Crowsnest Pass Taxpayers’ Association Member Meeting Presentation

Carmen Roman, President

May 22, 2025

I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our many members who have supported us through what has been a challenging year. For those who are new, welcome! We’re glad you have joined us. The Board of Directors is pleased that you have taken an interest in the Crowsnest Pass Taxpayers’ Association. We are here to advocate on your behalf, to ensure your voice is heard by our local government.

Who We Are

The primary mission of the Crowsnest Pass Taxpayers’ Association is to inform and educate citizens and taxpayers. We aim to help you better understand your democratic rights, government accountability, and municipal governance. Our role is not to be adversarial, but rather to serve as a non-partisan advocacy group that represents the best interests of the community.

I am speaking from a script tonight with a specific purpose: to ensure the Crowsnest Pass Taxpayers’ Association is not misrepresented or misquoted, and to avoid the spread of misinformation. As an organization, we are committed to speaking the truth—backed by research, data, provincial consultations, and publicly available documents. Our team is dedicated and spends countless volunteer hours advocating for you. Your donations help us communicate effectively and efficiently, and for that, we thank you.

Our Foundation

Our foundation is built on the Canadian Taxpayers’ Association model, which emphasizes fairness and neutrality in service to the broader public good. To maintain impartiality, we base our decisions on rigorous evaluations of facts, evidence, and the needs of citizens, rather than being swayed by partisan interests. This aligns with the spirit of the Municipal Government Act (MGA), which encourages non-partisanship within Alberta municipalities. Our goal, always, is to advance the public good.

At the same time, we recognize the importance of holding the local government accountable. We believe in addressing ineffective governance and poor accountability head-on, not with an agenda of being “for” or “against,” but with the leadership that guides us toward comprehensive, balanced solutions.

Our Commitment to Democracy and Free Speech

The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees all citizens the right to freedom of association, thought, opinion, and expression. Equally important, the right to free speech is foundational to democracy. Our Municipal Government has a duty to uphold processes that allow citizens to voice their opinions in a fair and just manner. This is a core tenet of our democracy and of what it means to be Canadian.

However, Bylaw 1187, 2024, imposed by our Municipal Government, dictates when and how we are allowed to speak. This bylaw limits our democratic rights and undermines the values enshrined in the Canadian Constitution. We believe that such restrictions are not only unjust, but they also contradict the principles of open, democratic governance.

Clarifying Misconceptions

There has been some confusion and miscommunication regarding our stance on local governance. Some claim that we are targeting specific council members or pushing for the firing of our Chief Administrative Officer. I want to make it clear that this is not the case. The Crowsnest Pass Taxpayers’ Association does not have the authority to take such actions. Our focus is on ensuring that the Municipal Government Act is followed and that governance is fair, transparent, and accountable to the people.

Concerns About Governance

We have received numerous concerns from citizens regarding the unprofessional conduct of certain members of the Council and Mayor, as well as the disrespectful treatment of citizens at Council meetings. These apprehensions also include complaints to include alleged acts of retribution by members of local government and senior management. Concerns and details have been reported to Minister McIver, of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs, as well as our local government. We are committed to ensuring that governance remains transparent and accountable.

Furthermore, ongoing issues with the process for the sale or conditional sale of municipal lands, particularly when these transactions are conducted “in camera “and seem to favor developers has caused much distress for communities. The procedural processes allude the voice of residents. To collaboratively participate in public participation that engages, in fair and just ways, and presents an effective area structure plan, has been non-existent. As stipulated by the Municipal Government Act (MGA), municipal lands should be rezoned in consultation with residents before any sale. Moreover, lands of high archaeological and paleontological value require approval of the Historic Resources Act prior to development. This is a condition we’ve fought hard to ensure is met for Dairy Road, MDM, and Sartoris development proposals.

Our Role in Informing the Community

One of our core functions has been to educate and inform our members about the Municipality of Crowsnest Pass budget, property assessments, mill rates, municipal spending, borrowing practices, and why taxes are high. We’ve also focused on municipal governance—particularly procedural processes like land sales, public participation, and compliance with the Historic Resources Act. As we approach a new election year, it is crucial that you, our members, have the information you need to make an informed decision about who will best represent your interests.

We encourage you to think about the future you want for our community—one based on integrity, transparency, and practical fiscal management. As citizens, we must ask ourselves:

• Who will best represent our voice?

• Who will foster a community built on safety, care, and respect?

• Who will prioritize integrity and transparency in governance?

• Who understands that a practical, efficient budget can reduce debt and ease the tax burden?

• Who will honor the principles of public engagement and collaborative decision-making? Your vote is powerful. Make it count.