Municipal Affairs

Welcome to Municipal Affairs. In this episode of the show we’re talking about international collaboration, trade, and what it all means for municipalities. Last month, Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham traveled to Phoenix, Arizona, to attend the 2025 U.S. Mayors Conference. But he wasn’t just there as the mayor of Winnipeg—he was also representing Canada in his role as Vice President of the Federati...

Welcome to Municipal Affairs, In this episode we’re diving into Nova Scotia’s 2025-26 budget—what it delivers, what it lacks, and what it means for municipalities across the province. Last month Finance and Treasury Board Minister John Lohr tabled Budget 2025-26: Unlocking Our Potential, outlining a financial plan that promises to lower taxes, invest in healthcare, stimulate economic growth, and m...

Welcome to Municipal Affairs. Today we have a very special guest—someone at the forefront of municipal leadership and advocacy in the Province of Prince Edward Island. Joining us today is Bruce MacDougall, President of the Federation of Prince Edward Island Municipalities. Bruce has been a strong voice for PEI’s municipalities, working to ensure that local governments have the tools and support th...

Welcome to Municipal Affairs This past week, municipal leaders from every corner of the NWT came together in Yellowknife for the 59th Annual Northwest Territories Association of Communities Convention. It was an opportunity for local governments to collaborate, share ideas, and work together to strengthen our communities." The NWTAC has come a long way since its founding in 1966, when leaders...

Welcome to Municipal Affairs Today, we’re taking you beyond our borders—because our challenges don’t stop at the 49th parallel. Municipal leaders are the backbone of our communities, whether in Canada or the United States. And right now, representatives from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) are wrapping up a week long delegation trip to Washington D.C, meeting with our American coun...

Welcome to Municipal Affairs. Today we reflect on a tragedy that shook the heart of our nation—a tragedy that, even twenty years later, remains etched in the memory of Albertans and Canadians alike. It was March 3, 2005, when Constables Anthony Gordon, Leo Johnston, Brock Myrol, and Peter Schiemann—four dedicated RCMP officers—made the ultimate sacrifice while serving and protecting their communit...

Welcome to Municipal Affairs, Today, we’re talking about a milestone moment for rural Saskatchewan. Change is in the air at the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities—better known as SARM—as a new leader takes the helm. Laurel Feltin officially stepped into the role of Executive Director in December, marking not just a transition in leadership, but a historic first. After 20 years of ded...

Welcome to Municipal Affairs, On November 13th, the people of Saskatchewan headed to the polls to elect new mayors, councilors, and reeves—leaders who will guide their communities through the challenges and opportunities of the next four years. For those newly elected, the first 100 days in office can be both exciting and overwhelming. It’s a period of rapid learning, relationship-building, and se...

Welcome to Municipal Affairs, Today, we spotlight an international collaboration that, over a year ago, set out to unlock new opportunities, strengthen industries, and forge lasting economic ties across borders. This journey began with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Economic Development Lethbridge and the Great Falls Development Alliance. This agreement united two mid-s...

Welcome to Municipal Affairs, Today, we’re tackling a topic that impacts every single Albertan—municipal funding and the upcoming provincial budget. With budget 2025 set to be released on February 27, the Government of Alberta has made it clear that tough financial decisions lie ahead. But for municipalities across the province, the belt has already been tightened to the breaking point. Growing po...

Welcome to Municipal Affairs. Today, we turn our attention to the growing economic and political standoff—one that’s putting pressure on local economies, industries, and even small-town traditions. In just under two weeks, U.S. President Donald Trump will announce whether he plans to impose a 25 percent tariff on Canadian goods entering the United States, along with an additional 10 percent tariff...

Welcome to Municipal Affairs . Today we find ourselves in the stunning interior of British Columbia, exploring a city with deep roots in industry, a growing arts scene, and a future defined by opportunity: Kamloops. Nestled at the confluence of the North and South Thompson Rivers, Kamloops is known for its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant community spirit, and status as the Tournament Capital of C...

