Provincial and territorial ministers collaborate on effective local governance and infrastructure needs
Provincial and territorial ministers collaborate on effective local governance and infrastructure needs
Provincial and territorial ministers responsible for local government met in Jasper this week to discuss shared priorities, including issues related to investment in local infrastructure.
Provincial and territorial ministers heard from two working groups established in 2025. The Local Governance Working Group presented key takeaways on municipal codes of conduct, harassment of elected officials and municipal employees, retention of municipal chief administrative officers, and training opportunities for newly elected councils. The Infrastructure and Growth Working Group reported on existing mechanisms to assess infrastructure needs.
“Communities rely on stable, predictable infrastructure funding to plan properly and deliver projects. Today’s discussion reinforced how important it is that federal investments keep pace with local needs and remain flexible enough to respond to rising costs and supply-chain pressures. We look forward to exploring alternative and innovative infrastructure financing options to fund the complex infrastructure needs across the country,” said Dan Williams, Alberta Minister of Municipal Affairs and 2025-2026 chair of the Table of Provincial and Territorial Ministers Responsible for Local Government.
The needs surrounding local infrastructure funding were central to the ministers’ discussions, highlighting the fact that all provinces and territories face challenges related to the complex nature of federal infrastructure funding programs.
The Hon. Gregor Robertson, the federal minister of Housing and Infrastructure, took part in a discussion on federal infrastructure investment. Ministers underscored the importance of stable and predictable municipal infrastructure funding from the federal government, when in collaboration with provinces and territories. Ministers also emphasized the importance of provincial and territorial priorities and circumstances with Minister Robertson regarding the application of the federal Buy Canadian Policy on municipalities, to ensure projects can be completed in a timely and cost-effective manner, while minimizing administrative burden.
“Across Canada, local governments are facing many of the same challenges – from infrastructure planning to local governance and capacity. Sharing information and practical solutions across jurisdictions helps all of us support elected officials and strengthen local governments,” Alberta’s Minister Williams said.
Ministers also set priorities for the year ahead. They agreed that exchanging key information among jurisdictions – especially on local governance, infrastructure and asset management –contributes to the advancement of policies that benefit all local governments in Canada.
“Strong local governments are essential to thriving, resilient communities. It is an honour to take on the role of chair for the coming year, and I look forward to working with colleagues across the country to build on the practical solutions shared this week. By continuing to collaborate on our shared priorities, we can better support municipalities and ensure communities across Canada remain sustainable and prepared for future growth,” said Cory Bellmore, incoming chair of the Table of Provincial Territorial Ministers Responsible for Local Government and Yukon Minister of Community Services.
The next annual ministers’ meeting will be held in Whitehorse in September 2027.