Issue Statement

Local governments in Southeast Alberta play a vital role in shaping economic outcomes through service delivery, infrastructure investment, policy development and advocacy. However, municipal decision-making and framework often lack explicit recognition of economic stewardship, including fiscal responsibility, value-for-money principles, and long-term economic impact, as well as potential impacts to the business climate and investor confidence, as core decision making imperatives when evaluating and implementing strategic projects . 

In an era of constrained budgets, rising service demands, and economic uncertainty, municipalities must embed economic stewardship into municipal services and decisions to ensure sustainable, transparent, and economically sound governance. 

Background

The federal Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector outlines five core values: Respect for Democracy, Respect for People, Integrity, Stewardship, and Excellence. While “stewardship” includes responsible resource use, it does not explicitly address economic stewardship or fiscal responsibility as standalone ethical principles.

Municipal governments face similar challenges—balancing budgets, managing public assets, and delivering services efficiently. Yet, few municipalities in Southeast Alberta have formally adopted frameworks that prioritize economic foresight, fiscal prudence, and maximizing public value through economic stewardship.

Embedding economic stewardship into municipal ethics codes would:

•    Promote responsible budgeting and long-term fiscal sustainability.

•    Encourage innovation and efficiency in service delivery.

•    Enable a health, efficient business climate for current and future investors.

•    Align decision-making with regional economic development goals.

•    Reinforce public trust in local governance.

Recommendations:

That the Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce recommends local municipalities:

1.    Include “Economic Stewardship” as a core value, emphasizing fiscal responsibility, cost-effectiveness, and long-term economic impact.

2.    Adopt Value-for-Money Principles and require municipal departments to assess the economic impact and efficiency of programs, services, and capital projects.

3.    Implement Economic Impact Assessments: Integrate economic foresight into strategic projects, policy development and budgeting processes to ensure alignment with regional growth objectives.

4.    Provide Mandatory Training for Municipal Staff and Elected Officials on economic development principles and strategy along with responsible financial management.

5.    Ensure strategic projects include a lends on both economic development strategies and responsible financial management by council and senior leadership teams.

6.    Ensure transparency by publicly reporting on economic outcomes, budget performance, and value-for-money evaluations.

Date Drafted: October 16, 2025

Date Approved: November 19, 2025