ABmunis in the News: Q1 of 2022

As the unified voice of our members, Alberta Municipalities works hard to bring attention to our members’ priorities. Alberta Municipalities was often in the news in the first quarter (Q1) of 2022, representing the interests of our 275+ member communities. 

Possible creation of an Alberta Provincial Police Service (APPS)

• President Cathy Heron spoke to reporters about the National Police Federation’s consultations, with her comments appearing in a Bell Media online story. She also spoke about the possible creation of an APPS on Calgary CBC’s morning radio show, The Calgary Eyeopener.
• Vice President Tanya Thorn spoke about the possible creation of an APPS to reporters from CBC Edmonton and News Talk 770 CHQR in Calgary. She said that Alberta does not need a new police force (i.e., the RCMP was doing a good job), and suggested crime prevention-related funding of public services and affordable housing were needed.  
• Alberta Municipalities issued an official statement about its virtual policing summit on January 20. More than 400 people from member communities took part in the two-hour event.

Alberta’s troubled Emergency Medical Services (EMS) system

• The Government of Alberta announced its provincial EMS Advisory Committee on January 24 in a news release. “Alberta Municipalities is pleased that the provincial government has responded to our call to action to review and address the EMS-related issues that currently exist,” said President Heron. “We look forward to working closely with the provincial government to ensure Albertans receive the agile, responsive and effective emergency medical services they need, now and for decades to come.”
• President Heron spoke to The Barrhead Leader about the committee on which she sits as ABmunis’ representative, and what can be done to address the provincial EMS system’s current woes. The story ran on February 4. 

Provincial government amended Municipal Government Act (MGA)

• The issue of amending the MGA arose on March 1, after Premier Jason Kenney suggested the provincial government might remove municipal governments’ ability to create public health bylaws.
• ABmunis’ position was reported by CBC, CTV, Global News, The Edmonton Journal, The St. Albert Gazette, and CHED 630/CORUS Entertainment. President Heron also gave a live interview on CBC Edmonton’s morning radio show, Edmonton AM, on March 2. 
• Municipal Affairs Minister Ric McIver outlined the provincial government’s proposed amendments on March 8, when he introduced Bill 4 – Municipal Government (Face Mask and Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination Bylaws) Amendment Act, 2022. That same day, we issued a news release in response to the provincial government’s action. 

Spring Municipal Leaders’ Caucus (MLC) and beyond

• Media coverage of the APPS and MGA issues really took off during and after ABmunis’ Spring MLC which occurred at the Edmonton Convention Centre on March 9 and 10. We brought attention to members’ priority issues via more than 200 news stories from March 7 to 11. 
• We brought attention to our members’ stance on the APPS and Municipal Sustainability Initiative (MSI) funding. ABmunis was featured on the front page of The Edmonton Journal two days in a row: on March 10 – Alberta Municipalities leaders reject provincial police force models, and again on March 11 – Kenney warns Alberta Municipalities now is not the time to go on a surplus shopping spree.
• The association determined its official position on the possible creation of an APPS on Day One of the MLC (March 9), when 80 per cent of members in attendance voted to oppose such a move. An official statement was issued soon afterwards, resulting in even more news coverage.  
• President Heron’s remarks were featured in TV news stories filed by CBC, CTV, and Global News. She also conducted a live radio interview with Rob Breakenridge, whose weekday afternoon show is carried on 770 CHQR (Calgary) and 630 CHED (Edmonton) on March 10. Also, President Heron was interviewed by Alberta Primetime host Michael Higgins on March 17.
• More recently, President Heron was interviewed by Municipal World (MW) executive editor Scott Vokey. She addressed questions about the possible creation of an APPS and presented ABmunis’ position on Bill 4, saying the bill sets a dangerous precedent. The MW Shares podcast, entitled Municipal authority under threat, was posted on April 20.