Municipal Affairs

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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. Saskatchewan NDP Northern Affairs Shadow Minister Jordan McPhail

    13H AGO

    Saskatchewan NDP Northern Affairs Shadow Minister Jordan McPhail

    In Northern Saskatchewan, municipal leaders are navigating challenges that are as complex as they are urgent. From housing shortages and highway infrastructure concerns, to funding pressures, houselessness, and growing mental health and addiction challenges, communities across the North are working to address serious issues — often with limited resources and, in some cases, ongoing barriers to moving goods in and out of remote communities. Yet despite those challenges, northern municipalities continue to adapt, innovate, and push for solutions. Jordan McPhail, Saskatchewan New Democratic Party Shadow Minister for Northern Affairs, says municipal leaders are sounding the alarm on many of these concerns as he travels across the northern part of the province, hearing directly from communities on the pressures they’re facing — including the ongoing aftermath of last year’s wildfires. At the recent Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association convention in Regina, we caught up with McPhail to discuss what he’s hearing from municipal leaders, how he and his Saskatchewan NDP colleagues are working alongside communities to address issues of importance, and what he believes needs greater attention moving forward. This is Municipal Affairs. ------ This episode of Municipal Affairs was sponsored by: Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy https://www.schoolofpublicpolicy.sk.ca/ ------ 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

    26 min
  2. Energy City Goes Nuclear

    2D AGO

    Energy City Goes Nuclear

    For decades, Saskatchewan has powered itself on resourcefulness — drawing strength from the ground beneath the communities built around it and us. Now, the province is considering its next major chapter in energy: nuclear power. SaskPower is moving through a multi-year planning process aimed at bringing a small modular reactor online by the mid-2030s, with a commercial decision expected by 2029. With a preferred reactor technology selected and two potential sites near Estevan under consideration, the conversation is shifting from possibility to planning. Supporters say the opportunity is significant — from long-term energy security and emissions reduction, to job creation, economic growth, and even positioning Saskatchewan as a national leader in next-generation nuclear development.  For Estevan and the surrounding region, the stakes are especially high, as communities look at what a project of this scale could mean both during construction and for generations to come. At the recent Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association convention in Regina, we caught up with Tony Sernick to talk about the path forward — from the decision between potential sites at Boundary Dam Reservoir and Rafferty Reservoir, to why he believes nuclear could provide a major boost to the local economy in both the short and long term. This is Municipal Affairs. ------ This episode of Municipal Affairs was sponsored by: Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy https://www.schoolofpublicpolicy.sk.ca/ ------ 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

    17 min
  3. Catching Up With SARM President Bill Huber

    4D AGO

    Catching Up With SARM President Bill Huber

    In rural Saskatchewan, the issues facing municipalities don’t slow down — and neither does the advocacy happening behind the scenes. From concerns around the use of strychnine on farms, to the growing conversation around critical minerals and resource development, to an upcoming trip to Ottawa to bring Saskatchewan priorities directly to the national stage, the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities has been active on many fronts. These are issues that touch agriculture, economic development, public safety, and the long-term sustainability of rural communities — and they’re shaping the conversations municipalities are having as they head into the busy summer season. We caught up with Bill Huber to discuss the past month, where rural municipalities across Saskatchewan are focusing their attention, the advocacy work happening across the province and country, and what comes next. This is Municipal Affairs. ------ This episode of Municipal Affairs was sponsored by: Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy https://www.schoolofpublicpolicy.sk.ca/ ------ 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

    19 min
  4. One on One with Saskatchewan NDP Leader Carla Beck

    APR 24

    One on One with Saskatchewan NDP Leader Carla Beck

    The Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association’s annual convention has come to a close, bringing together municipal leaders from across the province for four days of discussion, collaboration, and planning for the future. From large cities to small towns, the focus remained on building stronger, more resilient communities—while giving delegates the opportunity to connect, share ideas, and address the challenges they face on the ground. Among those in attendance was Carla Beck, who spent time at the convention engaging with municipal leaders and outlining her party’s vision for Saskatchewan’s future—particularly when it comes to power generation. In her address, Beck highlighted the NDP’s Grid and Growth plan, describing it as an ambitious strategy aimed at transforming the province’s energy landscape.  She says the plan could generate $33 billion in economic activity, while providing the stability needed to attract new investment across Saskatchewan. Following her speech, we caught up with Beck to dig deeper into that plan, and to get her perspective on the issues we’ve been hearing from municipal leaders across the province. That conversation—coming ------ This episode of Municipal Affairs was sponsored by: Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy https://www.schoolofpublicpolicy.sk.ca/ ------ 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

    22 min
  5. FCM and ABMUNIS Join SUMA Convention

    APR 22

    FCM and ABMUNIS Join SUMA Convention

    The Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association’s annual convention has come to a close, wrapping up four days of conversation, collaboration, and forward-looking planning in Regina. Municipal leaders from across the province came together with a shared goal—finding ways to strengthen communities of every size.  From infrastructure and funding to healthcare and regional cooperation, the discussions reflected the challenges many municipalities continue to navigate, and the importance of working together to address them. The convention also welcomed voices from beyond Saskatchewan.  Tim Tierney, Vice President of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, was on the ground speaking with local leaders about how national advocacy can support priorities identified here at home. And from neighbouring Alberta, Debra Reid-Mickler, Vice President of Alberta Municipalities, joined the conversation—highlighting how many of the issues being discussed in Saskatchewan are strikingly similar to those facing municipalities across provincial borders. ------ This episode of Municipal Affairs was sponsored by: Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy https://www.schoolofpublicpolicy.sk.ca/ ------ 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

