Tuesday – Day 3 of SUMA convention
Scarrow explained that Tuesday began with a number of “breakout sessions” for the various “sectors” at the convention—those sectors being, the New North (municipalities north of Prince Albert), towns and villages under 500 in population, towns and villages with more than 500 residents and, cities.
“These are sessions that are targeted to these communities…allowing (delegates) to compare notes and share more information.
"Along the way, (delegates) discussed information regarding any resolutions, of which there were 12 brought forward (on Tuesday). “…The most significant (resolution) for Prince Albert would be a motion to allow SUMA to speak to the provincial government regarding a formula under which seniors, or a specific group of people who are home owners, would be allowed to stay in their homes and, any tax increases that would come along would be accrued, and then at the sale of the property, or the transfer of the property, that accrual would be due,” explained Scarrow.
“Now that’s just the concept. In Saskatoon they’ve already passed this resolution but from SUMA’s perspective, which is the entire province, this is an investigation that SUMA will undertake.
“We also had our Annual General Meeting (AGM) (Tuesday) morning…which was an opportunity to review the past year’s performance in terms of financial statements and growth.
“I think one of the significant things of the AGM would be the approval of the executive committee’s (suggestion) for the purchase of an office for SUMA, which is an organization (that) is currently renting.
“We also had sector reports…where each sector reported on the activities that took place in their sessions. …Following that was resolutions, which will be followed by the President’s Banquet this (Tuesday) evening.
“Tomorrow (Wednesday), which is the final day…is where we have (provincial) ministers attend…and discuss such topics as municipal affairs, the environment, highways and infrastructure, health, tourism, parks, culture, sports, corrections, public safety and policing.
Scarrow explained that the overriding theme of the convention has been infrastructure.
“That infrastructure is not just existing infrastructure but, because the province is in such a growth mode, new infrastructure is needed (to accommodate) industry and commerce.
Wednesday – Final day of SUMA convention
“(On Wednesday) we had our meetings with (provincial) ministers and I chaired one with Minister (Darryl) Hickie.
“The meetings offered the delegates the opportunity to meet and discuss one-on-one any information they needed and to discuss directions they would like the government to pursue.
“To summarize the entire proceedings of the…convention, the main topic was infrastructure: roads, pipes, sewers, waste water treatment, drinking water… graters…fire trucks.
“The premier attended the bear pit session. And, while no funds were indicated, (it was understood) that they would be included in the 2012 budget....
“…It was very clear (by) the steps being given by the member organizations (that) their first chore was the Municipal Operating Grant, which the government refers to as revenue sharing. …That was completed and is now directly tied to one per cent of the PST and indications (suggest) that this current year of revenue, which ends on Mar. 31, would appear to be another increase in revenue sharing…in 2013.
“Clearly the premier and (provincial) government are understanding (of) infrastructure challenges…that have come along, but also with a vital instrument of growth, communities have to expand…in order to house those people who will be coming to Saskatchewan with the development, in particular (with) the mining sector, which is booming across the province.
“Minister Hickie will be in Ottawa next week meeting with his federal counterpart…and (they will be discussing) a national infrastructure plan to replace the Building Canada Fund, which expires, I believe, in 2013.
“There have been indications, although not formalized, that the government of Canada is looking at a possible avenue of infrastructure, beginning perhaps in 2015. “So, there is a bit of a gap, and communities are concerned that while there is…economic residue from (economic stimulus packages), demands for infrastructure still continue,” explained Scarrow.
Jason.Stockfish@paherald.sk.ca
