Provincial, federal, and international policies, decisions and developments can profoundly impact the day-to-day lives of Edmontonians. As Edmonton grows to a city of two million, fostering collaborative relationships with the provincial and federal governments ensures Edmonton’s needs and interests are heard.
Enhancing the quality of life of Edmontonians requires support from and alignment with provincial and federal decisions. Edmonton can receive this support most effectively by building and strengthening relationships with other orders of government, other municipalities, municipal associations and our city-building partners.
Supporting Edmontonians through Government Relations
City Council endorsed a Government Relations Plan in 2021 which mandates Administration to advance relationships with other orders of government on areas of common interest.
Great cities are built by, for and with the people they represent. As Edmonton continues to grow and diversify, so does the scale and complexity of the services we provide. It is important to pursue innovative ways to serve citizens and ensure that together we are building a great city. This work helps us to be a more attractive, globally competitive, resilient and prosperous city.
In order to advance and grow, Edmonton requires appropriate legislation, programs and policies that will enable us to govern effectively and efficiently, respond to local needs, and enhance the quality of life for our citizens. Edmonton can achieve this in part by building and leveraging relationships with other orders of government, other municipalities and municipal organizations.
Mandate
Intergovernmental Affairs develops and implements strategies to support the City of Edmonton’s relationship-building and advocacy efforts to influence decision-making by other orders of government.
The team communicates the City’s positions on key policy issues, articulates the City’s priorities, and ensures that the City’s vision, as outlined in The City Plan, is effectively represented. Other branches within the City of Edmonton receive ongoing support from Intergovernmental Affairs in communicating their needs and interests with appropriate federal or provincial ministries.
Advocacy and Coordination
- Lead the City’s advocacy efforts with other orders of government, other municipalities and inter-municipal associations such as the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) and Alberta Municipalities (ABmunis)
- Coordinate intergovernmental engagements and submissions to ensure alignment, coherent messages and shared awareness across the corporation
- Collaborate with city-building partners on shared intergovernmental priorities
Relationship Support and Development
- Build and strengthen relationships with other orders of government, municipalities and municipal associations at the elected and administrative officials’ levels
- Information sharing with other orders of government to promote mutual understanding and align priorities
Research and Analysis
- Monitor and analyze emerging intergovernmental trends and issues that are of interest to the City, municipalities and municipal associations
- Review federal and provincial policy, and legislative and program changes that affect the City, region or all Canadian municipalities