Candidates for the 2024 Rural Municipalities of Alberta Presidency
As the Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA) prepares for its 2024 board elections, the position of President is a key focus. Outgoing President Paul McLauchlin has served in the role since he was elected at the fall convention in 2020 and has been an active advocate on many, many rural issues during his term. He will, no doubt, leave large shoes to fill.
Five candidates have put forward their names, each representing a different corner of Alberta’s rural landscape and bringing a wealth of leadership experience to the table. With the election set to take place during the RMA Fall Convention on November 6, these candidates are vying for an important role in advocating for rural governance, issues, and support.
Let’s take a closer look at the candidates.
John Burrows
Woodlands County (Councillor)
Source: woodlands.ab.ca
John Burrows’ time in Woodlands County has been marked by a focus on sustainable land management and improving local infrastructure—critical concerns in a largely rural area with a diverse landscape. Woodlands County includes both agricultural lands and forests, and Burrows has been an advocate for balancing economic development with environmental sustainability. He currently serves on the RMA executive as the director of District 3.
Burrows’ leadership experience includes tackling the challenges rural municipalities face, such as securing provincial support for essential infrastructure projects, including roadways, water systems, and broadband internet. His efforts have consistently aimed at improving the quality of life for rural residents, particularly through advocating for better healthcare access, which is often limited in rural areas compared to urban centers.
Burrows has served as both mayor and reeve of Woodlands County. He resigned his position in June 2023 but continues to serve as the councillor for Division 2 – Whitecourt West.
Ben Fadeyiw
MD of Bonnyville (Councillor)
Source: md.bonnyville.ab.ca
Ben Fadeyiw’s experience stems from his leadership in a region heavily influenced by two of Alberta’s key industries: energy and agriculture. Bonnyville’s local economy relies on oil and gas production, alongside significant agricultural activity, which has given Fadeyiw a unique perspective on how to manage these resources in a way that benefits both the economy and the environment.
Fadeyiw has focused on fostering economic resilience in the MD of Bonnyville, working to ensure that his community can thrive despite the challenges posed by fluctuating oil prices and global economic shifts. His efforts have included advocating for responsible energy policies that ensure the longevity of the local industry while mitigating environmental impacts. He has also been involved in infrastructure improvements, recognizing that rural communities need strong transportation networks, utility systems, and broadband connectivity to support both industries and residents.
Gene Hrabec
Beaver County (Deputy Reeve)
Source: beaver.ab.ca
Gene Hrabec has dedicated many years to municipal governance, earning a reputation for his pragmatic and thoughtful approach to the complex issues rural communities face. Hrabec’s experience spans a wide range of key areas, including managing rural growth and advocating for essential services such as healthcare, education, and public safety, which are often under-resourced in rural regions.
One of the hallmarks of Hrabec's leadership has been his focus on fiscal sustainability. Hrabec has been a consistent advocate for the equitable distribution of provincial resources to ensure that rural areas receive adequate funding. His emphasis has been on creating financial strategies that not only maintain essential services but also allow for long-term planning and growth, helping his community navigate economic uncertainties that are common in agriculture-based regions.
He holds a diploma in law enforcement and continues to serve as the chair of Bever Emergency Services Commission.
Jason Schneider
Vulcan County (Reeve)
Source: vulcancounty.ab.ca
Jason Schneider’s leadership has centered on rural economic diversification. He already sits on the board of RMA as the director of Division 1. His work has gained Vulcan County recognition for its proactive approach to adapting to modern economic shifts, particularly through the adoption of renewable energy initiatives and community-based projects.
The region has become a hub for wind and solar energy projects, which Schneider sees as key to ensuring that rural municipalities remain economically viable in the long term. This forward-thinking approach has not only brought jobs to the region but has also helped position Vulcan County as a leader in Alberta's energy transition, a crucial issue as the province navigates the complexities of shifting away from its reliance on oil and gas.
He has served on the Vulcan County council since he was first elected in October 2013.
Kara Westerlund
Brazeau County (Councillor)
Source: brazeau.ab.ca
Kara Westerlund, from Brazeau County, has established herself as a powerful advocate for rural municipalities, particularly in the areas of healthcare, infrastructure, and broadband connectivity. Her leadership has been driven by the pressing need to close the gap between rural and urban services, ensuring that rural communities have access to the same essential services that larger cities do. She currently serves as the vice president of RMA.
One of Westerlund’s key focuses has been on improving healthcare services in rural areas, recognizing that residents often have limited access to medical facilities and specialists. She has worked to push for better healthcare funding and the expansion of rural health infrastructure, ensuring that these communities do not get left behind in provincial health policies.
Another cornerstone of her advocacy has been broadband internet connectivity. Westerlund has frequently highlighted the digital divide between rural and urban areas, stressing that reliable, high-speed internet is essential for rural education, healthcare, business development, and overall community engagement in the modern world. She has worked tirelessly to ensure that broadband expansion remains a priority in provincial planning, recognizing that it is key to attracting and retaining residents and businesses in rural municipalities.
Westerlund has served with Brazeau County council since 2010 and first joined the RMA board on 2017. Outside of politics, she has served as a director of the Alberta Recycling Management Authority and as a news director for the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group.