CONVENTION HIGHLIGHTS FALL 2018 PRESIDENT’S SPEECH

RMA President Al Kemmere took the stage at the fall Rural crime is a major issue across Alberta. President convention to deliver his semi-annual address. The Kemmere provided an update on RMA’s advocacy efforts, assessment year modifier (AYM) issue has been a major including pushing for the province’s creation of a rural challenge for many members, as the late decision to freeze crime action plan. Since the action plan was implemented AYMs had significant budgeting implications for many RMA earlier in 2018, overall rural crime rates have decreased, members. President Kemmere shared an update on RMA’s which is an initial positive sign that the province’s advocacy on this issue, as well as his concern with the investment in the issue is paying dividends. RMA is also continued lack of information on the topic from Alberta involved in the province’s ongoing review of the Police Act, Municipal Affairs. which is expected to wrap up sometime in 2019. As the Municipal Sustainability Initiative (MSI) will end RMA works closely with the Federation of Canadian in the 2021 – 22 budget year, RMA has engaged with Municipalities (FCM). Recent work has been to raise the Government of Alberta and the Alberta Urban FCM’s focus on rural issues through supporting content Municipalities Association (AUMA) to begin determining development for the FCM conference, sponsoring a what municipal funding will look like following the MSI’s resolution calling for the Government of Canada to adopt expiry. RMA supports a predictable funding model that a “rural lens” when making policy decisions, and other acknowledges the important role that municipalities play collaboration on issues such as rural broadband, asset in maintaining infrastructure and providing services. RMA management, and cannabis legalization. is willing to be a partner in Alberta’s economic recovery, In addition to their advocacy work, RMA provides and views municipalities similarly to sectors such as health members with important business services. President and education in terms of the extent to which they should Kemmere provided an update on RMA Trade, RMA Fuel be impacted by provincial financial challenges. RMA and RMA Insurance. All three business units had great expects discussions on municipal funding to intensify in the years, which speaks to their effectiveness in supporting near future and will provide members with updates as they members and the critical role they play in supporting become available. RMA’s advocacy work and overall sustainability. On the agriculture file, President Kemmere touched on The final topic discussed by President Kemmere was RMA’s several topics. First up was agriculture plastic recycling. member engagement efforts. In addition to ongoing RMA has participated on a working group to develop information-sharing through the Contact newsletter, solutions to the lack of agriculture plastic recycling the President’s Letter, Advocacy Report Card and other in Alberta. The working group has made progress in means, RMA works with members through a variety emphasizing the importance of an ag plastic recycling of committees. Member visits are also a great tool to solution to the Government of Alberta and are hopeful maintain a face-to-face relationship with members and get that provincial funding will be in place for a pilot shortly. the local perspective on a variety of issues. President Kemmere also provided updates on RMA’s work related to Fusarium, Clubroot, and issues related to President Kemmere wrapped up his speech highlighting drought and excessive moisture. RMA’s rebrand and its continued importance as a rural municipal advocate. Although the name has changed, The Local Authorities Pension Plan (LAPP) is undergoing RMA has represented rural municipalities and rural issues a governance restructuring. As LAPP is important for for over 100 years. With 69 members, RMA has a unique municipalities in their role as employers, RMA has been perspective to offer to other levels of government and we involved in the review process. At this point, details are pride ourselves on being the voice for rural Alberta. not yet finalized, but RMA has represented their members’ perspectives and support the full funding of the plan. CONVENTION HIGHLIGHTS FALL 2019 2 OPENING CEREMONIES R.W. HAY AWARD

