If you’ve been following Alberta’s election, then you know that municipal infrastructure, public safety and healthcare are among the issues that are on many Albertans’ minds as they consider how to vote this time around.
Alberta Municipalities (ABmunis), an association that represents 275 communities across Alberta, wants political parties, candidates, and voters to consider municipal priorities like community building, community safety and community healthcare during the 2023 provincial general election.
Our non-partisan ‘Think Alberta, Vote Local’ public information campaign encourages voters to connect their choices for provincial government to the needs of their communities, bringing the big provincial election down to Albertans’ front doorsteps and driveways. We encourage Albertans to ask candidates, ‘Who has the best plan for MY community’ when it comes to addressing the province’s $30-billion infrastructure gap, concerns about public safety and policing, and Alberta’s ongoing healthcare challenges.
From bridges and wastewater treatment plants to recreation centres and splash parks, infrastructure is expensive to build, run and maintain. Municipal governments are responsible for about 60 per cent of Alberta’s infrastructure, and yet just one per cent of provincial funding goes toward municipal infrastructure. If we’re going to stop Alberta’s $30-billion municipal infrastructure deficit from getting bigger, the next government must commit to adding $1 billion a year to infrastructure funding. That’s why you need to know which party has the best plan for addressing these priority issues to help your community thrive.
Each political party’s plans for community policing should be made clear. Alberta Municipalities’ January 2023 survey conducted by Janet Brown showed that 85 per cent of Albertans want to be able to vote on any decision related to the creation of a provincial police service. Before you vote, decide which party has the best plan to address your community’s safety needs, including investments in the provincial justice system, mental health and addiction supports, and adequate and affordable housing in your local community.
Many of Alberta’s smaller and more remote communities are experiencing a shortage of healthcare professionals. Between 20 and 25 per cent of Albertans are currently without a family doctor. Communities of all sizes across Alberta have seen hospitals reduce their hours of operation. As you’re deciding how to vote, ask yourself which party has the best plan to attract and keep the medical professionals your community needs to ensure the health and well-being of your family, friends and neighbours.
This election, ABmunis encourages you to ‘Think Alberta, Vote Local’.
This piece was submitted by the Alberta Municipalities’ Board of Directors.