SASKATOON — Delegates and representatives of the 2025 Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association have gathered at TCU Place for their annual convention and trade show, where they can discuss issues with MLAs and cabinet ministers. The convention began on Sunday, April 13, and ends on Wednesday, April 16.
Premier Scott Moe welcomed around 1,100 delegates during his address, where he discussed the provincial government's efforts to provide solutions to the issues of addiction and mental health.
"We need to focus on helping those people while also getting tough on those that are bringing in these dangerous drugs like fentanyl. More police officers to enforce our laws and getting the people who are moving and bringing in these drugs into our communities," Moe said in his address.
He also talked about education and support for improving students' reading levels from kindergarten to Grade 3, which he called an indicator of whether they will do well in their lives.
The convention allows members to interact and help influence policies that could shape the lives of residents, both in their respective municipalities and province-wide. They have meetings and sessions to direct resolutions for SUMA’s policies.
Having cabinet ministers available to interact with SUMA delegates allows them to put forward the issues and problems their respective municipalities face, providing information on how the provincial government can address and offer a solution.
The event is also a way for municipal governments to connect and form partnerships with their counterparts in rural areas or other cities in the province. Meeting with colleagues, peers, and the SUMA board and staff provides a fresh perspective in sharing ideas.
Feedback from SUMA committees is part of the traditional dialogue with SUMA board members. There are education sessions to discuss topics like protecting municipalities and their residents from risks, emergency services, and mental health.
The trade convention has booths highlighting the products and services offered by each municipality, allowing local businesses to grow and widen their networks in promoting their goods.
The keynote speakers this year are Pamela Barnum, a career expert in the criminal justice system, and best-selling author Dr. Gabor Maté. Maté will deliver his address virtually, where he will discuss addiction, stress and childhood development.
SUMA started as the Union of Saskatchewan Municipalities in 1906, with Regina Mayor Peter McAra Jr. as its first president. The association represents the interests of all municipal governments and presents ways to strengthen their local governments.
You can find live streams of different sessions of this year's SUMA convention online.
