Minister Matt Jones offers support for local REDAs

Posted on August 22, 2024 by Taber Times

By Heather Cameron
Taber Times
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

During a recent M.D. of Taber Council meeting, Arlos Crofts, Chief Administrative Officer for the M.D. of Taber, shared a letter from Matt Jones, Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade, with Council.

The letter, Crofts explained, was a response to a letter Council had sent Jones expressing support with respect to Regional Economic Development Alliances (REDA’s) within the province of Alberta.

“The Government of Alberta is committed to supporting grassroots economic development across the entire province and values the important work of REDA’s,” said Minister Jones. 

In his letter, Minister Jones stated that the nine REDA’s are some of the many regional economic development organizations in Alberta whose actions support economic and job growth.

“Alberta’s government recognizes that equitable support is needed for all economic development organizations and regions in the province and that not all Alberta municipalities are part of a REDA,” said Minister Jones.

Minister Jones emphasized that Alberta’s government is proactively moving forward to provide all economic organizations with access to tools and resources through a hub and spoke approach that will support continuing activities. The hub and spoke model, Jones says, will maximize the availability of provincial resources and supports for all economic development organizations.

The tools and resources Minister Jones highlighted were Regional Economic Development Specialists, Workforce Consultants, Industry, Workforce Partnership Specialists, Alberta Economic Dashboard and the Regional Economic Dashboard, Northern and Regional Economic Development program, Alberta Export Expansion Program, Workforce Partnership Grants, Investment and Growth Fund, Online Site Selector Tool, and the Small Community Opportunity Program.

In addition, Minister Jones stated, Jobs, Economy, and Trade (JET) is shifting to a more competitive, project based economic development model that will make the best use of provincial and local resources to support grassroots economic development across Alberta.

Minister Jones explained to support the nine REDA’s to become self-sufficient operationally, each organization could receive up to $125,000 per year for the next three years via matching membership revenue.

“I am happy to report that SouthGrow Regional Initiative entered into a grant agreement to receive $125,000 in transitional funding for the 2024/2025 fiscal year,” said Minister Jones. 

“SouthGrow Regional Initiative will also continue to be supported through JET’s hub and spoke model and be eligible for project-based funding.”

REDA’s, Minister Jones says, are also being encouraged to explore membership categories beyond municipalities with private sector businesses and industry.

“This will potentially result in more dynamic and congruous regional involvement, contributions, and collaboration,” said Minister Jones. 

To show support and help each REDA develop strategies and explore opportunities to increase membership and operating revenue, Jones explained that his ministry will hire an independent consultant who will be available to work with each REDA’s distinct focus and priorities.

“The Government of Alberta recognizes that communities have unique, diverse opportunities and challenges,” said Minister Jones. 

“Funding projects though innovative partnerships supports the prudent use of public funds and enhances regional grassroots collaboration between various stakeholders.”

“We are taking strategic action to support more equitable access to funding, targeted economic growth, and continued prosperity across the province.”

A motion was made to accept this letter and it was carried.