Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said it is up to the City of Edmonton to decide on whether or not it needs assistance. “We’ve had a number of reports that do have us concerned,” said Smith at a Wednesday press conference. “We stand by ready to assist if they would like to ask us for assistance.” Western Standard sources said the City of Edmonton's finances are grim.At the moment, Smith said there are a few serious financial challenges the City of Edmonton is facing. Eight senior City of Edmonton executives have left in the last year. With these bureaucrats leaving, she acknowledged it is a concern the government has about stability. Her staff has reached out to Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi and told him it can assist if need be and Municipal Affairs Minister Ric McIver has said the same. Smith followed up by saying there is no decision about taking over Edmonton city council right now. “I would say there is lots of ways that we can assist a municipality that is having difficulty,” she said. “But in the case of the capital city, it’s our second largest city in the province, we would want to make sure we’re working with them to address the particular needs that they have.” For now, she said she has put the word out that the Alberta government is standing by ready to help if assistance is required. Sohi responded by downplaying the potential for provincial intervention, saying the City of Edmonton was not breaking the law and has a good relationship with the Alberta government. “The City of Edmonton is in compliance with our guiding legislation in all aspects of our operation, including with our financial policies, which are well within the legislated limits,” said Sohi. “We have a collaborative working relationship with Premier Smith and cabinet, and we will advocate on behalf of Edmontonians for the stable and equitable funding we need.” However, he said it was clear from Smith’s comments no inspections or audits are planned for it. Alberta Municipal Affairs press secretary Justin Brattinga confirmed the government is aware of the situation with the City of Edmonton and stands ready to provide assistance if needed. “The Minister of Municipal Affairs has received a letter detailing some allegations of wrongdoing and has directed that Ministry officials examine the contents and determine its reliability,” said Brattinga.The Alberta government said on Wednesday it is considering a move to investigate procedures and decision-making on Edmonton city council.READ MORE: Alberta government looking into auditing Edmonton city councilSenior Alberta government officials confirmed Smith is alarmed by what she is hearing and could step up to stabilize the City of Edmonton and audit its finances and corporate culture. While no plan has been finalized, multiple crises have been plaguing it lately.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said it is up to the City of Edmonton to decide on whether or not it needs assistance. “We’ve had a number of reports that do have us concerned,” said Smith at a Wednesday press conference. “We stand by ready to assist if they would like to ask us for assistance.” Western Standard sources said the City of Edmonton's finances are grim.At the moment, Smith said there are a few serious financial challenges the City of Edmonton is facing. Eight senior City of Edmonton executives have left in the last year. With these bureaucrats leaving, she acknowledged it is a concern the government has about stability. Her staff has reached out to Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi and told him it can assist if need be and Municipal Affairs Minister Ric McIver has said the same. Smith followed up by saying there is no decision about taking over Edmonton city council right now. “I would say there is lots of ways that we can assist a municipality that is having difficulty,” she said. “But in the case of the capital city, it’s our second largest city in the province, we would want to make sure we’re working with them to address the particular needs that they have.” For now, she said she has put the word out that the Alberta government is standing by ready to help if assistance is required. Sohi responded by downplaying the potential for provincial intervention, saying the City of Edmonton was not breaking the law and has a good relationship with the Alberta government. “The City of Edmonton is in compliance with our guiding legislation in all aspects of our operation, including with our financial policies, which are well within the legislated limits,” said Sohi. “We have a collaborative working relationship with Premier Smith and cabinet, and we will advocate on behalf of Edmontonians for the stable and equitable funding we need.” However, he said it was clear from Smith’s comments no inspections or audits are planned for it. Alberta Municipal Affairs press secretary Justin Brattinga confirmed the government is aware of the situation with the City of Edmonton and stands ready to provide assistance if needed. “The Minister of Municipal Affairs has received a letter detailing some allegations of wrongdoing and has directed that Ministry officials examine the contents and determine its reliability,” said Brattinga.The Alberta government said on Wednesday it is considering a move to investigate procedures and decision-making on Edmonton city council.READ MORE: Alberta government looking into auditing Edmonton city councilSenior Alberta government officials confirmed Smith is alarmed by what she is hearing and could step up to stabilize the City of Edmonton and audit its finances and corporate culture. While no plan has been finalized, multiple crises have been plaguing it lately.
