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Welcome to the 2026 RMA Fall Convention and Tradeshow!
On behalf of the RMA Board of Directors, thank you for joining us in Edmonton for great discussion, networking, and collaboration focused on the priorities of rural Alberta.
The Fall Convention and Tradeshow is an important opportunity for members to come together, share perspectives, and help shape the advocacy and policy direction of the association. With over 170 booths at this year’s tradeshow, members will have opportunity to connect with our Canoe approved suppliers, government agencies and other organizations that provide valuable goods and services to Alberta's rural municipalities.
This will be a busy week with significant opportunities to engage with the Government of Alberta, including plenary addresses from Premier Smith, Minister Neudorf, and Minister Williams in addition to two Ministerial Forums. We are thrilled to have such a positive turnout from our provincial elected officials, including a plenary address from Opposition Leader Nenshi and several MLA’s from both parties attending various events. Engagement with our provincial counterparts is essential to ensuring rural perspectives remain well informed, coordinated, and clearly represented.
We also have important association business to conduct, including our Annual General Meeting and elections for two district director positions. Our team has developed a packed educational agenda with workshops over two days on a range of topics, from data centers to governance. Our resolutions session will wrap up convention on Thursday morning with 25 resolutions up for debate.
I am looking forward to great conversations, sharing insights and networking in the coming days!
Kara Westerlund
President, Rural Municipalities of Alberta
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 am pleased to welcome delegates to Edmonton for the 2026 Rural Municipalities of Alberta Fall Convention. Let me recognize the rural leaders whose work and commitment help shape strong, resilient communities across our province.
Rural municipalities are central to Alberta’s prosperity and identity. The challenges you face are not forgotten; distinct local demands, delivering services across vast distances and intense pressures on your local infrastructure. You support local economies, maintain essential infrastructure and deliver the services Albertans rely on every day. These are the core services that are the foundation of strong communities, and are especially important in rural Alberta.
It’s why Alberta’s government continues to encourage municipalities to keep core services at the centre of local decision-making. When budgets are focused on the essentials, residents receive the reliable services they expect, communities are better positioned for growth, and Albertans can have confidence their tax dollars are going toward the things that matter most in their daily lives.
Alberta’s government remains committed to working with rural municipalities. Open dialogue and a strong provincial-municipal partnership are essential as we address shared priorities, respond to emerging challenges, and my commitment has not wavered to consider rural municipalities in the decisions we make together.
I encourage you to make the most of this convention: exchange ideas, build relationships and continue the constructive conversations that move rural Alberta forward. Thank you for your leadership, your partnership, and everything you do to serve your communities.
Honourable Dan Williams, ECA
Minister of Municipal Affairs
On behalf of Alberta’s government, I am pleased to welcome delegates to Edmonton for the 2026 Rural Municipalities of Alberta Fall Convention. Let me recognize the rural leaders whose work and commitment help shape strong, resilient communities across our province.
Rural municipalities are central to Alberta’s prosperity and identity. The challenges you face are not forgotten; distinct local demands, delivering services across vast distances and intense pressures on your local infrastructure. You support local economies, maintain essential infrastructure and deliver the services Albertans rely on every day. These are the core services that are the foundation of strong communities, and are especially important in rural Alberta.
It’s why Alberta’s government continues to encourage municipalities to keep core services at the centre of local decision-making. When budgets are focused on the essentials, residents receive the reliable services they expect, communities are better positioned for growth, and Albertans can have confidence their tax dollars are going toward the things that matter most in their daily lives.
Alberta’s government remains committed to working with rural municipalities. Open dialogue and a strong provincial-municipal partnership are essential as we address shared priorities, respond to emerging challenges, and my commitment has not wavered to consider rural municipalities in the decisions we make together.
I encourage you to make the most of this convention: exchange ideas, build relationships and continue the constructive conversations that move rural Alberta forward. Thank you for your leadership, your partnership, and everything you do to serve your communities.
Honourable Dan Williams, ECA
Minister of Municipal Affairs
Name: RMA_Tridon
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, November 2, 12:00pm to 5:00pm
Tuesday, November 3, 6:30am to 5:00pm
Wednesday, November 4, 6:30am to 4:00pm
Thursday, November 5, 6:30am to 1:00pm
Located at the Edmonton Convention Centre, Foyer of Hall ABC on the Assembly Level.
Monday, November 2, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm | 2:00 to 6:00 pm
Tuesday, November 3, 7:30 am to 6:00 pm
Spring 2027:
March 15 – 17, Edmonton Convention Centre
Fall 2027:
November 1 – 4, Edmonton Convention Centre
Jason Schneider (Chair) RMA Vice President
Tamara Miyanaga District 1, MD of Taber
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
Gene Hrabec (Chair) RMA District 5 Director
Shayne Blosky, Councillor, Brazeau County
Dwayne Fulton, Deputy Reeve, Mountain View County
Clinton Murray, Councillor, County of Vermillion River