Challenges and Opportunities for Canadian Municipalities

In November 2021, Senator Paula Simons informed the Chamber of her intention to embark on an important study examining the intricacies of Canada’s most direct level of governance—municipalities. The study aimed to explore their current challenges across various sectors and highlight their strengths.

This ambitious inquiry spanned nearly two years, drawing attention not only to prominent voices within the Senate of Canada but also to the contributions of mayors, community leaders, local stakeholders, and experts who have dedicated their lives to improving towns and cities across the nation.

As a culmination of this work, Senator Simons is proud to release the report, On the Front Lines of Canadian Governance, which delves into the speeches and discussions that emerged during the study, celebrating Canada's local governments as one of the nation's greatest assets.

Read the Report

On The Front Lines of Canadian Governance

Municipalities Unbound

In May 2020, Alberta Unbound, an innovative podcast launched by Senator Paula Simons, seeks to challenge and examine the myths that shape her province. As part of her summer inquiry into the role of Canadian municipalities in frontline governance, Senator Simons, with co-hosts Senator Bernadette Clement and Senator Ratna Omidvar, led three roundtable discussions—two in English and one in French. These discussions included municipal leaders, academics, and advocates, offering a platform for a range of perspectives on the challenges and opportunities faced by Canada's municipalities.