Municipal Affairs

The relationship between municipalities and businesses can sometimes be a complicated one. Businesses may feel burdened by regulations and processes, while municipalities are often challenged to balance economic growth with the needs and expectations of their communities.Yet in every community, there is an organization that serves as a vital bridge between these two worlds: the local Chamber of Commerce. In some communities, it may be known as a business association, a downtown business improvement district, or a business improvement area. Regardless of the name, its role remains the same—bringing together the voices of local businesses and connecting them with municipal, provincial, and federal decision-makers.Today on Municipal Affairs, we are honoured to sit down with Mike Tate, CEO of the Regina & District Chamber of Commerce. During our conversation, we'll explore the priorities and challenges facing businesses today, the role municipalities play in fostering economic success, and how local governments and the business community can work together to strengthen and support businesses of all sizes—from long-established brick-and-mortar operations to emerging entrepreneurs and innovators.We'll also take a closer look at the important role Chambers of Commerce play in communities across the country, viewed through the lens of Regina's experience and perspective.-----Support The Show Today: https://www.crossborderinterviews.ca/support-the-showJoin The Show: https://www.crossborderinterviews.ca/be-part-of-the-show ------Listen To The Show:Apple: https://apple.co/41p5I2ISpotify: https://bit.ly/3tkvb0E YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/crossborderinterviewswithchrisbrown------Follow Us On Social Media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crossborderpodcast/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/crossbordernetwork.bsky.social Threads: https://www.threads.net/@crossborderpodcast Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/CrossBorderInterviews/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/crossborderinterviews/ Website: https://www.crossborderinterviews.ca/Municipal Affairs is Part of The Cross Border Network©2026

We are turning our attention to a growing crisis in east-central Alberta—one that residents say is no longer just about inconvenience, but about safety, survival, and the basic ability to call for help when it matters most.In the small community of Village of Amisk and the surrounding region stretching from Czar and Hughenden to Hardisty—and even along the southern edge of CFB Wainwright—cellular and data service has been deteriorating for months. According to a formal letter sent to Alberta MLA Nate Horner and federal MP Pierre Poilievre, what was once described as “limited coverage” has now become, in their words, “an all-time low.”Residents report dropped connections, near-total dead zones, and perhaps most alarmingly, failures in SOS and 911 connectivity in multiple areas. Landline outages—some stretching up to six weeks—have only compounded the problem, leaving entire households and businesses cut off.And the consequences, according to local officials, are no longer hypothetical.A medical emergency last summer saw ambulance crews lose contact with dispatch while responding to a patient suffering a severe injury, delaying care by nearly forty minutes. In another incident, a fast-moving grass fire driven by winds exceeding 60 kilometres per hour could not be reported promptly because the caller had no service at the point of ignition, forcing residents to physically drive in search of signal while emergency responders struggled to pinpoint the location. And in a third case, a young woman seriously injured after being thrown from a horse was unable to share her location or contact rescuers—even as they passed nearby—because her device simply could not connect.For the residents of the region, these are not isolated anecdotes. They are part of a pattern they say is putting lives, livestock, and livelihoods at risk.The letter, signed alongside a petition of more than 600 residents—most of whom reportedly use Telus and Koodo networks—calls for urgent intervention from both provincial and federal levels of government. In response, Pierre Poilievre has sponsored e-petition E-7477, now before the House of Commons of Canada House of Commons of Canada, urging Telecommunications providers to close persistent service gaps in rural east-central Alberta and ensure emergency connectivity is reliable for all Canadians.The petition remains open until July 4th.Today, we speak with Amisk Mayor Bill Rock about what life is like on the front lines of Canada’s rural connectivity gap—and what, if anything, can be done before the next emergency turns into something far worse.-----Sign the e-Petitionhttps://www.ourcommons.ca/petitions/en/Petition/Details?Petition=e-7477-----Support The Show Today: https://www.crossborderinterviews.ca/support-the-showJoin The Show: https://www.crossborderinterviews.ca/be-part-of-the-show ------Listen To The Show:Apple: https://apple.co/41p5I2ISpotify: https://bit.ly/3tkvb0E YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/crossborderinterviewswithchrisbrown------Follow Us On Social Media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crossborderpodcast/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/crossbordernetwork.bsky.social Threads: https://www.threads.net/@crossborderpodcast Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/CrossBorderInterviews/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/crossborderinterviews/ Website: https://www.crossborderinterviews.ca/Municipal Affairs is Part of The Cross Border Network©2026

