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Issue No. 17-10

May 8, 2017
Budget Advocacy Update

SUMA and Saskatchewan's hometowns are important players in many issues. As the legislative session winds down over the next two weeks, we promote, protect, and defend your interests as we continue strategic efforts to re-engage with the provincial government.
 
We recently surveyed the hometowns affected by cuts to  power utility royalties to find out how they are dealing with the loss of revenue. A lmost 80 per cent of respondents were experiencing "significant" or "very serious" challenges because of the provincial budget. More than half indicated mill rates will be going up, and 36 per cent said some municipal services would be cut or reduced. 

We want to hear from our members about how this budget has affected your municipality; specifics from all our members help us advocate on your behalf. Email us at suma@suma.org with any details you wish to share.
 
We also encourage you to tell your municipality's story locally and to the provincial government. Whether that's using the templates you can personalize  for letters to the editor, and letters to your local MLA or cabinet minister, or sharing our content on Facebook and Twitter, your voice matters. 
 
Bill 64 is scheduled for debate in committee tomorrow afternoon. It will then return to the legislative assembly for third reading and royal assent.

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Government of Canada Introduces Legislation to Legalize Cannabis

Last month, the federal government introduced  Bill C-45 (the Cannabis Act) which would create a national framework for the production, distribution, sale and possession of cannabis across Canada. If approved by parliament, the bill could become law by July 2018.

In response to last summer's consultation on cannabis legalization, SUMA emphasized the need to protect the safety and health of residents and ensure resources were provided to municipalities. This is particularly important as municipalities are responsible for bylaw enforcement, building standards, zoning issues, and emergency response.  

We are continuing to engage the federal and provincial government on these issues in partnership with municipal organizations across Canada, including FCM and SARM, and ask that you share with us your views on the legislation. If you have comments or updates to share, please contact Steven Dribnenki.

For more information, visit the federal web page Legalization and Regulation of Cannabis.

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SUMA Workshop and Sector Meeting - Last Chance to Register

2017 Sector Meeting
This is your last chance to join us May 24-25 in Saskatoon for a sector meeting that will bring together mayors, councillors, and administrators from towns and villages throughout the province to discuss current issues. Be sure to register by Tuesday, May 16. Visit the 2017 Sector Meeting event page  for more information.
 
SUMA Workshop
Spaces for the May 24 SUMA Workshop in Saskatoon are filling up fast! This event is happening the day before the sector meeting, but requires a separate registration. 
 
Do you ever meet with MLAs, MPs, or senior government officials to advance the interests of your community? Find out how you can be the best champion for your municipality. 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 16Visit the  SUMA Workshop event page for more information.

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Municipal Leadership Development Program (MLDP) Invitation to Host

Are you interested in bringing municipal leadership training to your community this fall? The Municipal Leadership Development Program invites interested communities to email the Program Administrator, Ashley Leugner. You can host a module on your own or join up with neighbouring municipalities to host one.

The MLDP is a series of modules or workshops that target specific issues of importance to urban, rural and northern municipalities in Saskatchewan. Mayors, councillors and municipal staff who want to strengthen leadership in their local government are all encouraged to attend and complete these modules.  For information on modules please visit  www.mldp.ca.

Please note in order for a module to go ahead, the program requires at least 18 attendees.

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Capacity Building: Free Webinar on Ending Homelessness
 
As the federal government aims to  'halve' chronic and episodic homelessness , there's growing evidence from both Canada and the United States that ending chronic homelessness is possible. 

The Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness invites you to a free 90-minute webinar on key data and lessons from Bergen County, New Jersey, a community which earlier this year became the first in the United States to measurably and sustainably end chronic homelessness.  The webinar takes place Friday, May 19, from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. MDT. Register online today .

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Share Your Green Stories

During Convention 2017, delegates passed a resolution on the carbon tax that "resolved that urban municipalities assume a leadership role in adopting carbon reduction strategies" and SUMA is always happy to share the success stories of our members. The City of Saskatoon is working toward its target to produce or generate 10 per cent of its annual energy requirement from local, renewable resources with a solar panel demonstration site announced in late April . We also applaud their leadership in green energy, and have added it to the resolution page .
 
Do you have a success story about how your municipality is leading the way on green initiatives? We want to hear from you, so we can share your success! Please pass along your municipality's story by emailing it to us at suma@suma.org.

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SUMA Advocacy Week

Your hometown is invited to participate in SUMA's annual Advocacy Days!

Every year, SUMA officials meet with members of the provincial Cabinet to discuss SUMA priorities, active resolutions, and ongoing concerns. 

This year, we are calling for a SUMA Advocacy Week, from June 12-16, and we would like to invite all of our members to book a meeting with your local MLA and let them know what the concerns and priorities are for your hometown.

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Urban Update Advertisement

Advertise Here

Get your message in front of municipal councils and leaders across the province by advertising your commercial sales and services in this space. 

$350 + tax includes:
  • up to 150 words
  • one 200x200 pixel image
  • one email link, and 
  • one web link


Visit  SUMA Advertising Opportunities to learn more or contact  communications@suma.org to reserve your space.

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In This Issue

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Meet Our New Saskatoon Hotel Partner

At the Home Inn & Suites - Saskatoon South you will be always welcomed with a smile.   The staff go the extra mile to make guests feel at home. With several room options to choose from, each and every guest will enjoy the complimentary luxury amenities package. This includes a bright and refreshing indoor pool with a water slide and whirlpool, a hearty HomeEssentials breakfast, free Wi-Fi and more.

Book your stay today  and experience the comforts of home with all the extra luxuries of a hotel! SUMA rates start at $129.

Visit  SUMAdvantage online  for a complete list of member programs 
or email  Lisa Rawlings at SUMA with any questions.

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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: an  online survey; w ritten submissions; and an online e ngagement workshop May 9 (the link to be provided on the ministry website).

If you send a written submission by email or letter, please copy Steven Dribnenki in our office as well.

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Capacity Building: Wastewater Best Practices Webinar
 
The Federation of Canadian Municipalities invites  staff and elected officials from small and medium-sized municipalities to participate in a webinar, Optimizing Your Wastewater Treatment Plant, Thursday, May 25, 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. MDT. Speakers from the Ontario Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change, and the Grand River Conservation Authority will share lessons learned that you can apply in your municipality. Register online today.

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Gather to Golf
 
Summer is coming fast, so get ready for golfing season and take this opportunity to visit with fellow SUMA members! The Town of Rosthern is proud to be hosting the 29th Annual SUMA Golf Tournament on July 13-14, at Valley Regional Park. Registration is open until Friday, June 16. See the event page on our website for more information.

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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  
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

suma@suma.org

www.suma.org