Smoky Lake County Council Advocates at RMA

Smoky Lake County Council Advocating for You!

At the beginning of November Smoky Lake County Council attended the Rural Municipalities Association (RMA) Fall Convention. This event provided Council members the opportunity to participate in a variety of plenary addresses, workshops, RMA Board elections and RMA resolutions sessions.

Our Council was fortunate to secure exclusive meetings with several Ministers during the RMA Convention to discuss key issues and advocate on behalf of Smoky Lake County.

Meeting Highlights

Minister Mike Ellis - Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services
This meeting reinforced the County’s dedication to public safety and acknowledged the excellent efforts of current law enforcement while advocating for more robust policing. Reeve Jered Serben and Deputy Reeve Dominique Céré used resident feedback and relevant data to advocate for enhanced police protection to address emerging challenges. They emphasized the need for additional resources in specific areas to strengthen policing and improve community safety.

 
Left to Right: MLA Glen van Dijken, Deputy Reeve Dominique Céré, Deputy Premier / Minister of Public Safety & Emergency Services - Hon. Mike Ellis, and Reeve Jered Serben

Minister Ric McIver - Minister of Municipal Affairs
Provincial grants and increased funding under the Local Government Fiscal Framework were identified as critical to Smoky Lake County. These resources are essential not only to addressing immediate needs but also to support long-term growth and community development, aligning with Alberta’s vision for rural resilience and sustainability. By showcasing the successful use of past grants, the County reinforced its reputation as a responsible steward of public funds, ensuring future investments would be both impactful and accountable.

Minister Mikey Amery - Minister of Justice
The Reeve and Deputy Reeve voiced residents’ growing frustrations with the perceived “revolving door” justice system and the recurring presence of repeat offenders.
Specific examples were shared to illustrate the impact on residents, local businesses, and overall community security. This delegation called for meaningful judicial reforms to enhance public safety and restore confidence in the justice system.

Michale Botros - Transportation and Ec. Corridors: Regional Director and Infrastructure Manager
Council addressed significant safety concerns along Highway 28, particularly the intersection with Highway 855. They highlighted issues such as high traffic volumes, the curved intersection layout and increased collision risks.
Additional concerns included the maintenance of highways, rising volume of traffic, and the impact of oversized heavy loads traveling through the County’s corridor. The discussion emphasized the need for infrastructure improvements to enhance public safety while supporting regional development and connectivity.

 
Left to right: Reeve Jered Serben, Councillor Lorne Halisky, Transportation and Ec. Corridors: Regional Director Micheal Botros and Infrastructure Manager Rob Huston, Councillor Dan Gawalko, and Deputy Reeve Dominique Céré.

 

During the RMA Convention, Deputy Reeve Dominique Céré emphasized the importance of reliable cellular service across rural Alberta, particularly in the Smoky Lake Region, to enhance safety and address lost economic opportunities.