Municipal Affairs

Welcome to 'Municipal Affairs”, I'm your host, Chris Brown. In todays episode, we are shining a spotlight on a topic of paramount importance: investigations within the municipal sector, particularly concerning harassment, sexual harassment, and discrimination. In light of recent events and growing awareness surrounding workplace misconduct, municipalities across the nation are increasingly confron...

Welcome to Municipal Affairs, I'm your host Christopher Brown. Today's episode is a much-anticipated follow-up to last September's discussion on "Breaking the Glass Ceiling," where we dove into the experiences of women in municipal leadership roles. Today, we continue this important conversation by welcoming a panel of distinguished guests: Chatham Kent Councillor Alysson Sto...

Welcome to 'Municipal Affairs”, I'm your host, Chris Brown. Today marks the continuation of our ongoing series dedicated to exploring the vital role of Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs) in municipal governance. In this installment, we delve into what truly makes a successful CAO/Council relationship. Along for the ride today is the co-host of our sister show - The Political Trenches: Lo...

Welcome to Municipal Affairs, I am Your Host Christopher Brown. On February 29th, 2024, Danielle Smith and the Governing United Conservative Party tabled Alberta’s 2024-2025 Provincial Budget. Now according to the province, "With a steady focus on fiscal responsibility and wise spending, Alberta’s government will continue to meet the needs of Albertans today and tomorrow." In 2024-25, to...

Welcome to 'Municipal Affairs”, I'm your host, Chris Brown. On February 29th, 2024, Tim Houston and the Governing Progressive Conservatives tabled Nova Scotia's 2024-2025 Provincial Budget. Now according to the province, "It invests more to help Nova Scotians with the cost of living and build more diverse and resilient communities. It invests in building a world-class healthcare s...

Welcome to 'Municipal Affairs”, I'm your host, Chris Brown. This morning after a 6 month short pause on final approvals for large renewable energy projects, Premier Danielle Smith and Minister of Affordability and Utilities, Nathan Neudorf announced the strict new rules for Renewable energy developments in Alberta including but not limited too: The Province will no longer permit renewable...

Welcome to Municipal Affairs, I'm your host Christopher Brown. The Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM) is raising concerns regarding the profound staff shortages plaguing healthcare facilities across rural regions of the province. Joining us for this crucial conversation is Ray Orb, President of the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities. SARM, as the voice repres...

Welcome to 'Municipal Affairs”, I'm your host, Chris Brown. In recent years, the Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA) has been conducting surveys to assess the landscape of municipal property taxes, particularly about the oil and gas industry. The latest findings, as of December 31, 2023, are concerning to RMA. A staggering $251.8 million of municipal property taxes remain unpaid by oil a...

Welcome to Municipal Affairs, I'm your host Christopher Brown. In today's episode, we're focusing on wildfire preparedness in Western Canada as we gear up for the upcoming Wildfire season, set to officially begin on March 1st. With wildfires becoming more frequent and severe, municipalities are facing big challenges in protecting their communities and resources. To help us understand t...

Welcome to Municipal Affairs, I'm your host Christopher Brown Today we embark on a new chapter of our program. While we typically focus on local governance issues, we recognize the importance of the broader political landscape on municipal affairs. That's why, starting today, we're introducing a special feature segment where we sit down with federal, provincial, and territorial leaders...

Welcome to Municipal Affairs, I'm your host Christopher Brown. Today we are going delve into an upcoming event shaping the landscape of Westlock, Alberta. The February 22nd Town Wide Vote on the "Crosswalk and Flagpole Bylaw.” Before we talk about the future we need to bring you up to speed on how we got here: Last Spring, In the rural community of Westlock which is located 90kms north of...

Welcome to Municipal Affairs, I’m Your Host Christopher Brown. In the face of soaring inflation and rising energy costs, municipalities in Alberta have been searching for innovative ways to enhance energy efficiency and trim costs. The challenge lies in implementing these upgrades, often not happening due to financial constrainst. In a recent press conference, the province of Alberta unveiled a gr...

Welcome to 'Municipal Affairs”, I'm your host, Chris Brown. This is the first installment of our three-part series dedicated to unravelling the dynamic and pivotal role of Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs) in the intricate landscape of municipalities. In today's episode, we delve deep into the heart of municipal governance, examining the responsibilities, challenges, and evolving si...

