The Prentice government has inked a deal with Alberta’s big city mayors to open discussions to develop new city charters that will give civic leaders new tools to better manage services and infrastructure.

Premier Jim Prentice, Calgary Mayor Neheed Nenshi and Edmonton Mayor Don Iveson signed a Framework Agreement in Calgary on Tuesday and have committed to working together to formalize an agreement that recognizes the evolving needs of each city and their relationship with the province.

In June 2012, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed by Edmonton, Calgary and the Government that set out parameters for discussions about city charters.

The new city charters are intended to:

Provide enhanced authority to create bylaws to better meet local priorities in both cities that are currently under provincial authority

Create for-profit corporations to deliver services and programs

Enhance flexibility and increased authority around social policies.

“Our government fully recognizes that Calgary and Edmonton have unique challenges, unique growth pressures, but also unique opportunities. This Framework Agreement reaffirms and strengthens the province’s commitment to support both Edmonton and Calgary in their aspirations for the future,” said Premier Jim Prentice.

“This is a very positive step in creating a new relationship between the province and our big cities, but we still have a lot of work to do. I’m looking forward to working with Mayor Iveson and the provincial government on this file.” said Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi

“Today’s event represents a significant and meaningful step forward in the creation of a new and more mature relationship between the City of Edmonton and the Province of Alberta. I’m pleased that both the Premier and Minister McQueen have acknowledged this critical work and have moved quickly to get the process underway. However, this is just the first step. The proof of our dedication to making real and meaningful change in the lives of Edmontonians and Albertans will become apparent in the months ahead.” said Edmonton Mayor Don Iveson

The discussions will have a three-phase approach:

Phase one will address matters specific to the two cities and Municipal Affairs (MA) by Spring 2015 Phase two will address matters between the two cities, MA and any other Government of Alberta ministries by Fall 2015 Phase three will address the development of a new fiscal framework for the two cities by Spring 2016

The leaders will also discuss a fiscal framework.

To view the Framework Agreement, click HERE or scroll the document below.