Municipal Affairs

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...

Welcome to Municipal Affairs. This past week, over 2,000 municipal leaders from every province and territory descended on the nation’s capital for the annual Federation of Canadian Municipalities Tradeshow and Convention. Held at the Rogers Centre in downtown Ottawa, this four-day event served as a vital forum for mayors, councillors, and municipal officials to come together — to listen, to share,...

Welcome to Municipal Affairs. This past week, over 2,000 municipal leaders from across Canada gathered in the nation’s capital for the annual Federation of Canadian Municipalities Tradeshow and Convention. Held in Ottawa, the event served as a vital forum for local governments to unite, collaborate, and confront the major issues shaping communities from coast to coast to coast. The conversations w...

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. This past week, Canada’s capital played host to over 2,000 municipal leaders from across the country at the annual Federation of Canadian Municipalities Tradeshow and Convention. It was a gathering of communities — large and small — united by shared challenges and a commitment to shaping a better future for local governments across the country. From bail reform and th...

Welcome to Municipal Affairs . As we head into the summer recess, the Alberta Legislature wraps up a spring sitting that left no shortage of headlines — and no small impact on municipalities across the province. From contentious legislation to changes in leadership, the effects are already rippling out to communities large and small. Two bills in particular — Bill 50 and Bill 54 — are drawing shar...

Welcome to Municipal Affairs. It’s a well-worn path, but not an easy one: making the leap from municipal government to federal politics. Many have tried. Few have succeeded. But in the most recent federal election, we saw a notable shift — a wave of municipal leaders stepping onto the national stage. Among them: former Yellowknife Mayor Rebecca Alty, former Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson, and Do...

Welcome to Municipal Affairs This past week, over 2,000 municipal leaders from across the country gathered right here in Ottawa for the annual Federation of Canadian Municipalities Tradeshow and Convention. It was a powerful reminder of how vital local leadership is to the strength and resilience of our communities. From coast to coast to coast, mayors, councillors, and municipal officials convene...