Collaboration for Stronger Local Communities

Municipal leaders across Canada are facing many of the same challenges: aging infrastructure, rising construction costs, attracting and retaining skilled staff, and ensuring local councils have the tools they need to govern effectively. Those issues were front and centre as provincial and territorial ministers responsible for local government gathered, In Jasper, Alberta, to discuss the future of municipalities. Among the key topics: improving municipal codes of conduct, addressing harassment directed at elected officials and municipal employees, retaining chief administrative officers, expanding training opportunities for newly elected councils, and finding better ways to assess and finance the infrastructure communities depend on every day. The meeting also featured discussions with the federal government on the need for more stable, predictable infrastructure funding and ensuring national policies work for municipalities of every size, while reducing administrative hurdles and recognizing provincial and territorial priorities. What comes out of these conversations could have a lasting impact on communities across Saskatchewan and across Canada. Joining us today is Saskatchewan Government Relations Minister Eric Schmalz to discuss the outcomes of the meeting, what they mean for Saskatchewan municipalities, and the priorities he'll be advancing as governments continue working together on local governance and infrastructure. ----- 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