Municipal Affairs

Cross Border Network
Cross Border Network
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From the bustling streets of Vancouver to the serene coastlines of the Maritimes, and all the way up north to the breathtaking landscapes of the Arctic, we're embarking on an expedition that will connect us, inform us, and empower us. This isn't just another show; it's your portal into the pulse of your local community and every community across our vast and diverse country.

  1. 20h ago

    How Urban and Rural Municipalities Work Together: Part 1

    In municipal politics, relationships shape everything. They influence how governments work together, how communities grow, and how challenges get solved.  From municipal partnerships with the province and the federal government to the connection between local councils and the people they serve, strong relationships are at the heart of good governance. One relationship that deserves more attention is the one between urban and rural municipalities. Over the past couple of years, I've noticed growing tension in that partnership.  Whether it's debates over funding, infrastructure, libraries, or shared services, it's easy for municipalities to find themselves on opposite sides of an issue. But the reality is that communities rarely succeed in isolation. Today, we're travelling to northwestern Alberta to meet three municipal leaders who have made collaboration a priority: Grande Prairie Mayor Jackie Clayton, County of Grande Prairie Reeve Amanda McDonald, and Municipal District of Greenview Reeve Ryan Ratzlaff. Together, they've worked to strengthen the relationships between their municipalities, recognizing that regional success depends on trust, cooperation, and a willingness to tackle challenges together.  We'll explore how they balance the needs of their own communities while keeping the bigger picture in mind, and why shifting from a "me first" mindset to a "we first" approach can create better outcomes for everyone. Because when urban and rural municipalities work together, the entire region is stronger. ----- Support The Show Today: https://www.crossborderinterviews.ca/support-the-show Join The Show: https://www.crossborderinterviews.ca/be-part-of-the-show  ------ Listen To The Show: Apple: https://apple.co/41p5I2I Spotify: https://bit.ly/3tkvb0E  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/crossborderinterviewswithchrisbrown ------ Follow Us On Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crossborderpodcast/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/crossbordernetwork.bsky.social  Threads: https://www.threads.net/@crossborderpodcast  Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/CrossBorderInterviews/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/crossborderinterviews/  Website: https://www.crossborderinterviews.ca/ Municipal Affairs is Part of The Cross Border Network ©2026

    How Urban and Rural Municipalities Work Together: Part 1

  2. 4d ago

    Le spectacle passe au français

    Il y a un peu plus d’un an, après avoir quitté Ottawa à la suite du congrès de la Fédération canadienne des municipalités, je me suis donné un objectif : apprendre le français, la deuxième langue officielle du Canada. Je voulais me lancer un défi et, un jour, faire une entrevue complète en français pour Municipal Affairs. Au congrès de la FCM à Edmonton, la conseillère de la Ville de Salmon Arm, Louise Wallace Richmond, a accepté d’être ma première invitée pour une entrevue entièrement en français. (ENGLISH VERSION) A little over a year ago, leaving Ottawa after the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Convention, I made myself a promise: to learn Canada's second official language, French.  I wanted to challenge myself and one day conduct an entire Municipal Affairs interview in French.  At the FCM Convention in Edmonton, City of Salmon Arm Councillor Louise Wallace Richmond was set to be my first fully French guest.  Without further ado... bienvenue à Municipal Affairs, en français. ----- Support The Show Today: https://www.crossborderinterviews.ca/support-the-show Join The Show: https://www.crossborderinterviews.ca/be-part-of-the-show  ------ Listen To The Show: Apple: https://apple.co/41p5I2I Spotify: https://bit.ly/3tkvb0E  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/crossborderinterviewswithchrisbrown ------ Follow Us On Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crossborderpodcast/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/crossbordernetwork.bsky.social  Threads: https://www.threads.net/@crossborderpodcast  Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/CrossBorderInterviews/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/crossborderinterviews/  Website: https://www.crossborderinterviews.ca/ Municipal Affairs is Part of The Cross Border Network ©2026

    Le spectacle passe au français

  3. Jul 10

    Streeter: Municipal Advocacy At Work At Stampede

    The Calgary Stampede is known as the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors from across Alberta, Canada, and around the world to celebrate Alberta's western heritage and culture. But beyond the rodeo and midway, the Stampede has also become one of the province's most important opportunities for municipal advocacy. At this year's Alberta Premier's Calgary Stampede Breakfast at McDougall House in downtown Calgary, municipal leaders met with provincial MLAs and federal MPs to discuss the issues that matter most to their communities. We caught up with a few of those leaders and asked one question: What issue are you advocating for at the Calgary Stampede? From rural municipalities to Alberta's largest cities, local leaders shared the priorities they're bringing to the table—and why face-to-face conversations with provincial and federal decision-makers are such an important part of Stampede. ----- Support The Show Today: https://www.crossborderinterviews.ca/support-the-show Join The Show: https://www.crossborderinterviews.ca/be-part-of-the-show  ------ Listen To The Show: Apple: https://apple.co/41p5I2I Spotify: https://bit.ly/3tkvb0E  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/crossborderinterviewswithchrisbrown ------ Follow Us On Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crossborderpodcast/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/crossbordernetwork.bsky.social  Threads: https://www.threads.net/@crossborderpodcast  Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/CrossBorderInterviews/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/crossborderinterviews/  Website: https://www.crossborderinterviews.ca/ Municipal Affairs is Part of The Cross Border Network ©2026