RMA’s fall 2018 convention kicked off with a great The R.W. Hay Award is supported jointly by the RMA and rendition of O Canada from Strathcona County resident the Society of Local Government Managers (SLGM), and Peyton Klassen. Delegates then received greetings from demonstrates appreciation for the chief administrative the Honorable Lois Mitchell, Lieutenant Governor of officers who play such a critical role in implementing Alberta, who spoke passionately about her appreciation council visions in rural municipalities across Alberta. of the important role that rural Alberta plays in This year’s recipient was Theresa Van Oort, CAO of the the province’s economy and identity. The opening County of Northern Lights. Theresa has been a strong ceremonies were also an opportunity for the RMA’s leader at the County of Northern Lights for many years, board of directors, as well as honored fraternals and and is highly deserving of the recognition. Theresa was dignitaries, to be recognized and thanked for their also recognized with a long service award for 35 years of contributions to rural Alberta. The opening ceremonies service to rural municipalities! also provided an opportunity for delegates to remember former RMA members who have passed away since the previous convention. The opening ceremonies wrapped up with long service awards. These awards recognize rural municipal administrators and elected officials for their dedication. Awards were handed out for 9, 15, 20, 30, 35 and 45 years of service.

CONVENTION HIGHLIGHTS FALL 2019 3 ADDRESS FROM THE PROVINCE: HONOURABLE SHAYE ANDERSON

Shaye Anderson, Minister of Municipal Affairs, provided delegates with an update of key issues impacting municipalities in the province. Minister Anderson focused on two key issues in his address. The first was an update on the province’s efforts to develop and legislate a long- term municipal funding program to replace the Municipal Sustainability Initiative when it concludes in 2022. Minister Anderson spoke to the importance of providing municipalities with predictable funding, as well as the need to develop a model that is financially sustainable for municipalities and the province. Minister Anderson explained that the new model would be indexed to changes in provincial revenue in order to strengthen the partnership between municipalities and the province. The second issue addressed by Minister Anderson was the ongoing challenge that rural municipalities face in paying education property tax requisitions on uncollectible linear oil and gas property. The Minister provided an update on the Property Education Requisition Credit (PERC) program, which was introduced at the fall 2017 RMA convention and intended to provide financial support to municipalities unable to collect education property taxes from bankrupt oil and gas companies. To this point, approximately three million dollars has been provided to 37 municipalities, and applications are still being accepted. Minister Anderson also touched on the issue of assessment year modifiers (AYM) and the budgeting challenges that the late decision to freeze modifiers caused for municipalities. Alberta Municipal Affairs is currently reviewing the AYM model, and hopes to bring draft AYMs for the coming year forward very soon.

CONVENTION HIGHLIGHTS FALL 2019 4 MUNICIPAL CLIMATE CHANGE ACTION CENTRE

The Municipal Climate Change Action Centre (MCCAC) is a partnership between RMA, AUMA and the Government of Alberta. MCCAC Director Trina Innes provided an update on the program and the important role it plays in supporting municipalities in their efforts to address climate change. MCCAC recently received $54 million in government funding, which has led to the development of several new programs that are already open or will be available to municipalities soon, including the Alberta Municipal Solar Program, the Municipal Energy Manager program, the Community Generation program, and others. For more information, visit MCCAC.ca. PREMIER NOTLEY

Premier of Alberta, the Honorable provided an update on her government’s efforts to support rural Alberta and grow the province’s economy. Premier Notley spoke to many of the ongoing challenges faced by both the provincial government and Albertans, including the oil price decline, federal resistance on pipeline construction, and natural disasters. In the face of these challenges, Premier Notley identified that her government did not panic to cut services; instead they prioritized stability to protect communities and jobs by ensuring core services continued to be available and through investment in new infrastructure and technologies to support and diversify Alberta’s economy. Despite the challenges, Alberta’s economy was Canada’s fastest-growing last year, with 90,000 new jobs. Unfortunately, many Albertans continue to struggle, but Premier Notley emphasized that providing access to job opportunities, retraining, and other services continues to be a government priority. Premier Notley also discussed a number of rural municipal issues, including long-term legislated municipal funding, rural crime, and others. Premier Notley concluded her address by emphasizing the importance of Alberta receiving fair value for its resources. While Premier Notley and her government continue to fight for pipelines construction, they are also taking other actions such as forming a special envoy to address the current oil price differential and doubling the energy royalty fund to attract major investment in Alberta’s oil and gas sector. CONVENTION HIGHLIGHTS FALL 2019 5 RURAL BROADBAND UPDATE MINISTER GANLEY

