Municipal Matters: Why lobby?

By Ann Mitchell on October 10, 2024.

As one of three levels of government in Canada, it’s imperative that we, as a local government, work closely with both the federal and provincial levels. It is also vital that we lobby and advocate on behalf of our residents.

Recently, a delegation of City of Medicine Hat elected officials and senior administrators attended the Alberta Municipalities conference in Red Deer, which provides an excellent opportunity for networking and lobbying.

Why lobby, you ask? Lobbying the provincial and federal governments provides the city with the ability to express our concerns about the challenges we are facing. These conferences are also an opportunity to network with others in local government. Educational sessions precede the conference, and industries and service providers that serve our sector are present.

During the week, there are opportunities to attend workshops on CAO/council relationships, climate change, and upcoming new or amended legislation that impacts our community.

Not only does the Alberta Municipalities Conference provide a chance to have one-on-one time with provincial ministers, but there are also updates on various local government trends occurring in our province, country, and globally. Members of the opposition are also present to give their views on the status of politics in our province.

Groups such as Alberta Municipalities and Rural Municipalities of Alberta have strong voices that can affect change for their members. Alberta Municipalities holds a resolution session that allows all members to put forward their intentions on everything from the changes coming forward under Bill 18 and Bill 20 to whether permanent residents should have the right to vote.

The resolutions that pass – usually after robust discussion – are then moved forward to the provincial or federal level. The minister’s forum also gives an opportunity for members to address a minister of their choice on items they are concerned about.

The provision of municipal services is the mandate of local government. Municipal councils determine which services each city, town, village, or county will provide. Funding for these services comes from property taxes; however, they can be subsidized by other types of funding.

One of the important tasks of lobbying is to identify and secure funds for these services. As stated in Section 3 of the Municipal Government Act, municipalities are here to “provide services, facilities or other things that, in the opinion of council, are necessary or desirable for all.”

That means that when lobbying other levels of government, the municipal council must consider their strategic vision as well as the greater good of the entire community.

One of the greatest benefits of lobbying other levels of government is that it gives those responsible for legislation and funding an understanding of a municipality’s unique situation. Lobbying helps paint a clear picture of the dynamics and needs of our community.

We can be more collaborative with our provincial and federal counterparts as they gain a greater understanding of Medicine Hat’s uniqueness.

These efforts ensure we continue to build and sustain Medicine Hat as a community of choice.

Ann Mitchell is the city manager for the City of Medicine Hat

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