As Canada moves to strengthen its defence readiness and meet new commitments with NATO, municipalities are being recognized as critical partners in the effort.At the Federation of Canadian Municipalities' annual convention in Edmonton, FCM announced the creation of a new Defence Task Force aimed at strengthening collaboration between local governments and federal partners. The task force will be co-chaired by Councillor Will Cole-Hamilton of Courtenay, British Columbia, and Councillor Conny Glenn of Kingston, Ontario.The initiative builds on the important role municipalities already play in supporting Canada's defence capacity. From roads, water systems, and housing to transportation networks and community services, local infrastructure plays a vital role in supporting military operations and the families who live and work in communities across the country.The launch comes as Canada significantly increases defence spending and advances new commitments with NATO. As new investments are made, ensuring federal priorities align with local realities will be essential to delivering results efficiently and effectively.During the four-day convention in Edmonton, we spoke with Councillor Will Cole-Hamilton and Councillor Conny Glenn about the creation of the Defence Task Force, why now was the right time to launch this initiative, and what they hope to accomplish as municipalities take on a larger role in supporting Canada's defence readiness.-----Support The Show Today: https://www.crossborderinterviews.ca/support-the-showJoin The Show: https://www.crossborderinterviews.ca/be-part-of-the-show ------Listen To The Show:Apple: https://apple.co/41p5I2ISpotify: https://bit.ly/3tkvb0E YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/crossborderinterviewswithchrisbrown------Follow Us On Social Media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crossborderpodcast/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/crossbordernetwork.bsky.social Threads: https://www.threads.net/@crossborderpodcast Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/CrossBorderInterviews/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/crossborderinterviews/ Website: https://www.crossborderinterviews.ca/Municipal Affairs is Part of The Cross Border Network©2026

Thousands of local elected officials from across Canada gathered in Edmonton, Alberta this week for the Federation of Canadian Municipalities' 2026 Annual Conference and Trade Show, marking 125 years of municipal leadership, collaboration, and advocacy.Over the course of the four-day convention, representatives from municipal associations across the country connected not only with delegates from their own provinces and territories, but with municipal leaders from coast to coast to coast. The event provided an opportunity to share ideas, discuss common challenges, and strengthen partnerships within Canada's municipal sector.While in Edmonton, we spoke with several provincial municipal association leaders about their experiences at the conference, the issues they are hearing from members, and why maintaining a strong relationship with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities remains important for local governments across the country.------Chapters:0:00 - Opening 0:04 - Introduction 1:08 - Alberta Municipalities President Dylan Bressey5:27 - RMA President Kara Westerlund 10:40 - SUMA President Randy Goulden 16:21 - AMM President Kathy Valentino 19:28 - MNL President Amy Coady 22:34 - FPEIM President Bruce MacDougall27:27 - UNBM President Brittany Merrifield 31:40 - Closing 32:32 - End Credits -----Support The Show Today: https://www.crossborderinterviews.ca/support-the-showJoin The Show: https://www.crossborderinterviews.ca/be-part-of-the-show ------Listen To The Show:Apple: https://apple.co/41p5I2ISpotify: https://bit.ly/3tkvb0E YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/crossborderinterviewswithchrisbrown------Follow Us On Social Media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crossborderpodcast/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/crossbordernetwork.bsky.social Threads: https://www.threads.net/@crossborderpodcast Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/CrossBorderInterviews/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/crossborderinterviews/ Website: https://www.crossborderinterviews.ca/Municipal Affairs is Part of The Cross Border Network©2026

