Convention Highlights November 18-20, 2014

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November 18 OPENING CEREMONIESThe AAMDC Fall 2014 Convention kicked off with opening ceremonies that included the presentation of Long Service awards and the presentation of diplomas for EOEP graduates. The R. W. Hay Award of Excellence in Administration was also presented to Bill Rogan, Chief Administrative Officer for the County of Grande Prairie.

HON. DIANA MCQUEEN, MINISTER OF MUNICIPAL AFFAIRSThe Honourable Diana McQueen was the first speaker of the day. She was on hand to present the annual Mu-nicipal Excellence Awards and the AAMDC’s Long Service Awards. Minister McQueen also addressed delegates on municipal funding in Alberta and announced that total municipal funding across all ministries increased to $2.1 billion this year. The Minister addressed some concerns about the transition of the MSI operating fund to the Al-berta Community Partnership, and said the government may revisit different options for returning the operating fund in the future, based on consultations with munici-palities. She noted the Government of Alberta will fulfil their promise to distribute $11.3 billion of MSI funding to municipalities and aims to have city charters for Edmon-ton and Calgary in place by 2016.

JANET NACLIA, ALBERTA RECREATION AND PARKS ASSOCIATION (ARPA)Janet Naclia brought an energetic flair to the AAMDC stage. Janet highlighted the importance of parks and recreation in attracting residents and investments to communities. ARPA is launching the “Excellence Series,” which includes a number of tools for municipalities to use to measure the performance of their recreation infrastructure and administration. Municipalities are often unable to benchmark and compare their performance in this area. Janet introduced some measurement programs being offered as part of the “Excellence Series” including Rec-excel, Rec-metrics, Rec-focus and Yardstick. For more information, visit http://arpaonline.ca/program/excellence-series.

DR. LORNE TAYLOR,ALBERTA ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING, EVALUATION, AND REPORTING AGENCY (AEMERA)Dr. Lorne Taylor highlighted the unique aspects of AEMERA including the measurement, assessment, and public com-munications of the current and historical conditions of Alberta’s environment. It is the first agency of its kind in the world and they are interested in working closely with municipalities. Dr. Taylor noted that all information and re-search gathered and used by AEMERA must be unbiased and not focused on any particular stakeholder group. It must be based on evidence and science.

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November 18HON. JEFF JOHNSON, MINISTER OF SENIORSThe Honourable Jeff Johnson brought seniors issues to forefront at the Fall Convention. He noted the proportion of seniors in Alberta is expected to double in the next 15 years. Seniors in the future will have very different lives than those in the past – they will live longer, be more active, and be healthier. As a result, Minister Johnson said they will have very different needs and expectations. Minister Johnson said the Government of Alberta needs to be more flexible in providing services in rural and urban Alberta that address specific regional challenges. The Ministry of Seniors is now responsible for all housing programs in Alberta, including the Seniors’ Lodge Program, affordable housing-related programs, and the Affordable Supportive Living Initiative. Minister Johnson said the Ministry needs to find ways to leverage this responsibility to strengthen housing supports for all Albertans, including seniors. He also looked at fire safety issues in public housing. Since many facilities, including seniors lodges, are currently obsolete, the Ministry will spend $70 million to upgrade these facilities to bring them up to code. In addition to housing, the Ministry is developing a strategy to address dementia and cognitive decline in Alberta’s seniors, as well as improving the elder abuse strategy.

HON. FRANK OBERLE, MINISTER OF ENERGYThe Honourable Frank Oberle highlighted the importance of pipelines and rail in getting Alberta’s resources to market. In particular, Minister Oberle spoke on the announcement of the Energy East pipeline and the discussion in the United States Senate on the Keystone XL pipeline. Despite some challenges, Minister Oberle insisted Alberta must find a way to receive world prices for our natural resource products by developing direct access to Asian markets. Moving forward, he said the Ministry of Energy must also develop an energy strategy that does not compromise the environmental and social sustainability of Alberta’s communities. He spoke on the need to strengthen Alberta’s social license to develop our resources and create an integrated resource management system which will be implemented through Alberta’s Land Use Framework. Minister Oberle said electricity is also a priority for our growing province and it must be safe, efficient and cost-effective for Albertans.

