September 27, 2024, The City of Red Deer received strong support from other municipalities for three resolutions including Federal Funding for Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Clean Diesel Buses, a Provincial Emergency Shelter Strategy, and Permanent Supportive Housing Capital and Operational Funding at the Alberta Municipalities Convention held in Red Deer last week.
“These three items encapsulate numerous dialogues within our Council, reflecting our concerted efforts to identify the pivotal concerns within our community. United under the banner of Alberta Municipalities, we recognize the significance of these issues across various communities in our province. By amplifying our collective voice through these resolutions, we aim to foster advocacy that benefits us all,” said Mayor Johnston.
The resolutions for the three items approved are:
- Federal Funding for Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Clean Diesel Busses Resolution:
Alberta Municipalities advocate to the Government of Alberta to work with the Government of Canada to return to a federal funding program that accepts purchases of compressed natural gas and clean diesel buses until 2035, which will allow municipalities to transition their fleets in an efficient and realistic manner.
- Provincial Emergency Shelter Strategy Resolution:
Alberta Municipalities advocate to the Government of Alberta and the Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services to create a comprehensive emergency shelter strategy for the entire province. This detailed strategy will provide a vision, guiding principles, objectives, definitions, project management governance, and role clarity for provincial and municipal governments and applicable community stakeholders.
- Permanent Supportive Housing Capital and Operational Funding:
Alberta Municipalities advocate to the Government of Alberta and the Government of Canada to increase capital and operational funding for municipalities in Alberta for permanent supportive housing to ensure appropriate housing options are available for individuals experiencing chronic homelessness.
Alberta Municipalities conducts an annual resolutions process that enables member municipalities to bring forward common issues and solutions and seek member approval to give direction to Alberta Municipalities Board of Directors to advocate to the federal and provincial governments on members’ behalf.
This process includes a resolutions session at Alberta Municipalities annual convention where regular members vote on resolutions that have been submitted by members. When a resolution is adopted by members, Alberta Municipalities takes action to develop and implement an advocacy strategy for each resolution.