For this edition of Municipal Affairs, we’re heading to the heart of Alberta as Edmonton prepares to welcome municipal leaders from across Canada for one of the country’s most important gatherings of local government.For more than 125 years, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities — known as FCM — has served as the national voice of municipal government in Canada. Since its beginnings in 1901, municipalities from coast to coast to coast have come together through this organization to advocate for stronger communities, better infrastructure, and policies that reflect the realities facing Canadians at the local level.Today, FCM represents nearly 2,000 municipalities and 20 provincial and territorial municipal associations, speaking on behalf of more than 90 percent of Canadians. From Canada’s largest cities to rural towns and northern communities, municipal leaders gather annually to set priorities, share ideas, and tackle the challenges shaping communities across the country.This year, that conversation comes to Edmonton.From June 4th through 7th, more than 1,500 elected officials, municipal staff, partners, and federal representatives will gather at the Edmonton Convention Centre for FCM’s 2026 Annual Conference — the largest pan-Canadian gathering of municipal leaders in the country.The conference promises four days of collaboration, discussion, and innovation, giving delegates the opportunity to network with peers, exchange solutions, and gain the tools needed to navigate the evolving challenges facing municipalities today — from housing and infrastructure to economic growth, climate resilience, public safety, and community development.And what better place to host those conversations than Edmonton — the Champion City.We caught up with Edmonton Mayor Andrew Knack to discuss about what it means for Edmonton to host this national gathering, how the city is preparing to welcome delegates from every corner of Canada, and what Edmonton hopes municipal leaders will experience while they’re here.We’ll also discuss what Edmonton itself hopes to learn from other communities across the country, and why collaboration between municipalities has never been more important.We also caught up with Rebecca Bligh, President of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, to discuss what has transpired for the municipal organization since their last gathering in the National Capital, and how her time as President has shaped her view and outlook on municipalities from coast to coast to coast. ------Support The Show Today: https://www.crossborderinterviews.ca/support-the-showJoin The Show: https://www.crossborderinterviews.ca/be-part-of-the-show ------Listen To The Show: Apple: https://apple.co/3XwwXIvSpotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cross-border-interviewsYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/crossborderinterviewswithchrisbrown------Follow Us On Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crossborderpodcast/Threads: https://www.threads.net/@crossborderpodcast Blusky: https://bsky.app/profile/crossbordernetwork.bsky.socialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/CrossBorderInterviews/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/crossborderinterviews/ Website: https://www.crossborderinterviews.ca/Cross Border Interview is Part of the Cross Border Network© 2026

On this edition, Municipal Affairs — more than 130 municipal leaders from across the Yukon gathered in Watson Lake for the 51st annual Association of Yukon Communities Convention, bringing together mayors, councillors, and community representatives to discuss the issues shaping the territory’s future.On the convention’s second day, Yukon Premier Currie Dixon addressed delegates about the challenges facing municipalities and the opportunities ahead for communities across the territory.(PRE-RECORDED INTERVIEW)Following his remarks, we sat down one-on-one with Premier Dixon to talk about what he heard from municipal leaders, the priorities of his government since last fall’s election, and the transition from Leader of the Official Opposition to Premier as his government works to address the issues facing both Yukon communities and the territory as a whole.(PRE-RECORDED INTERVIEW)------Support The Show Today: https://www.crossborderinterviews.ca/support-the-showJoin The Show: https://www.crossborderinterviews.ca/be-part-of-the-show ------Listen To The Show:Apple: https://apple.co/41p5I2ISpotify: https://bit.ly/3tkvb0E YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/crossborderinterviewswithchrisbrown------Follow Us On Social Media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crossborderpodcast/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/crossbordernetwork.bsky.social Threads: https://www.threads.net/@crossborderpodcast Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/CrossBorderInterviews/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/crossborderinterviews/ Website: https://www.crossborderinterviews.ca/Municipal Affairs is Part of The Cross Border Network©2026

Today on Municipal Affairs, we take a closer look at two issues shaping the future of local governance in Alberta: the Property Tax Accountability Strategy and Bill 28.For years, rural municipalities across the province have been sounding the alarm over unpaid oil and gas property taxes — a growing problem that continues to strain municipal budgets, infrastructure planning, and the services residents rely on every day. The Property Tax Accountability Strategy, or PTAS, was created to bring municipalities, industry, regulators, and the province together to find solutions. But with the final report now complete, questions remain about implementation, accountability, and whether the province will move quickly enough to address the mounting tax arrears facing communities across Alberta.At the same time, Bill 28 is advancing through the Legislature, proposing sweeping changes to the Municipal Government Act, the Libraries Act, and the Alberta Housing Act. Supporters say the legislation will streamline processes and create consistency across the province. Critics, however, argue the bill marks a major shift in the balance of power between municipalities and the provincial government — expanding provincial oversight in areas traditionally managed at the local level, from planning and development to housing, taxation, governance, and public services.So what do these changes mean for municipalities, especially rural Alberta? How could they impact local decision-making, accountability, and long-term sustainability? And what message are municipal leaders sending to the province as these changes move forward?Joining us to discuss all of this and a bit more is Kara Westerlund, President of the Rural Municipalities of Alberta.------Support The Show Today: https://www.crossborderinterviews.ca/support-the-showJoin The Show: https://www.crossborderinterviews.ca/be-part-of-the-show ------Listen To The Show: Apple: https://apple.co/3XwwXIvSpotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cross-border-interviewsYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/crossborderinterviewswithchrisbrown------Follow Us On Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crossborderpodcast/Threads: https://www.threads.net/@crossborderpodcast Blusky: https://bsky.app/profile/crossbordernetwork.bsky.socialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/CrossBorderInterviews/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/crossborderinterviews/ Website: https://www.crossborderinterviews.ca/Cross Border Interview is Part of the Cross Border Network© 2026