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November 19

HON. KYLE FAWCETT, MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABLE RESOURCE DEVELOPMENTThe Honourable Kyle Fawcett took the stage to address land-use and climate challenges in the province. He high-lighted competition relating to land-use as a major issue in Alberta since the province’s land resources are not unlimit-ed and cannot be exhausted. He said one of the Ministry’s top priorities is supporting the establishment of AEMERA and updating Alberta’s climate-change strategy, which will be released in the near future. Minister Fawcett also announced the Government of Alberta’s $2 million grant for the Municipal Climate Change Action Centre (MCCAC) through its Climate Change and Emissions Management Fund. The MCCAC assists municipalities in developing strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions by sup-porting local energy efficiency initiatives. He spoke on the development of regional land use plans under the Land Use Framework which are intended to foster smart growth and responsible land management. Minister Fawcett says this will lead to long-term sustainability for Alberta’s com-munities.

AAMDC STRATEGIC PLANNING SESSIONSThe AAMDC is in the process of developing its new strategic plan, which will guide the association in the coming years. Convention attendees participated in strategic planning sessions to provide input into this process and identify components for consideration in the development of AAMDC’s next strategic plan.

BREAKOUT SESSIONSMAKING IT WORK: INTERMUNICIPAL DEVELOPMENT PLANNING AND REGIONAL COLLABORATIONThis workshop included a panel consisting of the May-ors of Woodlands County, the Town of Whitecourt, Leduc County and the City of Leduc. Panel members highlighted their experiences and strategies used for regional collabo-ration and growth planning through the use of intermu-nicipal development plans. Participants were provided the opportunity to ask questions and learn about the ap-proaches used to balance the needs of neighbouring mu-nicipalities to benefit the region.

KNOW YOUR ROLE, REACH YOUR GOAL: MUNICIPAL ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIESThis workshop was led by George Cuff, consultant, author and former President of the AUMA and FCM. Cuff outlined the roles of elected officials in relation to their council and to their administration, and how, if these roles and respon-sibilities are followed, they can effectively guide an elected council towards the desired outcomes for their communi-ty. According to Cuff, elected officials must set direction for their municipality through effective governance and adherence to legislation. Cuff wrapped up with a variety of common sense approaches to ensure success including maintaining communication with administration, and re-specting the democratic process.

BUILDING SMART: COMPARING METHODS OF MUNICIPAL INFRASTRUCTURE DELIVERYIn this workshop, public works representatives from three rural municipalities discussed their strategies for undertaking infrastructure construction and maintenance projects. A particular focus was comparing the advantages and disadvantages of tendering out for construction and maintenance services versus the use of own forces. In addition to discussing this larger issue, many participants were interested in how the various panelists approached specific tasks such as gravelling, dust control, and grading. This made for some interesting comparisons among municipalities.

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November 19KEYNOTE ADDRESS: GEORGE KOUROUNISGeorge Kourounis, an adventurer and host of the television show Angry Planet, thrilled the audience with stories, pictures, and videos of his extreme adventures around the world. Whether it was chasing tornadoes, swimming with sharks, or rappelling above an erupting volcano, George kept everyone on the edge of their seat. George made clear that his passion for adventure comes from a respect and deep interest in nature. He demonstrated that through perseverance and dedication, anyone can realize their ambitions.