– STEPHEN BULL, ADM, The Honorable , Minister of Justice and Solicitor General, provided an update on the Government SERVICE ALBERTA of Alberta’s efforts to address rural crime, including an update on the Rural Crime Strategy implemented in Stephen Bull, ADM of Provincial Telecommunications and March 2018. The Strategy includes several initiatives, Registries Division for Service Alberta, provided an update including new data centres that reduce the administrative on the Government of Alberta’s development of a rural work required of front-line officers, allowing them to broadband strategy. Mr. Bull emphasized the important spend more time on patrol, and four crime reduction link between economic growth and broadband access, as units focused on habitual offenders. Since February, well as the key themes for the strategy, including funding, these units have made nearly 700 arrests. Partly as a a coordinated approach to broadband development, result of the Strategy, crime is down 11% in Alberta since regional solutions, consistent standards, and streamlined this time last year. In addition to the Strategy, a review process. Mr. Bull also spoke to the role of the Alberta of the Police Act is underway, which will be a great SuperNet in the broadband strategy. opportunity to further enhance policing in Alberta and develop a policing model that will meet Alberta’s needs for years to come.

ALBERTA COMMUNITY CRIME RMA STRATEGIC PLANNING PREVENTION ASSOCIATION SESSION

The Alberta Community Crime Prevention Association As a member-driven organization, RMA strives to work (ACCPA) supports collaboration between police services with members to ensure the association meets their and the broader community. Jean Bota, Councillor for needs. As RMA is in the process f updating their strategic Red Deer County, provided an overview of the ACCPA plan, this session provided members with an opportunity and the important role it plays in supporting safe rural to provide input into RMA’s current mission, vision, and communities. The ACCPA views rural crime as a very roles, as well as their views on more specific purposes serious issue, but one that can be addressed through of RMA’s advocacy and business functions. RMA looks continued effort on the part of the Government of forward to reviewing member feedback and integrating Alberta and continued collaboration among organizations into their strategic planning process. such as ACCPA.

CONVENTION HIGHLIGHTS FALL 2019 6 CONVENTION HIGHLIGHTS FALL 2019 7 BREAKOUT SESSIONS

Seven breakout sessions were held at the RMA Fall Convention. They included: CAN’T WE ALL JUST GET ALONG? BUILDING CONFLICT COMPETENT MUNICIPALITIES Conflict is a part of life and a part of municipal government. Having the tools and resources to handle conflict is critical to an effective municipality, and Alberta Municipal Affairs’ Intermunicipal Relations (IR) team is a great source of information and support related to conflict. In this workshop, the IR team provided an overview of common causes of municipal conflict, warning signs that conflict is getting out of control and outside support is needed, and an overview of the tools and resources available from Alberta Municipal Affairs. The workshop concluded with discussion of some conflict examples provided by workshop participants. COMMUNITY SERVICES SPEED DATING Rural communities are served by a number of different organizations and that play a key role in ensuring that rural communities are vibrant and resilient. The Community Services Speed Dating workshop was a unique format for the RMA convention that saw each organization involved giving a quick 10 minute presentation with 10 minutes of questions before rotating onto the next group in the room. The organizations involved are the Alberta Seniors Housing Association, Family Community Social Services Association of Alberta, the Nurse Practitioners Association of Alberta, and the Medically At Risk Driver Centre. We hope this workshop was a valuable opportunity to connect rural leaders to some of the organizations so that rural leaders can connect and work with these organizations in their own communities. PRIVATE SEWAGE VARIANCE TRANSITION: WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR MUNICIPALITIES? Municipalities play an important role in the development process as it relates to private sewage systems. This workshop featured members of the RMA and Alberta Municipal Affairs Septage Variance Working Group, which was established to review and provide guidance to municipalities as they undertake the responsibility to assess variance applications for existing sewage system separation distances. Presenters Dean Morin and Nicole Pagette highlighted the responsibilities of municipalities, the role of Safety Codes Officers, and provided insight on the what municipalities can expect as the transition in responsibility related to septage variances occurs. Key takeaways included that municipalities will play crucial role in providing advice to support decision making through access to accurate and relevant information at the local level.

