That's no problem. I do speak quickly.
The Government of Canada's budget is of significant interest to our organization in terms of the budget's impact at a local level. Canada is facing challenging economic times. Alberta is particularly vulnerable, given our natural resource economy, and we are seeing that in the form of an unemployment rate of roughly 8% and thousands of jobs that have been lost over the past year.
We appreciate the federal government's recent funding commitments for infrastructure and housing, which not only address the tangible infrastructure needs but also result in job creation and support for economic growth. We were pleased the Government of Canada and the province have honoured our call for a 50% federal contribution, a 40% provincial contribution, and a 10% municipal contribution for water-related infrastructure projects. This formula reflects the capacity of each government to raise revenue, and we hope future agreements maintain this cost-sharing formula.
While I know your committee is more focused on funding priorities at a high level, I would be remiss if I didn't highlight the importance of connecting the budget decisions of government with the on-the-ground execution of agreements that can ensure the funding quickly goes where it is required. Future bilateral federal-provincial infrastructure agreements need to be resolved in a timely fashion, so that the funding correlates with our construction season. One of the ways to ensure the efficient pool of funds is to use an allocation model similar to the gas tax fund, so that infrastructure dollars will flow through the province directly to municipalities.
This approach allows the resources to be allocated effectively, and avoids the administrative burden associated with a grant application process. It is beneficial for all levels of government. It also capitalizes on local knowledge, as municipalities are in the best position to prioritize their infrastructure investments based on the needs of their own communities.
We encourage the Government of Canada to establish the cash flows for infrastructure projects in advance of major expenditures. If the cash flows predictably and in accordance with these schedules, then municipalities will not have to pay for the cost of projects up front. This would be helpful to all municipalities, but particularly those that do not have significant reserves.
In order for our communities to prosper, they must feel safe and secure. According to 2014 statistics, Alberta's violent crime rate was 18% higher than the national average, and our property crime rate is 33% higher. Actions are needed to address the high crime rate in Alberta. From a budget perspective, this can be helped by allocating more funds to increase the intake of the RCMP cadet training program. While Alberta receives one of the highest allotments of new RCMP graduates, a shortage of officers has resulted in continued vacancies.
In 2014, there were 112 positions, which is almost 10% of all the positions in the province, that were vacant. As a result, services are reduced, despite RCMP officers working longer hours and taking on more responsibilities. Our RCMP members are at risk of burnout. This affects staff morale and limits its service delivery. The incurring of overtime also adds financial burdens to municipalities.
Another important idea is to improve broadband Internet access throughout the province. Currently, the ability of small and remote communities to contribute to Canada's economic growth is hampered by limited broadband. Reliable, high-speed Internet is the cornerstone of modern life and has the power to transform small communities. It allows for innovation and cost savings in transportation, health care, community services, and business practice, and these benefit the entire nation.
In closing, I'd also like to address disaster funding. As you are well aware, Alberta has had more than its fair share of disasters in recent years. Local disasters have had profound implications for the rest of the country, as the recent fire in Fort McMurray has clearly illustrated. We urge you to recommend the restoration of funding for the federal disaster assistance programs to appropriate levels, as this funding is vital to assist communities in their recovery efforts.
I thank you again for the opportunity to speak. I look forward to your questions.
I just wanted to add that our convention is being held over the next three days in Edmonton. We'll have over 1,000 municipal elected officials from the province at the Shaw Conference Centre. If you are in the area, we would be more than willing to host you at any point so that you can have one-on-one conversations with Alberta's municipalities and know what their issues are.
Thank you.