ResolutionsThe following resolutions were endorsed:

• 1-14F Amalgamation Process Amendments • 2-14F Controlling and Enforcing the Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species

(Quagga and Zebra Mussels) • 3-14F New Building Canada Fund (Provincial – Territorial Infrastructure Component) –

Guaranteed Equal Opportunity Funding for Rural & Urban Populations Under 10,000• 4-14F Reinstatement of Funding for Water and Wastewater Systems• 5-14F Reinstatement of Funding For Resource Roads and Local Bridges in Rural Municipalities • 6-14F Improvement of Highways in Alberta • 7-14F Regional Partnership Solution to Municipal/Community Viability • 8-14F Improvement of High-Speed Internet Services in Rural Alberta • 9-14F Fire Department Response to Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Calls • 10-14F Temporary Foreign Workers Program • 11-14F Alberta Health Services – Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Review • 12-14F Amend the Waste Control Regulation 192/1996 to Address Classification of Hazardous Wastes in Landfills • 14-14F Provincial Funding for Municipal Public Libraries and Regional Library Systems • 15-14F Telus Line Locates• 16-14F Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) Funding • 17-14F Mileage Signage Markers Along Provincial Highways • 18-14F Sustaining Schools in Rural Communities

Resolutions CommitteeChair Al Kemmere, Mountain View CountyDistrict 1 Ben Elfring, MD of TaberDistrict 2 Pat Alexander, Clearwater CountyDistrict 3 John Schonewille, Leduc County District 4 Leanne Beaupre, County of Grand PrairieDistrict 5 Eric Anderson, County of Minburn

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November 20

As always, the AAMDC was honoured to welcome all of the ministers and associate ministers who were able to participate in our bi-annual forum. The AAMDC’s forum is unique as it provides our members with the opportunity to directly question any attending minister on the issue of their choice. The forum was moderated by AAMDC President Bob Barss and the Honourable Diana McQueen, Minister of Municipal Affairs. Ministers in attendance included:

■ Hon. Naresh Bhardwaj, Associate Minister Services for Persons with Disabilities ■ Hon. Manmeet Bhullar, Minister of Infrastructure ■ Hon. Robin Campbell, Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board ■ Hon. Jonathan Denis, Minister of Justice and Solicitor General ■ Hon. Gordon Dirks, Minister of Education ■ Hon. David Dorward, Associate Minister of Aboriginal Relations ■ Hon. Wayne Drysdale, Minister of Transportation ■ Hon. Kyle Fawcett, Minister of Environment and Sustainable Resource Development ■ Hon. Jeff Johnson, Minister of Seniors ■ Hon. Heather Klimchuk, Minister of Human Services ■ Hon. Stevphen Mandel, Minister of Health ■ Hon. Diana McQueen, Minister of Municipal Affairs ■ Hon. Frank Oberle, Minister of Energy ■ Hon. Verlyn Olson, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development ■ Hon. Stephen Khan, Minister of Service Alberta ■ Hon. Maureen Kubinec, Minister of Culture and Tourism ■ Hon. Don Scott, Minister of Innovation and Advanced Education ■ Hon. Theresa Woo-Paw, Associate Minister of Asia Pacific Relations

BRIDGE AND RESOURCE ROAD FUNDING

FAMILY AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES FUNDINGMinister Klimchuk was asked how her ministry planned to address the increasing need for FCSS services in rural com-munities that have seen significant population growth. In many cases, municipalities are left with no choice but to directly fund portions of FCSS services that are supposed to be provincial responsibilities. Minister Klimchuk acknowl-edged that this underfunding was a challenge for both municipalities and users of FCSS services, and committed to take the comments back to her staff in order to develop a solution.

Ministerial Forum

Minister Drysdale and Minister Campbell were asked repeatedly about their plans to provide adequate and sustainable funding to municipalities for the maintenance and construction of resource roads and municipally-managed bridges. AAMDC members emphasized that this infrastructure is chronically underfunded resulting in weight restrictions or clo-sures of some roads and bridges despite their critical importance to the provincial economy by providing industry with access to Alberta’s natural resources. Minister Drysdale agreed that funding was needed, but cautioned that the recent downturn in oil prices may result in a tightening of the province’s budget.

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November 20

OpposiRESPONSIBLE NATURAL RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

QUALITY OF EDUCATION IN RURAL AND REMOTE AREASMinister Dirks was asked how his ministry will address the achievement gaps between children in isolated areas of the province (including those living on First Nations reserves) and those living in other areas of Alberta. He explained that he is aware of this problem, and it is harming both the quality of life and economic development in Alberta, and his ministry plans to develop a strategy to make the quality of education consistent throughout the province.