Welcome to Municipal Affairs. Today, we’re tackling a critical issue that could seriously affect local economies from coast to coast to coast. Trade tensions between Canada and the United States are once again making headlines, as U.S. President Donald Trump signals potential tariffs on Canadian goods in March. And while trade is often seen in the jurisdiction of federal and provincial governments...

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 role of Ward 9 Councillor is Business Owner Harrison Clark. According to Clark, Ward 9 and its unique inner-city communities have an interesting future ahead of them. As Calgary grows,...

Welcome to Municipal Affairs. Today, we turn our attention to rural Saskatchewan, where communities are bracing for significant challenges following the announcement that President Trump’s tariffs on Canadian goods will now take effect in March rather than February 1st as proposed. These tariffs will touch every corner of our economy, but rural municipalities—especially those rooted in agriculture...

Welcome to Municipal Affairs . While we typically focus on local governance issues, we recognize the importance of the broader political landscape on municipal affairs. That's why here on the Municipal Affairs we decided to sit down with federal, provincial, and territorial leaders to delve into their perspectives on municipal governance, and how their levels of government are addressing munic...

Welcome to Municipal Affairs . Today, we find ourselves at a pivotal crossroads. For months, United States President Donald Trump has made it clear—he intended to impose a 25% tariff on all goods imported from Canada into the United States. This weekend, President Trump made good on his promise. He imposed a 25% tariff on goods and 10% tariff on oil and gas. This decision has cast a long shadow ac...

Welcome to Municipal Affairs . Every month, we head out on the open road touring different communities, attending press conferences with municipal leaders, walking through their streets, and speaking to those making a difference at the grassroots level. Today, we’re thrilled to introduce something new! Starting with this very episode, the first episode of every month will feature a brand-new segme...

Welcome to Municipal Affairs . Today, we’re taking a closer look at a key element of accountability in municipal governance: Council Code of Conduct Investigations. Unlike other administrative investigations—workplace disputes, regulatory reviews, or even sports compliance—Council Code of Conduct complaints undergo a single-prong evaluation before they even get off the ground. Investigators ask a...

Welcome to Municipal Affairs Today, we reflect on the end of an era for regional cooperation in the Edmonton Metro Region. For the past 17 years, the Edmonton Metropolitan Region Board — or EMRB — has played a critical role as the growth management board for the region. It’s driven collaboration on key regional initiatives, tackling everything from land use and transportation infrastructure to hou...

Welcome to Municipal Affairs . Today, we’re hitting the road—specifically, the Veterans Memorial Highway—a route that’s so much more than asphalt and painted lines. This iconic corridor isn’t just about getting from A to B; it’s about connecting Alberta’s past, present, and future. Stretching across the heart of the province, the Veterans Memorial Highway is a lifeline for our economy—a high load...

Welcome to Municipal Affairs . Today, we’re heading to the heart of south-central Alberta to explore the SouthGrow Regional Initiative—a collaborative powerhouse that’s redefining what it means to work together. SouthGrow isn’t just an organization; it’s a network of municipalities united by a shared vision. With a member-driven approach, it brings elected officials, community leaders, businesses,...

Welcome to Municipal Affairs As we step into a new year, it’s a season of fresh beginnings—a perfect opportunity for municipalities to recalibrate, reflect, and renew. Many councils and administrations are embracing this moment to strengthen bridges between their teams, ensure alignment on shared goals, and take stock of their service level inventories to better serve their communities. In this sp...

Welcome to Municipal Affairs. We are turning our attention to an important development in Alberta’s municipal landscape: the amalgamation of Clearwater County and the former Village of Caroline. On December 4, 2024 the Minister of Municipal Affairs, Ric McIver, approved an Order in Council that will bring these two municipalities together as one unified entity. This historic change officially took...

In this episode, we turn our focus to the economic outlook for 2025, a year poised to present both significant opportunities and looming challenges for local and global economies alike. Joining us is Trevor Lewington, CEO of Economic Development Lethbridge and a recognized expert in fostering municipal growth and resilience. Trevor shares his insights on the key trends and threats that will shape...