On Oct. 18, we go to the polls for municipal and school board elections. That day, Albertans vote for our school trustees, municipal councillors, mayors and reeves. Additionally, there appears likely to be a provincial referendum question on the ballot intended to assist the government in establishing a formal Alberta policy position relative to equalization payments to Ottawa.
But regional collaboration around Alberta is also indirectly on the ballot.
Albertans are also weighing in during this election on the degree of collaboration underway between municipalities. Five years ago, the provincial government established regulations requiring all municipalities in Alberta to negotiate bilateral agreements with each of their adjacent neighbours. All of these agreements are to be completed by March 31, 2021. And while most of these agreements have been completed, many municipalities with significant disagreements are heading for arbitration, some of these negotiations actually helped trigger village dissolutions, some negotiations triggered amalgamation studies, while others further solidified their already positive relationships.
The regions around Edmonton and Calgary continue to march along making important progress within each respective region. Recent Edmonton and Calgary regional examples include continued progress by the Calgary region on a growth plan, the Edmonton Global Corporation implementing economic development initiatives and the Edmonton Regional Transit Commission being formed.
Disappointing to many who believe in regionalism is that there are some municipalities not joining or actually withdrawing from these regional efforts. This includes the second-largest transit provider, the County of Strathcona, deciding not to join the Regional Transit Commission (a head scratcher).
All this regional effort undertaken in the past several years continues to bode well for Alberta and those elected officials who oppose such efforts of collaboration will need to answer to their electorate across all of Alberta. And those Albertans seeking office in any region are wise to include regional cooperation in their campaign platform to demonstrate to the voters that they can see the big picture of cooperation. The “America First” initiative south of the border is an example where short-term and self-serving approaches may not be in the public’s best interest (long term). Let’s hope any selfish approaches are not rewarded in Alberta at municipal election time, especially following the recent budget that sees reduced municipal financial support.
We operate and function in regions. The newspapers throughout Alberta, such as the St. Albert Gazette, operate in and serve a region. The Alberta health system operates regionally, public transit operates regionally, the road networks are regional and employment opportunities are regional because commuting is regional. Seniors housing is another regional matter of significance.
The power of unity is indisputable and not co-operating seems so out of touch. Such a myopic view taken by some politicians is even rewarded by some voters. But the pandemic may have actually triggered a different view of those “me first” approaches. Voters are seeking politicians who can see the big picture.
So ... school board trustees are on the ballot this fall. Mayors are on the ballot this fall. Reeves are on the ballot this fall. Councillors are on the ballot this fall. A provincial referendum is on the ballot this fall.
While no box to check on the ballots, leaders who think regionally are on the ballot this fall.
Albertans will no doubt choose wisely.