RURAL BROADBAND SERVICEService Alberta Minister Stephen Khan received congratulations on his ministry’s efforts to improve rural broadband service in Alberta. He acknowledged that this is the ministry’s top priority. Minister Olson also mentioned that when consulting with rural stakeholders in the course of developing the Government of Alberta’s Rural Economic Develop-ment Action Plan, the main theme discussed was the importance of high speed broadband in rural areas. As such, both Service Alberta and Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development have prioritized the continued improvement of rural broadband service.

LONG-TERM PLANNINGWhen asked why the Government of Alberta had not better prepared for the population growth currently taking place, Minister Bhullar agreed that previous government leaders had not properly projected long-term infrastructure needs. He explained that Alberta Infrastructure will not repeat this error, and will develop a twenty-five year plan based on population projections to predict future capital investments in core infrastructure. He explained that other ministries will be developing similar long-term plans for service provision.

PROVINCIAL PERSPECTIVES: ALBERTA’S OPPOSITION PARTY PANELProvincial Perspectives, the AAMDC’s opposition party panel, provided the leaders of Alberta’s three opposition parties to share their views on issues impacting rural Alberta. NDP leader Rachel Notley, Liberal leader Dr. Raj Sherman, and Wildrose leader Danielle Smith shared their parties ideas on how to provide Alberta’s municipalities with sustainable funding, the allocation process for industrial taxes, how to balance municipal autonomy with the need to work regionally, as well as how to improve rural health care and better serve the needs of Alberta’s seniors.

Minister Fawcett was asked about how he plans to ensure that Alberta’s natural resources are developed responsibly and that economic priorities are balanced with the need to preserve Alberta’s environment. He acknowledged that his priority is to find this balance. The newly developed Integrated Resource Management System (IRMS), which includes the Alberta Environmental Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting Agency (AEMERA) and the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER), will be a major step towards ensuring that industry is held accountable and development is balanced with envi-ronmental responsibility.

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November 20AAMDC BOARD OF DIRECTOR ELECTIONSA number of elections for the AAMDC Board of Directors took place with a new board being formally announced on the morning of November 20, 2014. The 2014-15 AAMDC Board of Directors are as follows:

• Al Kemmere, President• Carolyn Kolebaba, Vice President• Bob Jones, District 1 Director• Earl Graham, District 2 Director• John Whaley, District 3 Director• Tom Burton, District 4 Director• Soren Odegard, District 5 Director

After serving 13 years on the AAMDC board in the positions of District 5 Director and President, Bob Barss announced that he would not be seeking re-election at the Fall 2014 Convention. The AAMDC Board of Directors and staff value the leadership and dedication Bob has provided and appreciate the work he has done to move the association forward on behalf of the membership.

HON. JIM PRENTICE, PREMIER OF ALBERTA Premier Jim Prentice addressed AAMDC members with a speech that touched on a number of topics, including his vision to develop Alberta into both an economic and environmental leader. He acknowledged that falling oil prices may result in a period of fiscal restraint, but pledged to work with municipalities and other partners to battle through challenging economic times. Premier Prentice highlighted the Government of Alberta’s plan to build 55 new schools and modernize many more, as well as their on-going rural health review. He announced the commitment of $160 mil-lion over four years to renovate and replace seniors’ lodges in rural areas. Finally, Prentice expressed optimism over the future provincial-municipal relationship, particularly in light of the continuation of MSI funding, and a soon-to-be modernized MGA.

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Convention Sponsors

BRONZE SPONSORS

CONTRIBUTORS ■ Alberta Primetime ■ FrishkornMEDIACO ■ Modern Press Ltd.

■ AMEC Environment & Infrastructure ■ Axia SuperNet Ltd. ■ CN ■ Enbridge ■ EQUS REA Ltd.

■ Natural Resources Conservation Board ■ Northern Gateway Pipelines ■ Travelers Canada

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PLATINUM SPONSORS

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SILVER SPONSORS

■ Municipal World ■ Federation of Alberta

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