CONVENTION HIGHLIGHTS FALL 2019 8 MORE THAN JUST NUMBERS: ASSESSMENT FOR NON‑ASSESSORS Assessment is a core function of municipalities and is essential to the property taxation process, but to say it is complex is an understatement. Facilitated by the Alberta Assessors Association, this workshop provided a plain language description of the assessment process for those without a background in this area. Participants had the opportunity to learn about the different types of assessment and the important concepts and nuances that elected officials needs to know to provide effective governance to their municipalities. POLITICS AND THE ALBERTA ELECTION The Alberta provincial election is right around the corner and this means that Albertan’s political parties are heading into campaign mode. Paul Mcloughlin from Word Of Mouth Communications provided a presentation and discussions to the RMA delegates that talked about the current trends and election dynamics in the province, and what we can expect to see as we approach election day. This thought provoking discussion provided valuable insight into what kinds of issues and topics are likely to be featured in the upcoming election, and what kind of political signals we should be aware of. We hope this workshop provided an education in provincial politics in Alberta that will serve RMA members as they advocate for their communities in the next election. STRENGTH IN NUMBERS: COLLABORATING WITH INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT For neighbouring municipalities and Indigenous communities, not collaborating can often be a missed opportunity. However, different processes, perspectives and priorities can often make relationship-building difficult. This workshop featured three speakers with experience on collaborative economic development between municipalities and Indigenous communities. Murray Kerik, Reeve of the MD of Lesser Slave River, Corina Morin-Hollingworth, Manager of Planning and Development for the Enoch Cree Nation, and Tanya Tourangeau of the Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers all shared their experiences with collaborative economic development and best practices for how municipalities and First Nations can build relationships and work together to attract economic growth to both communities. RMA INSURANCE’S CYBER INSURANCE POLICY (CAO FOCUSED) Cyber insurance is a new evolving risk that all industries are exposed to, including RMA members. In response to this emerging risk Genesis began to offer 1 million worth of Cyber Insurance coverage as part of the Genesis Liability program, in November 2017. This new coverage was included as part of Genesis’s general liability policy at no additional cost to members. This workshop features RMA Insurance’s long-time broker, Aon, to present details of our coverage provided by Beazley Canada.

CONVENTION HIGHLIGHTS FALL 2019 9 RMA ANNUAL GENERAL PROVINCIAL PERSPECTIVES MEETING – OPPOSITION PANEL

The RMA held its annual general meeting on Wednesday, Each fall convention, the RMA welcomes the leaders of November 21. The meeting featured several orders Alberta’s opposition parties to the stage to provide their of business, including RMA President Al Kemmere’s perspectives of the issues facing Alberta. The panel, annual report to members, as well as a financial report moderated by Alberta Prime Time’s Michael Higgins, by RMA Executive Director Gerald Rhodes. This AGM featured Jason Kenney of the United Conservative Party, also provided four bylaw revisions, all of which were David Khan of the , and Karen endorsed by members. This was the first time RMA’s McPherson of the . MLA McPherson was bylaws have been amended since 2012. filling in for leader Stephan Mandel, who was unable to attend. Delegates were provided the opportunity to ask questions to the opposition leaders. Questions touched on a wide range of topics such as the regulation of new energy technologies in Alberta, the reclamation of orphan wells, agricultural land protection, healthcare costs, and several others.

CONVENTION HIGHLIGHTS FALL 2019 10 RESOLUTIONS

The business portion of the RMA convention includes the resolutions session, which allows members to vote on resolutions brought forward by member municipalities. Each endorsed resolution becomes the marching orders of the RMA for three years. Active and past resolutions can be found on the RMA resolutions database at RMAlberta.com. The following resolutions were endorsed at the RMA Fall 2018 Convention.

