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FORT McMURRAY — Alberta’s municipal affairs minister is embarking on a 10-day tour of dozens of communities to discuss local priorities ranging from emergency services to roads and transportation, but the itinerary does not include the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo.
Minister Dan Williams began the tour Monday and is scheduled to visit municipalities across east central Alberta through July 30. According to the itinerary released by the province, the tour includes meetings with elected officials from more than 90 municipalities, including Lloydminster, Camrose, Strathcona County and numerous towns, villages and counties. The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo is not among the scheduled stops.
The province says Williams will use the tour to hear directly from municipal leaders, discuss local priorities and highlight projects supported through the Local Government Fiscal Framework.
The government says communities on the tour have received nearly $200 million in capital funding through the framework over the past two years. Projects include emergency service equipment, transportation infrastructure, community facilities, recreation amenities, public works equipment and public safety improvements.
“These visits are an opportunity to hear directly from municipal leaders about what’s working, what challenges they’re facing and how Alberta’s government can continue to be a strong partner,” Williams said in a statement.
The province said discussions will focus on regional growth, infrastructure needs and ways to strengthen local governments.
The omission drew criticism from Fort McMurray community organizer and Prestige Jewellers owner Mohamed Tarrabin, who recently organized a protest over the condition of Highway 63. The demonstration drew hundreds of residents and professionals who filled potholes along a stretch of highway between Beacon Hill and the Athabasca River.
“It’s like everything else that the government is doing to Fort McMurray, we’re being left over. We’re a second-class citizen to them,” Tarrabin said.
“They enjoy taking our money, but when it comes time to invest it they feel like they’re saying, ‘Why should we?'”
Tarrabin said Fort McMurray should have been a priority on the minister’s itinerary.
“Of all the communities he should visit, Fort McMurray should be his first stop,” he said.
He added the decision has motivated him to speak out publicly.
“This lights a fire in my soul, and I’ll be calling him out on Facebook and social media,” Tarrabin said.
Tarrabin also suggested the omission could have political consequences.
“If the United Conservative Party has really given up on Fort McMurray, they’re going to lose the two seats here that they’ve held for the longest time.”
In a statement, the minister’s office said the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo was included in Williams’ summer tours during each of the past two years.
“Last summer and the previous summer RMWB was included,” a spokesperson said. “There are over 230 municipalities in the province, and we can’t hit them all.”
The Local Government Fiscal Framework will provide $860 million to municipalities in 2026, including $800 million for capital projects and $60 million in operating support, according to the government.
Williams’ itinerary includes stops in Lamont County, Smoky Lake County, St. Paul County, Vegreville, Lloydminster, Wainwright, Provost, Flagstaff County, Camrose, Beaver County and Strathcona County. The schedule released by the province contains no visit to Fort McMurray or the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo.
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