It has always been a challenge. Sometimes a battle. Occasionally a war, this relationship between provinces and municipalities.

Often defined by a municipal perception of arrogance and indifference from provincial municipal affairs ministers and senior staff, and a bland insouciance when it comes to downloading costs and programs to towns and cities, this is a relationship that just doesn't pass muster in the 21^st century.

I, and some others, have been calling for dramatic changes in the relationship between provinces and their BNA Act-indentured bondservants. As cities assume a greater and greater importance in global affairs, and more and more people turn to smart mayors and effective councils as the most democratic and efficient elected bodies, it is time to give serious thought and discussion to how Canada can update and upgrade this often tense and ineffective relationship.

In recent speeches I increasingly called for revolution, not evolution. Municipalities desperately need new and reliable forms of revenue and a share of the new taxes–marijuana tax, carbon tax, some kind of international finance tax on internet financial transactions, or other innovative ideas.

This would demand more of local councils and elected officials, but that is just fine. If councils are going to seek a 21^st century relationship with their provincial and federal governments, then they have to assume greater accountability and be prepared for the hard decisions and increased scrutiny that would come with greater power and independence.

Canada is not alone in this conundrum. In the United States, for example, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection ordered the City of St Petersburg to ignore plans for buying a new street sweeper, investing in aerators for a nearby lake, and spending money on making recreation centres more energy efficient to satisfy an $810,000 civil penalty as part of a $326 million consent decree to upgrade city sewers. There is no question old sewers are a big problem–the issue for many citizens of that city was the peremptory direction of the state for what many believed were local choices.

Provincial governments in Canada, and sometimes the federal government, often use municipalities as their punching bag for problems they don't want any more. Affordable housing is a prime example. It has left municipalities with a stock of old housing in desperate need of repair, but with no revenue sources to fix the problems.

Infrastructure investments are another prime example. The senior orders of government spend endless hours battling over credit, jurisdiction and other matters instead of getting the money flowing and letting cities and town get on with badly-needed investments in public projects. Again, municipal governments should be held publicly accountable for their spending and results, but too often money is left on the table because of internecine government squabbling.

As 2017 gets ready to ring out, and 2018 stands impatiently at the doorstep, I hope that municipal leaders will take a moment or two away from sipping egg nog and celebrating with family and friends to give some serious thought to BIG THINKING in the new year.

Most municipal leaders will quietly admit the system of governing and financing our communities that we have right now just isn't working. It is time to change the system. That will demand bold ideas, big thinking, and visionary and courageous municipal leaders.

Thank you for allowing me to share these thoughts with you throughout the year, and thanks to Gordon McCormick and the team at Municipal Information Network for supporting this platform. It is always interesting to hear your comments and reactions to my often provocative and bold comments and challenges.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone.
GORD