this story is a remarkable collaboration between SUMA — the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association — and the Associatio...

Welcome to Municipal Affairs. In this episode, a major step forward in Alberta’s policing landscape — the appointment of a new Chief for the Independent Agency Police Service. It's the latest move to give municipalities more options when it comes to local policing, while also supporting public safety efforts across the province. (Speech from Smith) The new Chief, Dale Parhar, brings over 25 years...

Welcome to Municipal Affairs.  Across Canada, small cities and towns are grappling with a problem that feels all too familiar: a small group of repeat violent offenders who seem to cycle through the justice system without meaningful intervention. In Saskatchewan’s Battlefords region, that cycle has pushed local leaders to speak out—demanding change. This summer, the Government of Saskatchewan, alo...

Welcome to a special live edition of Municipal Affairs . I’m your host, Christopher Brown, and Today, we turn our attention to a topic that many in public service know all too well—but far too few are openly discussing. Across boardrooms, council chambers, and community halls, a troubling shift has been unfolding. The treatment of elected and appointed officials, staff, and even members of the pub...

Welcome to Municipal Affairs. This spring, municipal leaders from across Atlantic Canada—mayors, deputy mayors, wardens, and more—convened in Saint John, New Brunswick for the Atlantic Mayors’ Congress. Against a backdrop of growing cross-border trade tensions between Canada and the United States, the theme of this year’s gathering was clear: collaboration. From large urban centres to small rural...

Welcome to Municipal Affairs.  we're turning our attention westward—right to the heart of the Calgary Stampede—where a significant political development has taken place. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Ontario Premier Doug Ford have signed two memorandums of understanding, signaling a powerful alliance between Canada’s economic heavyweights.  Their goal? To strengthen interprovincial trade,...

Welcome to Municipal Affairs  On today’s episode, we sit down for an exclusive one-on-one interview with Saskatchewan’s newly appointed Minister of Government Relations, Eric Schmalz.  Fresh off a recent trip to New Brunswick, Minister Schmalz met with counterparts from across the country to discuss pressing municipal issues—from housing affordability and infrastructure needs, to rural development...

Welcome to a special live edition of Municipal Affairs  — the show where local leadership meets real conversations.  I’m your host, Christopher Brown, and Today, we’re bringing you something a little different, and a whole lot more collaborative. Across Atlantic Canada, municipalities are facing challenges that don’t stop at provincial borders — housing, infrastructure, climate adaptation, governa...

Welcome to Municipal Affairs. Last month, municipal leaders from across Atlantic Canada—mayors, deputy mayors, wardens, and more—convened in Saint John, New Brunswick for the Atlantic Mayors’ Congress. Against a backdrop of growing cross-border trade tensions between Canada and the United States, the theme of this year’s gathering was clear: collaboration. From large urban centres to small rural c...

Welcome to Municipal Affairs. A growing crisis in Alberta's countryside is pushing rural leaders — and producers — to the brink. In June, Alberta’s Minister of Agriculture RJ Sigurdson, alongside Premier Danielle Smith, penned an open letter to federal Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald. The warning was blunt: Alberta’s farmers and ranchers are running out of time. The threat? Richardson’s g...

Welcome to Municipal Affairs. There is nothing more exciting than getting in your car, and hitting the open road. Destination small town, Saskatchewan. And last month that is exactly what SUMA did. Every year, the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association hosts its Regional Roadshow—an opportunity for local leaders to come together, share insights, and tackle issues that matter most to their c...

Welcome to Municipal Affairs. Ah, the Calgary Stampede — a place where cowboy boots crunch gravel, where the smell of pancakes and livestock hangs thick in the air, and where tradition meets politics in the most Canadian of ways. Yes, there are bucking broncos, chuckwagons, and enough denim to make a Levi’s factory blush — but the Stampede is far more than a ten-day rodeo.  It’s a global gathering...

Summer in Saskatchewan is more than just sunshine and barbecues—though we’ll never say no to a good grill-out. It’s a season rooted in community, in coming together, and for the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities, it’s a time for connection, collaboration, and conversation. Every June, municipal leaders from across rural Saskatchewan gather for the SARM June District Meetings. It’s a...

Welcome to a special live edition of Municipal Affairs. Today, we have a fascinating show for you, diving into the heart of one of the biggest undertakings a community can take on — hosting the Canada Games. These Games are not just a moment in time; they’re about legacy. They're about the monumental effort required to bring them to life, and the far-reaching impact they have on the cities and...

Welcome to Municipal Affairs  Summer in Alberta means a few things: the smell of BBQs wafting through neighbourhoods, the unmistakable energy of Stampede season, and of course—the open road calling us for that classic Canadian summer tradition: the road trip. And that’s exactly what Alberta Municipalities has been doing over the last month. From Picture Butte to Drumheller to Devon, municipal lead...

Welcome to Municipal Affairs. Last month, municipal leaders from across Atlantic Canada—mayors, deputy mayors, wardens, and more—convened in Saint John, New Brunswick for the Atlantic Mayors’ Congress. Against a backdrop of growing cross-border trade tensions between Canada and the United States, the theme of this year’s gathering was clear: collaboration. From large urban centres to small rural c...

Welcome to Municipal Affairs . Today, we’re talking about a turning point. A pivotal moment for Canada’s economy, and for the communities that sustain it—especially those often working behind the scenes: rural Municipalities The Federation of Canadian Municipalities released The Future of Rural Canada , a roadmap that calls on all levels of government to recognize something we’ve long known but to...

Welcome to Municipal Affairs . Canada’s capital was the centre of attention for local governments from across the country. More than 2,000 municipal leaders gathered in Ottawa for the annual Federation of Canadian Municipalities Tradeshow and Convention — a landmark event that brings together communities of all sizes. During the four-day convention, we spoke with delegates from across Ontario who...

Welcome to Municipal Affairs. Canada’s capital was the centre of attention for local governments from across the country. More than 2,000 municipal leaders gathered in Ottawa for the annual Federation of Canadian Municipalities Tradeshow and Convention — a landmark event that brings together communities of all sizes. Among those in attendance were delegations from across Beautiful British Columbia...

Welcome to Municipal Affairs . Today, we’re bringing you a special one-on-one conversation with the newly appointed Executive Director of the Federation of PEI Municipalities — Satya Sen. FPEIM recently announced Sen’s appointment, recognizing his proven leadership and deep knowledge of municipal issues. If his name sounds familiar, that’s because he’s already been a key figure behind the scenes —...

Welcome to Municipal Affairs. Today, we're turning our spotlight toward one of Saskatchewan’s most dynamic and expansive regions — the Rural Municipality of Corman Park. Stretching across over 800 square kilometres and wrapping around the City of Saskatoon, Corman Park is more than just a boundary; it’s a blend of thriving agriculture, emerging development, and rich community spirit. It’s a pl...

Welcome to Municipal Affairs . Canada’s capital was the centre of attention for local governments from across the country. More than 2,000 municipal leaders gathered in Ottawa for the annual Federation of Canadian Municipalities Tradeshow and Convention — a landmark event that brings together communities of all sizes to share ideas, elevate concerns, and help shape the national conversation on mun...

Welcome to Municipal Affairs. Today, we're exploring Calgary's vibrant and evolving political landscape as the race for the next Calgary municipal council gains momentum.  Among the candidates vying for the coveted role of Calgary Mayor is Jeromy Farkas. As a former City Councillor and current non-profit CEO, Jeromy has championed fiscal responsibility, public safety, and pragmatic leaders...