The Provincial Budget and Bill 64
In the wake of the 2017-18 provincial budget, SUMA explored legal options to help 109 of our members
defend their rights
to payments in lieu that were stripped by the provincial government without consultation or advance notice. This was the subject of today's media release and media event, and the member communication we sent on April 13.
On April 5, the Province introduced Bill 64,
which will extinguish contracts
between SaskPower and 109 SUMA members.
Bill 64
will allow the provincial government to
a
ppropriate royalties that would have gone to those
hometowns that created and sold their own power utility. When Bill 64 is
passed by the government, it will, retroactive to April 1, 2017,
deny SUMA members their legal right
to defend these agreements in court, or be compensated for their loss.
With the introduction of Bill 64 and expert legal advice, we have concluded that we will not proceed with any action at this time. The extreme measures of this bill deny local governments the ability to defend the interests of their residents.
We are continuing our efforts to hold the province to account and to explore other avenues to defend member interests. We continue to update the
provincial budget advocacy hub page
to keep members informed and support local advocacy efforts. Visit today for all the latest news clippings and template letters you can personalize and send to local media and your MLA.
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Mayors Summer School
Save the Date
SUMA is proud to once again be providing an educational experience unique in Canada: Mayors Summer School. Registration for the Class of 2017 will begin June 7, but you can save the date now: August 20-22 at the University of Regina. Watch future editions of Urban Update and the
Mayors Summer School page
on our website for the latest information.
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SUMA Workshop - Government Relations and Advocacy: Strategies for Success
Do you ever meet with MLAs, MPs, or senior government officials to advance the interests of your community?
SUMA invites you to a workshop in Saskatoon to find out how you can be the best champion for your municipality. Join us from 1:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. to learn the tactics and skills it takes to make the most of every meeting with those officials and develop a strategic advocacy plan specific to your community.
Registration is open to all SUMA members for $60 per person until
Tuesday, May 16.
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2017 Town and Village
Sector Meeting
Due to the significant effect this year's provincial budget has had on our members, we are including the village sector in our bi-annual Town Sector Meeting. Join other town- and village-sector leaders for an optional dinner on May 24 that will include a presentation from SUMA examining the 2017-18 provincial budget, and detailing SUMA's advocacy efforts on behalf of our members. On May 25, there will be a full-day meeting filled with discussions regarding the challenges our town and village sector members are facing.
Visit the event listing on our website for more information, and to get registered by Tuesday, May 16.
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Central Region: Quill Lakes Drainage Meeting
Municipalities in SUMA's Central Region are invited to a meeting to discuss the Quill Lakes runoff and drainage issues. It concerns anyone with a large area downstream, especially the Qu'Appelle Valley basin.
Date:
Thursday, April 27
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Location: Elks Hall - 221 Queen St., Raymore, SK
Please notify of your intention to attend by sending your details in an email to Central Region Director
Lee Finishen.
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Capacity Building: Municipal Management Essentials
The courses are scheduled around the province on various dates throughout the year. See the 2017 schedule for details.
Questions about the program can be directed to the Southeast College Registration Department at 1-866-999-7372 or [email protected].
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Convention 2018: What's Your Theme Idea?
We are looking for a theme to set the tone for Convention 2018. We greatly value your suggestions, and read every one. If you submit a theme idea you will be entered to win two tickets ($120 value) to the President's Banquet held Tuesday, February 6, 2018. Submit your idea by May 10 to [email protected].
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Have Your Say: Provincial Solid Waste Management Strategy
Managing solid waste is a big municipal responsibility, and the provincial Ministry of Environment wants to hear from you as they develop a provincial strategy. They have prepared
a discussion paper, and want comments by
May 31. There are three main ways to provide feedback:
Online survey; w
ritten submissions; and e
ngagement workshops.
Workshops will be available in Regina (May 1), Saskatoon (May 3), Prince Albert (May 4), and online (May 9).
If you send a written submission by email or letter, please copy Steven Dribnenki in our office as well.
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Important Messages
From Our Friends
Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers is seeking
donations up to $200 from municipalities through the voluntary sponsorship program. Help ensure Crime Stoppers can continue an effective program to fight crime by
sending your contribution by mail to:
Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers,
6101 Dewdney Avenue,
Bag Service 2500,
Regina, SK, S4P 3K7.
The Saskatchewan Economic Development Association is encouraging communities to educate their local residents and businesses by engaging with Economic Development Week, May 8 - 13. Check out SEDA's online toolkit and send make sure to notify SEDA of any events you have planned for May 8 to 13 so they can add them to the webpage and social media posts.
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Subscribe by Friday to Save on Municipal World
Municipal World
brings you the latest information, news, views, and trends in local government. The oldest continuously published monthly municipal magazine in the world, Municipal World keeps you up-to-date on the latest developments.
The price offered exclusively to SUMA members is just
$31.99
plus GST for a 12-month subscription. That's a discount of 42 per cent!
For in-depth coverage of municipal issues and a wealth of valuable information, sign up or renew your subscription before the April 28 deadline.
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Classifieds
POSITIONS AVAILABLE
FOR SALE
Find the latest listings by visiting the
SUMA Classifieds
section of our website, under the Programs and Services tab.
Have a position to fill or an item to sell? Submit your ad
on our website.
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Grants
Upcoming Deadlines
Ongoing
For a full listing of grants, check the
Grants
section of our website under the Resources tab.
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About Us
Thank you for reading the Urban Update this week. We welcome your comments.
SUMA
200 2222 13th Ave.
Regina, SK S4P 3M7
[email protected] www.suma.org |
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