The Alberta Bilingual Municipalities Association (ABMA) is an initiative that began in November 2010 and is modeled after the Association of Manitoba Bilingual Municipalities (AMBM).
Originally known as the “Concerto Network”, the ABMA brings together Alberta municipalities that wish to highlight the added value of bilingualism for sustainable economic development. Its economic, social and cultural contributions help increase the influence of these communities. The Concerto Network became ABMA in the spring of 2017.
Since the ABMA does not yet have funding to support its ongoing activities, it is the CDÉA that contributes to the ongoing activities and tries to secure funding that will eventually allow the ABMA to fly on its own wings.
HISTORY OF THE ASSOCIATION
November 2010
The idea was started under the brand of Concerto Network aimed to foster collaboration among Alberta municipalities.
2013 :The first three members of the ABMA were the Hamlet of Plamondon, the County of Lac La Biche and the Town of Beaumont.
2014 :In the second year, seven new members joined the network: the Municipality of Legal, the Municipality of Morinville, the City of Saint-Albert, the Municipality of Saint-Paul, the Municipality of Bonnyville, the Municipal District of Smoky River and the Municipality of Falher.
2016 : The village of Donnelly officially joins its ranks.
2017
The Concerto Network was incorporated and became the Alberta Bilingual Municipalities Association.
OUR VISION
To unite municipalities by promoting their prosperity through bilingualism.
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to advocate for economically vibrant, sustainable, bilingual communities through a collaborative network of municipalities.
OUR VALUES
PASSION
- Believe in our organization.
- Empower or help others.
- Be excited with our decisions.
LEADERSHIP
- Provide guidance and communication with municipalities.
- Provide confidence in our projects.
- Collaborate with the municipalities.
COLLABORATION
- Bring people together to brainstorm ideas.
- Find common ground between municipalities, administrations and other organizations to support members and share successes.
RESPECT
- We value the diversity of our communities.
- In our progression, communications and decisions, we will strive to reflect our diverse contexts and needs.
FOUR PILLARS
FOR THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF ABMA MEMBERS
Tourism development
Investor attraction
Attracting Bilingual Skilled Workers
Developing initiatives in green economy
SIX AVANTAGES
OF ABMA MEMBERS
Contribute to the competitiveness of municipalities in relation to those where French is less prevalent and promote the contribution of bilingualism to the regional economy.
Increase the attractiveness of municipalities by opening them up to the various possibilities of collaboration.
Build a dynamic Francophone business community through better access to Francophone entrepreneurs
Encouraging economic vitality and sustainable growth of municipalities
Highlight the presence of entrepreneurs and increase new business synergies
Ensure provincial, national and international visibility
OUR MEMBERS
Click on the map to go to our member page
CONTACTS
ÉTIENNE ALARY
Executive Director, CDÉA
étienne.alary@lecdea.ca
SUZANNE PRÉVOST
Director, Rural Development and ABMA Coordinator
suzanne.prevost@lecdea.ca
DIANE CHIASSON
Specialist, Rural Development and Entrepreneurship
diane.chiasson@lecdea.ca
ÉLISA BROSSEAU
Chair of the ABMA
ebrosseau@town.bonnyville.ab.ca