Message from the Executive Director & CEO

This past year has been one of rapid change, meaningful progress, and deeply rewarding outcomes. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished together, and at the heart of it all are our members.

The 69 counties, municipal districts, and specialized municipalities that make up RMA continue to be the backbone of our organization. Your active engagement in our advocacy efforts and business services plays a vital role in shaping our direction, driving leadership, and strengthening municipal governments across Alberta.  It’s because of your enduring partnership that RMA continues to grow, evolve, and deliver real, lasting impact.

This year’s annual report reflects RMA’s enduring focus on rural Alberta. While the narrative highlights our activities and achievements throughout 2024, the financials correspond to a shortened reporting period, from August 31 to December 31, 2025, marking our transition to a calendar fiscal year beginning January 1, 2025. This “stub year” structure may result in certain metrics appearing elevated due to the condensed timeframe; however, the outcomes remain both meaningful and indicative of the strength and stability we’ve built. Our performance continues to demonstrate resilience, strategic growth, and a clear trajectory forward.

Throughout the year, our priorities have remained clear: to empower our members, strengthen rural communities, and deliver measurable value. We’ve made strategic investments in our policy and advocacy initiatives, expanded internal capacity, and enhanced business services that not only reinforce RMA’s operational strength but also provide direct, tangible benefits to our members. Whether through cost efficiencies, collaborative partnerships, or the continued evolution of our service offerings, we are enabling rural municipalities to thrive with greater resilience and impact.

Our advocacy work in the past year was driven by both urgency and strategy. We equipped members with practical tools on a range of complex and high-impact issues, including the Mature Asset Strategy, Assessment Model Review, Bill 50 and Bill 49, and the evolving Police Funding Model. We also advanced critical conversations around Alberta’s infrastructure deficit, unpaid oil and gas taxes through our Below the Drill initiative, and the growing concern of zombie wells. Federally, under the leadership of Tasha Blumenthal, Executive Officer of External Relations & Strategy, we’ve taken deliberate steps to establish a stronger presence for rural Alberta, ensuring our members’ priorities are heard and respected in national policy discussions.

RMA Insurance continues to be a cornerstone of our value to members. We offer a breadth of coverage and pricing options that simply aren’t available in the open market, solutions designed specifically for municipalities. Thanks to disciplined decisions in previous years, we’re now positioned to introduce innovative offerings in the next year that will give our members a leading edge in managing risk and controlling costs. The Genesis Reciprocal Insurance Exchange had another strong year, with a combined operating ratio of 75%, a Minimum Capital Test rate of 498%, and a net position increase of 24.1%. Our expense ratio came in at 21%, well below the market average of 32%, underscoring our operational efficiency. RMA Insurance’s expansion into Atlantic Canada is also helping us diversify our portfolio and offset risk, further strengthening our long-term sustainability.

Canoe remains a key player in Canada’s group purchasing, insurance, and benefits landscape, with top-line growth nearing $929 million by the end of 2024. We’ve increased organizational funding support and continue to adapt our strategies to reflect the evolving trade landscape, ensuring our members have access to compliant, cost-effective solutions that align with both local priorities and national interests. One of the most significant advantages we offer is time saved. On average, members save over 260 hours per RFP by using Canoe’s streamlined procurement process. That’s time they can reinvest in their communities, their teams, and their strategic goals. We’re proud to deliver this kind of value: practical and impactful support that helps municipalities operate more efficiently and stay focused on what matters most.

I want to take a moment to recognize the leadership of our Board of Directors, whose steady guidance and strategic insight have been instrumental in steering RMA through another successful year. Their commitment to rural Alberta continues to shape our direction and strengthen our impact. I also want to acknowledge Kara Westerlund, who assumed the role of President in the fall of 2024. Kara brings clarity, strategic perspective, and a deep-rooted understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing rural municipalities. Her leadership will be key as we build on our momentum and continue to respond to the evolving needs of our members with purpose and precision.

As we look ahead, I want to express my sincere gratitude to our members for your continued trust, engagement, and unwavering commitment to building strong, vibrant rural communities. The progress we’ve made this year is a direct result of your involvement, and the path forward is shaped by our shared vision for a stronger, more resilient rural Alberta. I also want to extend my deepest appreciation to the entire RMA team. Your dedication, ingenuity, and tireless efforts are the driving force behind everything we do. It’s because of your work that RMA continues to deliver exceptional value and leadership across the province.

Together, we are building extraordinary. And the best is yet to come.