1-18F Provincial Contribution to Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program(Mackenzie County) 2-18F Annual Release Date of Assessment Year Modifiers(Mountain View County) 3-18F Federal and Provincial Funding of Municipal Broadband Projects (Clearwater County) 4-18F Enabling High-Speed Internet Access for Rural Alberta (MD of Taber)

5-18F Alberta Energy Regulator Requirements for Acquiring and Holding Energy Licences and Approval (MD of Taber) 6-18F Securing Municipal Property Taxes in the Event of Bankruptcy or Insolvency (MD of Opportunity) 7-18F Municipal and Privately-Owned Protected Areas Inventory (Mackenzie County) 8-18F Restricting the Consumption of Cannabis based on Regulations for Liquor Consumption (Thorhild County) 9-18F Impact of the Alberta Wetland Policy on the Cost of Maintaining Public Road Infrastructure (Wheatland County) 10-18F Community Peace Officer Access to the Canadian Police Information Centre(Mountain View County) 11-18F Rural Municipalities of Alberta Represents Municipalities on Water Act Approvals (Rocky View County) 12-18F Multi-Stakeholder Committee to Work at Reducing the Use of Potable Water by the Oil and Gas Industry in Alberta (Brazeau County)

13-18F TELUS Failure to Maintain Landline Operations (MD of Spirit River) 14-18F Reclamation of Non-Producing Oil and Gas Sites on Agricultural Lands Owned by Bankrupt Companies (Lac La Biche County)

15-18F Wetland Mitigation Directive – Restoration and Compensation (Red Deer County)

16-18F Demand Meters and Rate Riders (Brazeau County) 17-18F Alberta Environment and Parks Additional Resources for Water Act Approvals (Rocky View County) 18-18F Utility Conflict in Municipal Right of Ways (Red Deer County)

19-18F Separation of Industrial Hemp from Cannabis Regulations (Brazeau County) 20-18F Decommissioning Costs for Wind Energy Developments (MD of Pincher Creek) 21-18F Scrap Metal (Copper) Theft(Woodlands County) 22-18F Amendment to the Wildlife Regulations Regarding Cougars (MD of Smoky River) 23-18F Social Well-Being of An Employee and Domestic Violence – Occupational Health and Safety Act (MD of Willow Creek) 24-18F Review of Education Funding Formula (Athabasca County)

CONVENTION HIGHLIGHTS FALL 2019 11 KEYNOTE ADDRESS

Amanda Lindhout was the RMA’s Fall Convention Keynote Speaker. After serving as an aspiring television war reporter in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as surviving 460 days as a hostage in Somalia, Amanda is an authority on bravery, perseverance, and overcoming challenges. Amanda’s key note address was riveting and emotional, and demonstrated the importance of forgiveness, compassion and strength. While Amanda’s experience in captivity was beyond what most people can even imagine, her lessons and advice was invaluable.

RMA BOARD OF DIRECTOR ELECTIONS

The RMA fall 2018 convention featured elections for the RMA President and the director positions for Districts 1 and 4. Mountain View County Councillor Al Kemmere was acclaimed as RMA President for a third term. District 1 elected the Reeve of the MD of Taber, Brian Brewin District 4 re-elected Tom Burton, Councillor for the MD of Greenview, by acclimation. They will join Vice President Kara Westerlund, District 2 Director Paul McLauchlin, District 3 Director Kathy Rooyakkers, and District 5 Director Soren Odegard to form the RMA Board of Directors for the next year.

CONVENTION HIGHLIGHTS FALL 2019 12 MINISTERIAL FORUM

Once again, the RMA hosted members of the Government of Alberta Cabinet on our convention stage. The ministers addressed questions from RMA members on several topics, including: • Provincial debt and fiscal sustainability • Agriculture plastics recycling • Bridge girder deterioration • Charitable gaming proceeds in rural areas • Wildfire prevention and management • School choice • Affordable housing • Assessment year modifiers • Prioritization of Alberta’s natural gas • Aging school infrastructure • Environmental approvals for road construction • Market access for energy resources • Separating industrial hemp from cannabis regulations • Assessment and taxation of cannabis production facilities • Rural childcare centres • Rural access to energy efficiency programs • Recycling of used oil products • Decreasing rural representation in provincial legislature • Concern with carbon levy • Impacts of occupational health and safety requirements on volunteers

CONVENTION HIGHLIGHTS FALL 2019 13 CONVENTION SPONSORS

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