Council approved three Alberta Municipalities policy resolutions that will now be submitted for consideration by the Alberta Municipalities membership. Resolutions that are adopted assist to inform and direct Alberta Municipalities advocacy efforts.
The three resolutions approved include Federal Funding for Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Clean Diesel Busses, a Provincial Emergency Shelter Strategy, and Permanent Supportive Housing Capital and Operational Funding.
"These three items encapsulate numerous dialogues within our Council, reflecting our concerted efforts to identify the pivotal concerns within our community. United under the banner of Alberta Municipalities, we recognize the significance of these issues across various communities in our province. By amplifying our collective voice through these resolutions, we aim to foster advocacy that benefits us all,” said Mayor Johnston.
The three resolutions approved today include:
- Federal Funding for Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Clean Diesel Busses Resolution:
Alberta Municipalities advocate to the Government of Canada and the Minister of Infrastructure to return to a funding program that accepts purchases of compressed natural gas and clean diesel busses until 2035, which will allow municipalities to transition their fleets in an efficient and realistic manner. - Provincial Emergency Shelter Strategy Resolution:
Alberta Municipalities advocate to the Government of Alberta and the Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services to create a comprehensive emergency shelter strategy for the entire province. This detailed strategy will provide a vision, guiding principles, objectives, definitions, project management governance, and role clarity for provincial and municipal governments and applicable community stakeholders. - Permanent Supportive Housing Capital and Operational Funding:
Alberta Municipalities advocate to the Government of Alberta and the Government of Canada to increase capital and operational funding for Alberta cities for permanent supportive housing to ensure appropriate housing options are available for individuals experiencing chronic homelessness.
Since 2013, The City of Red Deer has submitted 23 policy resolutions to Alberta Municipalities (formerly AUMA). The last year that The City of Red Deer submitted a resolution was 2021, calling for an independent review of Alberta Health Services Emergency Ambulance Dispatch. This 2021 resolution was strongly endorsed by the Alberta Municipalities membership and was acted upon by the Government of Alberta.
Alberta Municipalities is a group representing Alberta's municipalities where over 85 per cent of Albertans live. They work with elected and administrative leaders of Alberta's municipalities to advocate for solutions to municipal issues. Resolutions are one way that the Alberta Municipalities' board or members can propose actions or policies for the membership to consider. Resolutions that are passed by members set the direction for Alberta Municipalities' advocacy efforts over the next three years.
The next Alberta Municipalities conference will be held in Red Deer this fall from September 25 through 27.