Calgary mayor concerned about expected provincial rules preventing direct federal funding
The Alberta government is expected to introduce legislation Wednesday to oversee deals between Ottawa and municipalities.
Premier Danielle Smith and Seniors and Social Services Minister Jason Nixon have hinted at potential rules to prevent direct funding deals between the federal government and cities and towns in Alberta.
"It's not the federal government's jurisdiction to come in and tell the municipalities what to do," Nixon said Friday, following what was one of several federal announcements to pledge money to municipalities to boost housing construction.
"Frankly, it's the province's jurisdiction, and we need to maintain our jurisdiction," he said.
Calgary's mayor says the rule changes could put money from the feds to the city in jeopardy.
"We have a provincial government that's going to step in now and prohibit us from receiving funding that we desperately need for housing," said Mayor Jyoti Gondek on Tuesday.
"It's simply going to slow things down and that will make life worse for Calgarians, not better.
"Once again, for a government that talks about cutting red tape and overreach, this is rich."
The province argues it is in the best position to hand out federal money properly and fairly. Nixon also accused the federal government of playing politics with the serious issue of housing.
"This is not about creating more red tape, this is about protecting Alberta and forcing the federal government to come sit down with the province and build to create more homes," Nixon said.
Details of the upcoming legislation aren't known, but Nixon said Alberta was looking at rules similar to Quebec's.
Legislation in Quebec states no municipal or school body may enter a financial agreement with the federal government without authorization from the province.
"I think that's a way for (the Alberta government) to control the funding distribution so they can take credit for it, not for them to actually provide the best services for the public," said Courtney Walcott, city councillor for Calgary's eighth ward.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW What a wildfire survivor says she regrets not grabbing before leaving home
Carol Christian had 15 minutes to evacuate her home during the Fort McMurray wildfires in 2016. She ended up losing the house and everything inside. Now, she wants to share the lessons she learned.
World No. 1 golfer charged with police officer assault before PGA Championship second round
World number one golfer Scottie Scheffler was arrested and charged with the assault of a police officer in what he called a 'chaotic situation' before being released in time to start his second round at the PGA Championship on Friday.
Woman with liver failure rejected for a transplant after medical review highlights alcohol use
For nearly three months, Amanda Huska has been in an Ontario hospital, part of it on life support, because of severe liver failure. Her history of alcohol use is getting in the way of her only potential treatment: a liver transplant.
Australia's richest woman seeks removal of her portrait from exhibition
Art is subjective. And while many artists long to share their work with the world, there's no guarantee that the audience will understand it, or even like it.
An airplane passenger was spotted in an overhead bin. This was the reaction
Airplane overhead compartments. Home to luggage of all shapes and sizes, the odd coat or two, several duty-free bags, a fair bit of dust and… passengers?
WATCH Infectious disease expert warns measles 'a very real threat'
A Canadian epidemiologist is warning the measles presents a 'very real threat' to public health if Canada doesn't maintain a high vaccination rate.
Judge considers dismissing indictment against Alec Baldwin in fatal shooting of cinematographer
A New Mexico judge is considering Alec Baldwin's request to dismiss a grand jury indictment against him at a virtual court hearing Friday.
LIVE @ 11:30 MT Four 1970s homicides linked to serial killer, Alberta Mounties to reveal Friday
A dead serial sexual offender and killer has been linked to four homicides in the 1970s in Alberta, RCMP say.
With today's high rates, should you consider an interest-free halal mortgage?
A halal mortgage complies with the Islamic religious, or Shariah, law, which forbids the use of 'riba' (interest). Here's what mortgage experts say those considering 'no-interest' halal mortgages should know.