County of 40 Mile Council completes survey for MP Motz

Posted on March 5, 2024 by Ryan Dahlman

By Brylan Span
Commentator/Courier

A survey from MP Glen Motz was completed by council members at the Feb 28 county of 40 Mile council meeting. The survey was sent to municipalities, asking questions focused on getting information on what their biggest challenges were and what the federal government should be focusing on.

With the current economic realities in Canada, should the government be focused on stimulus spending or reducing inflation?

Council chose “Reduce Inflation”.

What Federal Programs would create jobs or investments in your community?

The options listed were:

Youth training programs like Canada Summer Jobs Program

Infrastructure Programs

Rural internet or mobile coverage

Skills training programs to prepare people for new jobs

Federal Wage subsidy programs

Rural community job creation programs

Support for new companies, re-start of businesses

Council selected all options other than federal wage subsidy programs and rural community job creation programs.

How has the ongoing cost-of-living crisis impacted the economic development planning for your community?

Council selected “significant impact to municipal budgets, jobs, and business closures”.

What sectors of the economy are a focus for your community?

Council selected agriculture, energy, green technology, technology, and tourism.

The federal government increased taxes this year despite a struggling economy and a cost-of-living crisis. They have continued to increase payroll taxes, and the carbon tax. How is your municipality managing these increasing costs?

Council selected “cutting costs and/or reducing services”, “increasing taxes”, and “depleting savings”.

What is the top concern you are hearing about the federal government’s approach to Alberta?

Council selected “Carbon tax is hurting our economy”.

Council was also asked if there is anything else that they would like MP Motz to advocate for. They asked for fair treatment of Alberta and to continue putting the pressure on the federal government.