Mayor Joe Hordyski was interested in topics such as addictions, bear spray and tariffs at the annual convention. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

municipalities

Hordyski, La Ronge councillors attend annual SUMA convention

Apr 16, 2025 | 3:49 PM

La Ronge Mayor Joe Hordyski learned a lot at the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Assocation’s annual Convention and Tradeshow in Saskatoon this week.

He attended the convention alongside fellow councillors (except for Terry Hunt), chief administrative officer Lyle Hannan, and a couple of other management employees.

“It’s always worth the conversation that happens and there’s always things to learn and just getting updates on some of the programming that’s out there, whether it is for infrastructure programs or things that are available to help out with mental health and addictions, and see where that process is at and advocate for those types of services in the community,” he said.

One of the conversations Hordyski found interesting was in regards to addictions. He attended a presentation that examined the root causes of it, and what a community can and can’t accomplish with respect to it. He said it added some perspective when it comes to dealing with addictions in La Ronge.

Hordyski also mentioned the provincial government is looking to decrease crime involving bear spray.

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“There was one question that came out that I know has been a bit of a concern in our community and that’s with the incidents we’ve had with bear spray and those kind of things, and they are looking at legislation to try and tighten that up, along with prohibited weapons like machetes and axes,” he said.

“They don’t have to be in use. If you are in public with those types of things they will be confiscated without question. There are some movements on those types of things and I thought that was a good direction to go.”

The provincial government also spoke about concerns regarding American tariffs.

“I guess a lot of it is going to be determined on who ends up getting elected in the federal election coming up,” Hordyski remarked.

“I think our province is very well positioned. We deal with many other countries, probably not at the same levels as the US, but I think there seems to be reassurance we have a strategy in place within the province to minimize the impact of what was going on.”

Air Ronge Mayor Julie Baschuk also attended the convention. larongeNOW reached out to her for comment, but didn’t receive a response.

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com