Cross Border Network

06/18/2026

📣Mayor Dober not seeking re-election in the October 2026 Election

"It has been one of the greatest privileges of my life to serve as Mayor of Dawson Creek over the past four years. I am deeply grateful to the residents who placed their trust in me, and I have always worked to give 100 percent of my effort, energy, and commitment to this community.

This decision was not made lightly. In many ways, every part of me wanted to put my name forward again. However, after a great deal of reflection, I came to the conclusion that over the next four years I would not be able to give both the City and my family the full attention they deserve. I have always believed that if I am going to do something, I need to give it everything I have, and I don’t feel I could commit to another term without impacting the balance I need to maintain with my family.

For that reason alone, I have decided not to seek re-election. I leave this role with a tremendous sense of gratitude, pride, and humility. Serving this community has been an honour, and I will always be thankful for the opportunity and for the support I have received from residents throughout my time in office." - Mayor Darcy Dober

06/17/2026

What happens when your phone won’t connect in an emergency?

In the Village of Amisk and surrounding area, residents say cellular and data service has deteriorated to the point of widespread dead zones, dropped connections, and even failures in SOS and 911 connectivity. With some landline outages lasting up to six weeks, concerns are growing about public safety and the future of rural communications.

On Wednesday's episode of Municipal Affairs, we speak with Amisk Mayor Bill Rock about the realities of living on the front lines of Canada’s rural connectivity gap and what needs to happen before a communications failure becomes a tragedy.

06/17/2026

As Canada moves to strengthen its defence readiness and meet new commitments with NATO, municipalities are being recognized as critical partners in the effort.

At the Federation of Canadian Municipalities' annual convention in Edmonton, FCM announced the creation of a new Defence Task Force aimed at strengthening collaboration between local governments and federal partners. The task force will be co-chaired by Councillor Will Cole-Hamilton of British Columbia and Councillor Conny Glenn of Ontario.

During the four-day convention, we spoke with Councillor Will Cole-Hamilton Councillor, City of Courtenay and Councillor Conny Glenn about the creation of the Defence Task Force, why now was the right time to launch this initiative, and what they hope to accomplish as municipalities take on a larger role in supporting Canada's defence readiness.

Youtube: https://youtu.be/1ca3F4dt23w
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Spotify: https://youtu.be/cQXBExZtfTM

Municipal Affairs is Part of the Cross Border Network.
©2026

As Canada moves to strengthen its defence readiness and meet new co...

06/16/2026

The tables were recently turned on Chris recently.

He’s always happy to share his perspective on a range of issues, and recently Chris had the opportunity to sit down with Crystal Froese, host of the Path to Prosperity Podcast for the Saskatchewan Economic Development Alliance.

They discussed why moving beyond a rural-versus-urban framework could benefit both municipalities and the province as a whole.

Podcast Episode · Saskatchewan Economic Development Alliance Paths to Prosperity · June 11 · 32m

06/16/2026

For today’s edition of Cross Border Interviews, we spoke with Rural Municipality of De Salaberry , Manitoba Councillor Gaby Tetrault at the 2026 FCM Convention.

Youtube: https://youtu.be/nsq5M66rKFo�
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Cross Border Interviews is Part of the Cross Border Network
©2026

Welcome to Cross Border Interviews. Our goal is to create meaning...

06/15/2026

Last month, rural municipal administrators from across Saskatchewan gathered in Regina for the Rural Municipal Administrators' Association of Saskatchewan Convention, an annual opportunity to share knowledge, discuss emerging challenges, and strengthen the connections that help support local government across the province.

The Rural Municipal Administrators' Association of Saskatchewan, or RMAAS, brings together senior administrators from Saskatchewan's rural municipalities with a common goal: enhancing the professional services delivered to residents and helping municipalities navigate an increasingly complex operating environment.

To help us better understand what was discussed at this year's convention, the key takeaways for members, and the path forward for the organization, we are joined today by Sheila Keisig, President of the Rural Municipal Administrators' Association of Saskatchewan.

Youtube: https://youtu.be/Mb7Jo0FtHr8
Apple: https://apple.co/41p5I2I
Spotify: https://youtu.be/cQXBExZtfTM

This episode of Municipal Affairs was sponsored by: Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy
Municipal Affairs is Part of the Cross Border Network.
©2026

Last month, rural municipal administrators from across Saskatchewan...

06/15/2026

Thousands of local elected officials from across Canada gathered in Edmonton, Alberta this week for the Federation of Canadian Municipalities' 2026 Annual Conference and Trade Show, marking 125 years of municipal leadership, collaboration, and advocacy.

While in Edmonton, we spoke with several provincial municipal association leaders about their experiences at the conference, the issues they are hearing from members, and why maintaining a strong relationship with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities remains important for local governments across the country.

Youtube: https://youtu.be/Zy5NvaGS9ug
Apple: https://apple.co/41p5I2I
Spotify: https://youtu.be/cQXBExZtfTM

Municipal Affairs is Part of the Cross Border Network.
©2026

Alberta Municipalities Rural Municipalities of Alberta SUMA Association of Manitoba Municipalities UMNB / Union of the Municipalities of NB / Union des municipalités du N.-B. FPEIM Municipalities Newfoundland & Labrador

Thousands of local elected officials from across Canada gathered in...

06/13/2026

Reach municipal leaders and professionals across Canada by advertising on the Cross Border Network. Our audience includes listeners and viewers working on the frontlines of municipal government from coast to coast to coast, giving your message meaningful reach in a highly engaged space. Learn more and advertise today: https://www.crossborderinterviews.ca/advertisetoday

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06/13/2026

Monday on Municipal Affairs, we are speaking with presidents of municipal associations who attended this year's FCM Convention in Edmonton.

RMA President Kara Westerlund says this year's convention left her feeling cautiously optimistic about federal issues, following productive discussions between municipal leaders and federal decision makers on key priorities facing communities across Canada.