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Welcome to the 2026 RMA Spring Convention!
On behalf of the RMA Board of Directors, thank you for joining us in Edmonton for three days of discussion, learning, and collaboration focused on the priorities of rural Alberta.
Spring Convention is an important opportunity for members to come together, share perspectives, and help shape the advocacy and policy direction of the association.
Since our last Convention, RMA has continued to advance significant member‑driven work. The “Closing the Gap” campaign highlighted Alberta’s growing rural infrastructure deficit and reinforced the need for sustained provincial investment in roads, bridges, and core municipal assets. RMA has also continued collaborative work with the Government of Alberta through the Property Tax Accountability Strategy (PTAS). This working group is nearing completion of its mandate and preparing for the release of its final report, coinciding with this Convention, to support accountability, transparency, and long‑term solutions.
We are pleased to welcome David Coletto, Founder and CEO of Abacus Data, as this year’s Spring Convention keynote speaker. David brings a timely, data‑driven perspective on public opinion, political trends, and societal shifts that influence decision‑making across governments and communities. His presentation will help frame the conversations that follow throughout the Convention.
Tuesday will see thirteen resolutions brought forward for member debate during the Resolutions Session. This week also marks the return of the Ministerial Forum, offering RMA members a valuable opportunity to engage directly with provincial ministers and government representatives. These discussions are essential to ensuring rural perspectives remain well informed, coordinated, and clearly represented.
Thank you for your continued leadership and commitment to rural municipalities. I look forward to the conversations ahead and to the work we will advance together in the year to come.
Kara Westerlund
President, Rural Municipalities of Alberta
On behalf of Alberta’s government, I’m pleased to welcome you to the Rural Municipalities of Alberta (AMA) 2026 Spring Convention. This convention provides a valuable opportunity to reflect on shared
challenges, exchange practical ideas, and strengthen the connections that support effective local leadership.
Those conversations matter because rural Alberta is central to our province’s success. By supporting the industries that drive our economy, stewarding Alberta’s vast landscapes, and delivering the essential services Albertans rely on every day, you help ensure Alberta remains the best place in Canada to live, work, and raise a family.
Like all governments, rural municipalities are managing increasing demands with finite resources. Ensuring strong governance and continuing to focus on essential services is more important than ever. Alberta’s government respects the leadership required to balance these pressures and remains committed to working collaboratively with municipalities as we navigate today’s challenges together.
The recent passage of Budget 2026 reflects these realities. Global uncertainty, rising costs, and rapid population growth are placing real pressure on essential services across the province, including in rural and remote communities. In that context, Budget 2026 focuses on what matters most: making disciplined choices and taking decisive action to keep Alberta moving forward.
Meeting today’s challenges requires working together. That spirit of collaboration guides Alberta’s government in its work with RMA. RMA is a valued partner, and together we are focused on practical improvements that support transparency, predictability, and local decision-making.
This includes our joint work on the Property Tax Accountability Strategy, as well as continued collaboration on reviewing assessment models for regulated properties. These efforts reflect a shared commitment to modern, consistent approaches that support municipalities, taxpayers, and long-term sustainability.
This kind of progress is only possible through collaboration. The strongest results come from working together, listening to one another, and learning along the way. Alberta’s government values RMA’s leadership and the role rural municipalities play in shaping Alberta’s future. I hope you have a great convention, and I look forward to continuing our wo together.
Honourable Dan Williams, ECA
Minister of Municipal Affairs
Name: RMASpring2026
Password: Welcome2RMA!
Join the conversation on social media: use the hashtag #RMAlberta.
Taxi vouchers will be provided for transportation between hotels and the conference instead of shuttle buses. This gives you flexibility in choosing when and where to travel. Attendees can easily get vouchers for their convenience.
Located at the Edmonton Convention Centre, Foyer, Hall D
Monday, March 16, 12:00pm to 5:00pm
Tuesday, March 17, 6:30am to 4:00pm
Wednesday, March 18, 7:00am to 12:00pm
Located at the Edmonton Convention Centre, Foyer of Hall ABC on the Assembly Level.
Monday, November 17, 2:00 to 6:00 pm
Tuesday, November 18, 7:30 am to 6:00 pm
Fall 2026:
November 2 – 5, Edmonton Convention Centre
Spring 2027:
March 15 – 17, Edmonton Convention Centre
Jason Schneider (Chair) RMA Vice President
Laurie Lyckman District 1, Vulcan County
Brent Ramsay District 2, Red Deer County
Kristin Toms District 3, Sturgeon County
Bob Willing District 4, MD of Peace
Mike Wildeboer District 5, MD of Wainwright
Karen Rosvold (Chair) RMA District 4 Director
Theresa Johnson District 4, MD of Peace
Lisa Wardley District 4, Mackenzie County