At the beginning of November, several members of Council attended the Rural Municipalities Association Convention in Edmonton where Rural Councils can participate in a variety of plenary addresses and workshops, as well as a ministerial forum and resolutions session.
While there, Athabasca County Council the elected Official Education Program. This program is designed to improve knowledge and help guide a better decision making process as a Councillor. The course creates a common understanding of the municipal perspective. The Course educates about relevant legislation, planning and development processes, service delivery, as well as the skills to serve ethically, collaborate with your colleagues and municipal neighbours, and plan strategically is vital to leading your community. Three Councillors who were not able to attend the entire RMA convention still took time from there schedules to drive up to attend this important course.
While attending the convention, Council had the opportunity to ensure that our provincial partners are well informed of our key issues and concerns. Council was able to speak with a umber of MLA’s and Ministers, such as Minister Brian Jean, Minister Rebecca Shulz, and Minister Todd Loewen. Council advocated and discussed priorities in the region, such as the ALPAC and Colinton bridges, Highway 63 Road Rescue, Well Drilling Equipment Tax, Economic Corridors, and several other topics that are important to the region.
RMA gives the opportunity to hear directly from Ministers and the Premier, as well as gives a great opportunity to communicate with our municipal peers from across the province to work together to advocate on common issues.
While at RMA, Reeve Brian Hall was elected Chair of the Mayors and Reeves Caucus for Mayors and Reeves across Alberta. Reeve Halls role within the Caucus will allow Athabasca County a stronger role in the Province and strengthen and increase our opportunities for collaboration with our partners.