    Streeter: Municipal Advocacy At Work At Stampede

  4. Jul 10

    Senator Speaks On Municipal Affairs

    Every year, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Convention brings together local leaders from communities large and small, creating an opportunity to discuss the issues that matter most to Canadians at the local level. But municipal leaders aren't the only ones paying attention. Among the attendees at this year's FCM Convention was Alberta Senator Paula Simons, who spent time listening to municipal officials from across Alberta and throughout Canada as they shared the challenges, opportunities, and priorities facing their communities. From infrastructure and housing to economic development and public services, the conversations taking place at FCM provide a unique window into the realities municipalities are experiencing on the ground. For Senator Simons, those discussions are more than just informative—they help provide valuable insight that she can bring back to Ottawa and into her work in the Senate of Canada. As lawmakers consider policies and legislation that affect communities across the country, hearing directly from local elected officials offers an important perspective on how federal decisions are felt at the municipal level. We spoke with Senator Paula Simons at the 2026 Federation of Canadian Municipalities Convention to talk about the importance of connecting with municipal leaders, what she's hearing from communities across the country, and how those conversations help shape her work in Canada's Upper Chamber. ----- Support The Show Today: https://www.crossborderinterviews.ca/support-the-show Join The Show: https://www.crossborderinterviews.ca/be-part-of-the-show  ------ Listen To The Show: Apple: https://apple.co/41p5I2I Spotify: https://bit.ly/3tkvb0E  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/crossborderinterviewswithchrisbrown ------ Follow Us On Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crossborderpodcast/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/crossbordernetwork.bsky.social  Threads: https://www.threads.net/@crossborderpodcast  Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/CrossBorderInterviews/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/crossborderinterviews/  Website: https://www.crossborderinterviews.ca/ Municipal Affairs is Part of The Cross Border Network ©2026

    Senator Speaks On Municipal Affairs

  5. Jul 10

    One Last Convention Before The Road

    Imagine spending decades not only focused on the issues facing your own community, but also championing the needs of municipalities from coast to coast to coast. For one delegate at this year's Federation of Canadian Municipalities Convention in Edmonton, that wasn't just a commitment—it was a way of life. For years, Silverton, British Columbia Councillor Leah Main has been a respected voice in municipal politics. Beyond serving the residents of her own village, she has helped shape conversations at the national level as a member of the Board of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, advocating for communities of every size across Canada. But this year's convention carried a special significance. Just before arriving in Edmonton, Councillor Main announced she would be stepping away from municipal politics, bringing to a close a remarkable career defined by service, leadership, and unwavering dedication to both her community and municipalities across the country. As she prepared to attend her final FCM convention, it was a full-circle moment. Her first national convention was in Edmonton—and now, years later, her last would be there as well. We caught up with Councillor Leah Main to reflect on her years of service, the friendships and relationships she built along the way, and what it feels like to say goodbye to a career devoted to strengthening local government across Canada. ----- Support The Show Today: https://www.crossborderinterviews.ca/support-the-show Join The Show: https://www.crossborderinterviews.ca/be-part-of-the-show  ------ Listen To The Show: Apple: https://apple.co/41p5I2I Spotify: https://bit.ly/3tkvb0E  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/crossborderinterviewswithchrisbrown ------ Follow Us On Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crossborderpodcast/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/crossbordernetwork.bsky.social  Threads: https://www.threads.net/@crossborderpodcast  Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/CrossBorderInterviews/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/crossborderinterviews/  Website: https://www.crossborderinterviews.ca/ Municipal Affairs is Part of The Cross Border Network ©2026