Welcome to 'Municipal Affairs”, I'm your host, Chris Brown. Today dive deep into a hot topic that's been making waves in the municipal landscape of Alberta. An article by Matthew Black in the Edmonton Journal has ignited a spark in the ongoing conversation about the introduction of political parties into the municipal political scene. Now, the article suggests that more than 70 per cen...

Welcome to Municipal Affairs for January 29th, 2024. I’m Your Host Christopher Brown. Starting Today, and every last Monday of each month, we're bringing you a unique edition of Municipal Affairs, where we'll preview upcoming by-elections and share unfiltered opinions on major municipal issues. This isn't your typical episode; it's a fresh perspective on issues shaping our communit...

Welcome to 'Municipal Affairs”, I'm your host, Chris Brown. This is the first instalment of our three-part series dedicated to shedding light on the evolving landscape of Victim Services in the province of Alberta. In today's episode, we embark on a comprehensive exploration of the crucial role played by Victim Services Units and delve into the transformative changes unfolding througho...

Welcome to 'Municipal Affairs with Chris Brown.' I'm your host, Chris Brown. Joining me today is an esteemed guest, the CEO of Economic Development Lethbridge, Trevor Lewington. As we navigate the evolving landscape of municipalities, our focus today is on the year ahead, where municipalities across Canada anticipate a myriad of economic challenges. Trevor, with his extensive expertise, will be ou...

Welcome to Municipal Affairs, where we embark on a journey through the heart of our diverse nation to reflect on the year that was and cast our gaze toward the horizon of 2024.  I'm Christopher Brown, and today - this Sunday, December 31st, 2023 -  we have an exceptional lineup of municipal leaders from coast to coast, each with unique perspectives on the challenges and triumphs that defined 2...

Welcome to "Municipal Affairs," the show dedicated to delving deep into the matters that shape municipalities in Alberta! As we bid farewell to 2023, we're taking stock of the highs and lows, the triumphs and trials that shaped our municipalities. Today we are honoured to sit down with our Provincial Political Pundit Jennifer Burgess From navigating unprecedented circumstances to cel...

Welcome to "Municipal Affairs," the show dedicated to delving deep into the matters that shape municipalities across the Globe. As we bid farewell to 2023, we're taking stock of the highs and lows, the triumphs and trials that shaped our municipalities. Today we are honoured to sit down with the Victorian Local Government Association and Local News RoundUp Podcast Host Chris Eddy fro...

Welcome to "Municipal Affairs," the show dedicated to delving deep into the matters that shape municipalities across Canada. As we bid farewell to 2023, we're taking stock of the highs and lows, the triumphs and trials that shaped our municipalities. Today we are honoured to sit down with the President of Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association Councillor Randy Goulden. From na...

Welcome to "Municipal Affairs," the show dedicated to delving deep into the matters that shape municipalities across Canada. As we bid farewell to 2023, we're taking stock of the highs and lows, the triumphs and trials that shaped our municipalities. Today we are honoured to sit down with the President of Rural Municipalities of Alberta Reeve Paul McLauchlin. From navigating unpreced...

Welcome to "Municipal Affairs," the show dedicated to delving deep into the matters that shape municipalities across Canada. As we bid farewell to another impactful year, we have the distinct honor of sitting down with a key figure at the forefront of Alberta’s municipal landscape. Today, we bring you an exclusive interview with the President of Alberta Municipalities, the dynamic Mayor...

Welcome to "Municipal Affairs," the show dedicated to delving deep into the matters that shape municipalities across Canada. As we approach the close of another eventful year, we have the privilege of engaging in a conversation that directly impacts Canadians from across of our nation. Today, I am thrilled to be joined by a distinguished guest, the Conservative Party of Canada Finance Cr...

shape municipalities across Canada. Today, we delve into a matter of profound significance, one that touches the hearts and homes of many Albertans – the housing challenges faced by our seniors and communities across the province. For over half a century, the Alberta Seniors & Community Housing Association, or ASCHA, has been a steadfast advocate, working tirelessly on behalf of its members who ar...