WORKING ON Advocacy
The City and our community are hugely impacted by decisions made by provincial and federal governments. This makes advocacy an important part of Council’s job. To help with this advocacy work, I serve as a Vice President of Alberta Municipalities. I hope to continue doing that work.
If re-elected, I will push for us to advocate for:
Reforms to electricity distribution and transmission fees to make life more affordable for our residents and support investment in Northern Alberta.
Fair funding of midsized cities and regional service hubs like Grande Prairie. The provincial government provides less funding to cities of our size than it does to Calgary, Edmonton, towns, villages, and counties. That isn’t fair, especially when we are delivering so many services that benefit residents beyond our municipal borders.
Preserving municipal democracy. Whether it is eliminating Councillor Codes of Conduct, moving to introduce municipal political parties, or removing decision making from communities, the province continues to weaken local democracy. These efforts should be reveresed. In the meantime, Councils need to double down on providing excellent governance to maintain their effectiveness.
Supporting Maskwa Medical Clinics, attracting medical professionals to our community, introducing a catheterization lab at the Grande Prairie Hospital, and funding medical first response by firefighters are some of many ways we should be encouraging the province to enhance medical care for our residents.
Provincial and federal support of affordable housing. The reversal of provincial decisions to remove resources and supports from people with disabilities. Taking care of people who need help is the right thing to do. But it is also fiscally responsible since it helps them participate in our community and helps keep people out of our hospitals, shelters, care homes, and jails.
If re-elected, I intend to re-run for my role at Alberta Municipalities. This allows me to dedicate lots of time and build key relationships to advocate for the City of Grande Prairie as well as cities, towns and villages across Alberta. Additionally, my role at ABmunis also allows me to serve on the Alberta Municipal Services Corporation Board which provides insurance, employee benefits, electricity, and other services to both the City and local non-profits. I hope to continue having a direct role in ensuring these services are both sustainable and well priced.
During my time on Council, we have been very effective at advocacy in collaboration with the County and other regional municipalities. Notable successes include:
My election to the Alberta Municipalities Board of Directors and Executive Committee
A strong working relationship with the County and other regional municipalities was established. Notable successes include signing a Recreation and Culture Cost sharing agreement with the County, working together to more efficiently allocate recreation facility booking times to sport groups, regional economic development work, and successful joint advocacy to the provincial government
Making the disparity of electricity distribution and transmission fees a provincial priority. Although work still has to be done on this file and nothing has changed yet, the Premier has publicly promised on several occasions that something will be done to address these concerns.
Twinning of Highway 40 south of the City and fixing Highway 43 as it comes into the City
Improving culture and services at the Regional Hospital
Provincial funding of the Grande Prairie Police Service transition secured
Do you have questions, ideas, or feedback? I’d love to hear from you! Find me on social media (@DylanBresseyGP) or click here to contact me.