Municipal Affairs With Chris Brown

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Municipal Affairs With Chris Brown

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. Housing in the NWT

    2D AGO

    Housing in the NWT

    Welcome to Municipal Affairs, Today, we’re tackling a challenge that municipalities have been grappling with for years—housing.Across the Northwest Territories, finding adequate, affordable, and sustainable housing remains a pressing concern. Municipalities are on the front lines, working to address housing shortages, aging infrastructure, and the unique challenges of building in the North.At the most recent NWT Association of Communities (NWTAC) Convention in Yellowknife, we had the opportunity to sit down with Rob Warburton, Yellowknife City Councillor, to discuss the housing challenges municipalities in the NWT are facing—and, more importantly, how they’re working toward solutions.What’s being done? What support is needed? And how can municipalities drive meaningful change? We’ll unpack it all, right here, on Municipal Affairs.***************************************************Support The Show Today: https://www.crossborderinterviews.ca/support-the-showJoin The Show: https://www.crossborderinterviews.ca/be-part-of-the-show ***************************************************Listen To The Show: Apple: https://apple.co/41p5I2ISpotify: 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©2025

    16 min
  2. Manitoba Budget 2025: The Wants & The Needs

    4D AGO

    Manitoba Budget 2025: The Wants & The Needs

    Welcome to Municipal Affairs, All eyes in Manitoba are on March 20th, when the provincial government will table its much-anticipated budget. For municipalities across the province, this is more than just numbers on a page—it’s about securing the funding needed to maintain infrastructure, support essential services, and drive local economic growth. Municipalities are the backbone of Manitoba, responsible for everything from roads and water systems to recreation facilities and emergency response. But year after year, they find themselves asking for more resources to meet the needs of growing communities. So, what do they hope to see in this budget? More infrastructure dollars? Increased support for public services? A fairer funding model? To break it all down, we sat down with Kathy Valentino, President of the Association of Manitoba Municipalities (AMM), to discuss the priorities and expectations of local leaders ahead of Budget Day. Stay with us—we’ve got an important conversation ahead. *************************************************** 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 ©2025

    33 min
  3. Municipalities Sound Off

    5D AGO

    Municipalities Sound Off

    Welcome to Municipal Affairs, In just a few hours on Wednesday, March 19th, the Saskatchewan government will unveil its provincial budget—a critical moment for municipalities across the province. Local leaders are watching closely, hoping for the funding and support they need to maintain infrastructure, deliver essential services, and plan for future growth.Saskatchewan’s municipalities play a vital role in the province’s economy and quality of life. But each year, they face growing challenges—aging roads and bridges, rising service costs, and the ongoing need for economic development. The big question is: will this year’s budget deliver the support they need?To get a clearer picture of what municipalities are looking for, we spoke with Randy Goulden, President of the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA). President Goulden shared her thoughts on what they hope to see—and what’s at stake if those needs aren’t met.Stay with us—our conversation starts now.***************************************************Support The Show Today: https://www.crossborderinterviews.ca/support-the-showJoin The Show: https://www.crossborderinterviews.ca/be-part-of-the-show ***************************************************Listen To The Show: Apple: https://apple.co/41p5I2ISpotify: 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©2025

    11 min
  4. Land of the Living Canola

    6D AGO

    Land of the Living Canola

    Welcome to Municipal Affairs, Last week, over 1,400 delegates from 269 of Saskatchewan’s 293 rural municipalities gathered in Saskatoon to mark a major milestone—the 120th anniversary of the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities, better known as SARM. It was a convention filled with policy debates, discussions on the future of rural Saskatchewan, and keynote addresses from Premier Scott Moe and Leader of the Official Opposition Carla Beck. But one topic kept surfacing again and again: trade tensions. With ongoing disputes between Canada and the United States, as well as Canada and China, Saskatchewan’s rural leaders are growing increasingly concerned. These trade battles don’t just impact the national economy—they affect Saskatchewan’s farmers, businesses, and municipalities that rely on stable markets and international partnerships. To get a firsthand perspective on the convention and the key takeaways, we caught up with Bill Huber, President of SARM. *************************************************** 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 ©2025

