Despite not winning the recent Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA) presidential election, M.D. of Bonnyville Coun. Ben Fadeyiw remains steadfast in his commitment to rural advocacy.
Fadeyiw who ran a campaign that connected him with municipal officials across the province, emphasized that his passion for championing rural concerns remains undeterred.
“My advocacy for rural issues will never stop,” Fadeyiw said, reflecting his dedication to addressing challenges facing Alberta’s rural communities. Following the election, he seized an opportunity to present concerns to the Minister of Environment during the RMA conference, speaking in front of nearly 700 delegates and six ministers.
Fadeyiw highlighted ongoing efforts by the M.D. of Bonnyville council to engage provincial leaders. Alongside Reeve Barry Kalinski and Deputy Reeve Darcy Skarsen, he met with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs on November 6 to discuss pressing issues.
Reeve Kalinski focused on infrastructure concerns, including bridges, referencing the recent Truman Bridge incident, Deputy Reeve Skarsen addressed the impending removal of the drilling well holiday tax set to end in January and Coun. Fadeyiw advocated for changes to policing costs emphasizing the financial strain on municipalities.
While the delegation left the meeting feeling optimistic, Fadeyiw cautioned that the results of these discussions remain uncertain.
With former Vice President Kara Westerlund now leading the RMA, Fadeyiw expressed confidence in her ability to guide the organization.
Fadeyiw reflected positively on his campaign experience, which involved reaching out to elected officials across 69 municipalities. He noted that the process helped him build a stronger relationship, remarking that Alberta’s rural council members now know him better than before.
Although he did not achieve his immediate goal, Fadeyiw found encouragement in the feedback from his colleagues. He emphasized that the accolated and kind words he received, including encouragement to learn from the experience and try again, were both touching and inspiring.
As municipal elections approach in 2025, Fadeyiw plans to focus on his current role and continue advocating for the interest of the M.D. of Bonnyville and Alberta’s rural communities.
