RMA-2023-003 - Analysis of Quasi-Judicial Agencies and Public Interest in Alberta

The purpose of this project is to undertake research and analysis of select quasi-judicial bodies in Alberta, including but not limited to the AUC, NRCB and the AER; all of which have had significant impacts to municipalities in the last few years. Research and analysis will focus in the following areas, as well as others identified by the successful proponent and/or project team:

 How the quasi-judicial bodies define the concept of “public interest” and their role in supporting it through development approvals processes.
 If and how municipalities are involved in the approval processes managed by the quasi-judicial bodies, and how this involvement aligns (or does not align) with municipal land use planning and development responsibilities.
 The role of municipalities in the approval of provincially-regulated developments in other select jurisdictions.
 A broader review and understanding of existing research and best practices on public interest within the regulatory process and analysis on if and to what extent the quasi-judicial bodies align.

The ideal outcome of the project will be to enable RMA and its members to better understand how quasi-judicial bodies and municipalities intersect in relation to development approval processes, and to provide RMA with specific research and analysis to drive advocacy for changes to such processes to better include municipal perspectives.