    34 min
  5. President Mood Goes To Washington

    MAR 16

    President Mood Goes To Washington

    Welcome to Municipal Affairs, Last week, municipal leaders from Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Quebec traveled to Washington, D.C., to take part in the National League of Cities conference on behalf of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. Their mission? To strengthen relationships and push back against the ongoing trade escalations between Canada and the United States—disputes that have real consequences for local economies, businesses, and jobs. Among the Canadian delegation was Pam Mood, President of the Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities, who took the opportunity to deliver a clear message to U.S. officials and municipal counterparts. But what was the response? What did she hear from American leaders? And what impact could this growing tension have on communities back home? While in Washington, President Mood also sat in on a speech from U.S. Vice President JD Vance, where he outlined the administration’s stance on trade. What did he have to say, and what does it mean for Canadian municipalities? We caught up with President Mood to discuss her key takeaways from the trip—and what comes next. *************************************************** 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 ©2025

    33 min
  6. Zombie Companies Crippling RMA

    MAR 15

    Zombie Companies Crippling RMA

    Welcome to Municipal Affairs, Today, we turn our focus to a growing financial crisis impacting rural Alberta—one that has persisted for seven years and continues to strain local governments. The Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA) has once again sounded the alarm, revealing that as of December 31, 2024, oil and gas companies have left at least $253.9 million in municipal property taxes unpaid. That’s not just a number—it represents vital funding for roads, emergency services, infrastructure, and the very backbone of our rural communities. Despite government attempts to fix the problem, the reality is clear: policies have fallen short, and rural municipalities are left to carry the burden. While industry profits, local governments struggle. So, what needs to change? How do we ensure that corporations meet their legal obligations and that Alberta’s rural communities aren’t left footing the bill? To explore these questions, we sat down with President Kara Westerlund. She offers his perspective on what’s gone wrong—and what needs to happen next. *************************************************** 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 ©2025

    16 min
  7. Norman Wells Prepares for Spring

    MAR 13

    Norman Wells Prepares for Spring

    Welcome to Municipal Affairs, Today, we’re returning to a story that has been unfolding over the past few months—a state of emergency that continues to impact the people of Norman Wells.With the Mackenzie River at record-low levels and spring thaw fast approaching, the community is facing dire straits. Essential supplies, transportation, and infrastructure are all at risk, leaving residents and local leaders searching for solutions in an increasingly urgent situation.At the most recent NWT Association of Communities (NWTAC) Convention in Yellowknife, we had the opportunity to sit down with the Mayor Norman Wells Frank pope to hear firsthand about the challenges they’re facing—and whats happened since we last chatted in September. What options are on the table? And what support is needed to help the community get through this? We’ll break it all down, right here, on Municipal Affairs.***************************************************Support The Show Today: https://www.crossborderinterviews.ca/support-the-showJoin The Show: https://www.crossborderinterviews.ca/be-part-of-the-show ***************************************************Listen To The Show: Apple: https://apple.co/41p5I2ISpotify: 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©2025

    44 min
  8. Are Alberta Municipalities Better Off Today?

    MAR 11

    Are Alberta Municipalities Better Off Today?

    Welcome to Municipal Affairs. Last week, more than 400 municipal elected officials and senior administrators gathered at Alberta Municipalities’ Spring Municipal Leaders’ Caucus in Edmonton. This annual event is a pivotal moment for municipalities across the province — a time to come together, share perspectives, and engage in critical conversations with provincial cabinet ministers about the challenges and opportunities facing their communities. Among the many topics discussed, one issue stood out as particularly pressing — the 2025 Alberta Budget. With the budget recently tabled, we took the opportunity to sit down with several municipal leaders to ask the question on everyone’s mind: Are municipalities better off today than they were before the budget was announced? The answers we heard were candid, insightful, and reflective of the diverse needs of Alberta’s communities. From infrastructure funding to social services, municipal leaders weighed in on what this budget means for the future of local governance — and the residents they serve. Join us as we unpack these conversations, explore the budget’s impact, and give voice to the leaders working tirelessly to build stronger, more resilient communities across Alberta. *************************************************** 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 ©2025

    1h 6m
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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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