    21 min
  6. SUMA Gathers in Regina For Convention

    APR 22

    SUMA Gathers in Regina For Convention

    The Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association’s annual convention has wrapped up, closing out four days of discussion, debate, and collaboration among municipal leaders from across the province. From larger urban centres to smaller communities, the focus this year was clear—working together to build stronger, more sustainable municipalities for the future.  The convention once again provided a valuable space for delegates to connect, share ideas, and tackle the challenges they have in common. Key issues on the agenda included infrastructure needs, provincial funding, regional cooperation, the long-term viability of smaller communities, and access to healthcare—topics that continue to shape conversations in council chambers across Saskatchewan. Following the convention, we spoke with SUMA President Randy Goulden about her takeaways from this year’s gathering, the direction members have set through newly passed policies, and what lies ahead as the organization reaches the halfway point of its 2024 to 2028 mandate.  We also asked about the overall mood among municipal leaders as they look to the future. That conversation—coming up next on Municipal Affairs. ------ This episode of Municipal Affairs was sponsored by: Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy https://www.schoolofpublicpolicy.sk.ca/ ------ 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

    29 min
  7. How Municipalities Got The Federal Gas Tax Fund

    APR 20

    How Municipalities Got The Federal Gas Tax Fund

    For communities across Canada, reliable infrastructure isn’t just a priority—it’s essential.  And for more than two decades, one federal program has quietly helped make that possible. The federal Gas Tax Fund—now known as the Canada Community-Building Fund—delivers over $2 billion every year to more than 3,600 municipalities, supporting roughly 4,000 infrastructure projects annually. From public transit and roads to clean water and community spaces, it provides predictable, long-term funding that communities can count on. What makes this fund unique is its flexibility. Municipalities can pool, bank, and even borrow against it—empowering local governments to plan ahead and invest in the priorities that matter most to their residents. Originally launched in 2005 as a five-year, $5 billion initiative, the program has since grown into a permanent and indexed funding stream, delivering more than $26 billion between 2014 and 2024 alone. It’s become the backbone of federal infrastructure support for communities of all sizes. But how did it all begin? How did a task force under former Prime Minister Jean Chrétien evolve into one of the most impactful municipal funding models in the country? And how did municipalities secure a program they now describe as a turning point in how the federal government engages with the local level? With just over a month until delegates gather in Edmonton for the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Annual Conference, we’re taking a closer look at the origins of this transformative fund—and the people behind it. To help answer those questions, we’re honoured to welcome someone who played a pivotal role in its creation: the Honourable Judy Sgro. Earlier in her career, as Chair of the Prime Minister’s Task Force on Urban Issues, she helped shape the policy that led to the national gas tax rebate—laying the groundwork for what would become today’s Community-Building Fund. Before entering federal politics in 1999, she served on the first amalgamated council of Toronto, and previously as a councillor for the City of North York and at the metropolitan level—bringing decades of municipal experience to the national stage. Today, we sit down with her to explore how it all came together—and what it means for the future of communities 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

    33 min
  8. RMED and Manitoba: Leadership in Rural Growth

    APR 17

    RMED and Manitoba: Leadership in Rural Growth

    Manitoba’s economic future doesn’t begin in boardrooms or big city towers—it begins in its communities. Across rural Manitoba, local leaders, businesses, and municipalities are shaping the province’s economic story in real time. From main streets to manufacturing floors, from agricultural innovation to emerging tourism opportunities, the strength of Manitoba’s economy is deeply connected to the strength of its regions. That’s where the Rural Manitoba Economic Development Corporation—RMED—plays a critical role. Working in collaboration with Manitoba Economic Development, Investment, Trade and Natural Resources, and alongside partners like Economic Development Winnipeg, RMED helps ensure that communities south of the 53rd parallel—outside the capital region—are not only included in the province’s economic vision, but actively driving it forward. Their work is focused and practical: helping municipalities build capacity, connecting businesses to opportunities, navigating government programs, and making sure rural voices are part of the broader economic conversation. It’s about creating the conditions for job growth, attracting private investment, expanding trade and export potential, and advancing priorities like diversity and reconciliation. But perhaps most importantly, RMED is about connection—bringing together stakeholders, data, ideas, and people to reduce barriers and unlock potential across Manitoba’s rural landscape. So what does that look like on the ground? And what is the economic outlook for municipalities when viewed through a local, regional lens? Today on Municipal Affairs, we explore those questions. Joining us is Margot Cathcart, Chief Executive Officer of the Rural Manitoba Economic Development Corporation. A proud rural Manitoban, Margot brings decades of experience across both the private and public sectors—from agriculture and technology to finance and media. Recognized as one of The West 20 for her leadership in economic development across Western Canada, she’s known as a builder—someone who understands how to turn ideas into impact. Margot joins us to talk about how RMED is working with communities and businesses across Manitoba—and what it will take to build a resilient, competitive, and prosperous future for rural municipalities. This is Municipal Affairs. ------Learn More About RMED:  https://rmedcorp.ca/ ------ 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

    53 min
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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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