On May 31st, the Government of Alberta tabled Bill 21: Modernized Municipal Government Act in the Legislature. This legislation proposes a number of significant changes to how municipalities operate. Since that time, the AAMDC has been touring the province with the new legislation and discussing the proposed changes with members.
The AAMDC has held four of the five sessions with the last session being held on June 20th in Peace River (St. Isidore Cultural Centre, St. Isidore). Members who have not been able to attend the AAMDC sessions in their own district are invited to attend this session.
In addition to the AAMDC member consultations, the AAMDC has also prepared a guide to the new MGA as well as a workbook for members to complete.
The workbook is intended to allow members to provide feedback on specific issues raised in the MGA but do not feel obligated to complete the entire workbook. The deadline for workbook submission will be June 30th, 2016. Please return the workbook to administration to be forwarded on to AAMDC.
The AAMDC will be using the feedback received from the member consultations, the workbooks and a forthcoming survey to identify advocacy priorities for the AAMDC, which will be submitted to Alberta Municipal Affairs for consideration as the legislation is brought back in the fall for a final vote. The AAMDC will also be assembling a ‘What We Heard’ document which will be available in the near future.
The Government of Alberta is also holding their own consultations across the province. AAMDC members are reminded that this legislation is a draft and members are encouraged to participate in MGA related events to ensure the rural voice is heard in these conversations.
For your consideration, a briefing note has been attached featuring the specific changes Council will be responsible for enacting as a result of the proposed legislation.