SUMA convention taking place this week

One resolution calls for SUMA to advocate the Government of Canada to absorb all costs of the retroactive salary increases for RCMP officers. The City of North Battleford faced challenges during its 2022 budget deliberations this year due to the impact on increasing costs for RCMP salaries.

Another resolution deals with the issue of addictions and homelessness in municipalities across the province. Through the proposal, SUMA will advocate the province to increase drug, alcohol, addictions and homelessness funding for organizations and agencies in municipalities “to ensure financial resources are in place to implement measures that will help to address this growing crisis.”

One resolution proposes SUMA advocate the ministers of Health and Rural and Remote Health to have the Saskatchewan Health Authority or an independent firm develop a long-term recruiting and retention plan for healthcare workers throughout all Saskatchewan hospitals and health centres.

Another resolution proposed is to appoint Elders to municipal councils in the province, which would also align with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action.

The convention as a whole will vote on each resolution presented.

New this year, information about which municipalities submitted the resolutions will not be made available.

“SUMA decided last year not to publish who submitted what resolution,” Hawkins said. “They didn’t think that was something that should influence how people vote.”

The resolutions that are passed will guide SUMA’s work for the year ahead.

“The resolutions are voted on. Those that are passed, become part of the SUMA agenda for submission to the province,” Hawkins said. “The SUMA administration and board decides which resolutions have the most priority.”

Later in the week, on Wednesday morning there will be a “Bear Pit” session when mayors and councillors from municipalities across the province will have an opportunity to ask Premier Scott Moe and provincial cabinet members questions about their issues of concern. Delegates will also have a chance to meet with individual cabinet ministers during the convention for one-on-one sessions.

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Angela.Brown@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @battlefordsnow

by Angela Brown

SUMA convention taking place this week

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