Local governments provide the essential services we use in our daily lives and are the level of governance closest to the people.
We need MLAs and a Premier who truly respect the role of municipalities - we don’t need the legislature in Edmonton involved in day-to-day decisions in Lethbridge, Calgary or Balzac. We need a provincial government that will work with and support municipal leaders to give their citizens the best possible service for their tax dollars. The relationship between provincial and municipal levels of governments needs to change; it needs to be a relationship between equals based on respect and an understanding of responsibilities.
The Alberta Party has identified four priorities in building a more successful relationship between our provincial and municipal governments:
• First, an Alberta Party government will build an equal and mutually cooperative partnership. As equal partners with the provincial government, municipal councils and their representative organizations, including the AUMA and the AAMDC, will be consulted in all matters concerning them, including legislation, regulations and procedures. Changes will only be made following active engagement with those affected, including the opportunity for meaningful input in a review process.
• Second, an Alberta Party government will work to build a stable and predictable funding plan for municipalities by revising the fiscal structures of local government. The property tax assessment process will be improved so the true value of property in today’s market is reflected. An Alberta Party government will also ensure that municipalities have full access to their property tax base, including the education portion. Although giving municipalities’ exclusive access to property tax revenue is important, we recognize that the sole reliance on property taxes may not be a sufficient solution. Long-term we will need to explore a variety of options to create a stable long-term funding environment for our municipalities.
• Third, an Alberta Party government will address and modernize Alberta’s antiquated municipal government structure through a new local government charter. A Premier's Council on Local Government will be established to review the status of local government and municipal structures in the province. The Council will be comprised of municipally elected leaders and experts in the field with a goal to redraft the Municipal Government Act. This redraft will include consideration of a local government charter. This charter will ensure that municipalities are recognized as entities capable of significant and autonomous action, because one size does not fit all. A Big Cities Charter for Edmonton and Calgary could also be developed.
• Fourth, an Alberta Party government will strive to strengthen Albertans’ participation in local government. An Alberta Party government will also establish the Innovation in Municipal Government Program, which will provide financial assistance and/or technical support for municipalities undertaking Gov 2.0 or citizen engagement and participation projects. We will also work with municipalities to implement campaign finance reforms to bring municipal rules regarding spending contributions more in line with those at other levels of government. An Alberta Party government will also extend the terms of elected municipal officials to four years, again to be more in line with our provincial representatives.
These reforms will facilitate more accessible, effective governance at the level that delivers the most daily services to Albertans. Ultimately the goal of the Alberta Party’s policies is to deliver the services Albertans need at a sustainable price. Good governance and the best possible return on our tax dollars for all Albertans means respecting the expertise of the people delivering our front-line services. Those who do the work know what they need, so strengthening municipal governments is essential to building an even more successful Alberta.
Glenn Taylor is the new leader of the Alberta Party, as well as former Chair of the Rural Alberta Development Fund, and three-term mayor of Hinton.