    One Last Convention Before The Road

  6. Jul 8

    Streeter: The Greatest Advocacy Event in Alberta

    The Calgary Stampede is often called the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors from across Alberta, Canada, and around the world to celebrate Alberta's unique culture and western heritage. But it's also a time when municipal leaders from every corner of the province come together to connect, collaborate, and celebrate Alberta. At this year's Alberta Premier's Calgary Stampede Breakfast at McDougall House in downtown Calgary, municipal elected officials gathered to meet with colleagues, share ideas, and take part in one of the province's signature events. We caught up with a few of them and asked a simple question: What brings you to the Calgary Stampede? From rural communities to Alberta's largest cities, municipal leaders shared why the Stampede remains an important tradition—and why it's more than just a celebration. ----- Support The Show Today: https://www.crossborderinterviews.ca/support-the-show Join The Show: https://www.crossborderinterviews.ca/be-part-of-the-show  ------ Listen To The Show: Apple: https://apple.co/41p5I2I Spotify: https://bit.ly/3tkvb0E  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/crossborderinterviewswithchrisbrown ------ Follow Us On Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crossborderpodcast/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/crossbordernetwork.bsky.social  Threads: https://www.threads.net/@crossborderpodcast  Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/CrossBorderInterviews/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/crossborderinterviews/  Website: https://www.crossborderinterviews.ca/ Municipal Affairs is Part of The Cross Border Network ©2026

    Streeter: The Greatest Advocacy Event in Alberta

  7. Jul 8

    Yukon Becomes Chair of Provincial/Territorial Ministers

    Across Canada, municipalities are facing growing demands—from aging infrastructure and housing pressures to rising construction costs and the challenge of building resilient communities for the future. Meeting those challenges requires cooperation between every order of government. Last Month, that conversation took centre stage in Jasper, Alberta, where provincial and territorial ministers responsible for local government met to discuss shared priorities and help shape the future of municipal governance across the country. For the Yukon, the meeting marked more than just another intergovernmental gathering. Community Services Minister Corey Bellmore has been named the Chair of the provincial and territorial ministers responsible for local government for the next year, allowing the territory to help lead national discussions on the issues that matter most to communities. During the meetings, ministers also sat down with Canada's Minister of Housing and Infrastructure, Gregor Robertson, to press for stable, predictable, and flexible infrastructure funding that reflects local priorities, addresses rising construction costs, and responds to ongoing supply chain challenges. As Chair, Minister Bellmore says she wants to ensure the voices of the North are heard as governments work together on infrastructure, housing-enabling investments, local governance, and the unique realities facing remote communities. It's also an opportunity to bring forward the priorities Yukon municipalities and local advisory councils have consistently identified through their ongoing advocacy. So what does this new leadership role mean for the Yukon? What were the key outcomes of the national meetings? And how could those discussions shape the future of communities across the territory? Today on the show, we are joined by Yukon Community Services Minister Corey Bellmore. ----- Support The Show Today: https://www.crossborderinterviews.ca/support-the-show Join The Show: https://www.crossborderinterviews.ca/be-part-of-the-show  ------ Listen To The Show: Apple: https://apple.co/41p5I2I Spotify: https://bit.ly/3tkvb0E  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/crossborderinterviewswithchrisbrown ------ Follow Us On Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crossborderpodcast/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/crossbordernetwork.bsky.social  Threads: https://www.threads.net/@crossborderpodcast  Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/CrossBorderInterviews/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/crossborderinterviews/  Website: https://www.crossborderinterviews.ca/ Municipal Affairs is Part of The Cross Border Network ©2026

    Yukon Becomes Chair of Provincial/Territorial Ministers

  8. Jul 6

    BC Municipal Leaders Talk Shared Challenges

    Thousands of local elected officials from across Canada gathered in Edmonton, Alberta, last month for the Federation of Canadian Municipalities' 2026 Annual Conference and Trade Show, marking 125 years of municipal leadership, collaboration, and advocacy. Over the course of the four-day convention, representatives from British Columbia connected not only with delegates from their own provinces, but with municipal leaders from coast to coast to coast.  The event provided an opportunity to share ideas, discuss common challenges, and strengthen partnerships within Canada's municipal sector. While in Edmonton, we caught up with numerous municipal leaders from across the British Columbia to discuss their attendance and how things are going in their community.Today's guest include: Tofino Mayor Dan Law, Clearwater Mayor Merlin Blackwell, and Kamloops Councillor Nancy Bepple.  ----- Support The Show Today: https://www.crossborderinterviews.ca/support-the-show Join The Show: https://www.crossborderinterviews.ca/be-part-of-the-show  ------ Listen To The Show: Apple: https://apple.co/41p5I2I Spotify: https://bit.ly/3tkvb0E  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/crossborderinterviewswithchrisbrown ------ Follow Us On Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crossborderpodcast/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/crossbordernetwork.bsky.social  Threads: https://www.threads.net/@crossborderpodcast  Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/CrossBorderInterviews/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/crossborderinterviews/  Website: https://www.crossborderinterviews.ca/ Municipal Affairs is Part of The Cross Border Network ©2026

    BC Municipal Leaders Talk Shared Challenges
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From the bustling streets of Vancouver to the serene coastlines of the Maritimes, and all the way up north to the breathtaking landscapes of the Arctic, we're embarking on an expedition that will connect us, inform us, and empower us. This isn't just another show; it's your portal into the pulse of your local community and every community across our vast and diverse country.

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