Muntain discusses Melfort’s presence at SUMA convention

SUMA meetings give the Melfort reps an opportunity to network with representatives from other communities to discuss issues and concerns they may have in common. Muntain said sessions are also organized, so councillors and mayors from cities connect, with representatives from towns, resort villages, and other smaller communities holding different sessions as their priorities may be different than those in cities.

“Then we can deal with things that are more evident for our situations,” Muntain said. “Cities generally have different issues than a town would, or a resort village, so it’s an opportunity for us to raise the concerns that we have, and opportunities to share with other communities.”

The last day of the convention features information sessions with provincial cabinet ministers. Muntain was able to sit with the Health and Social Services ministers, while other councillors and Mayor Glenn George went to sessions with ministers of other portfolios, all to bring up concerns or questions Melfort has regarding those platforms.

“It gives us a one-on-one with the ministers of the provincial cabinet, and we can bring up any issues or comments or concerns that we have, and we have done that, which is great,” said Muntain. “They get to hear one-on-one what help Melfort wants – this is what’s happening, this is what we want from you, and how can you provide that for us.”

Following those sessions, Muntain and other representatives were able to go to the Bearpit Session, featuring Premier Scott Moe and his cabinet. Muntain said that session is a chance to ask questions of the provincial government on more overreaching topics that are of importance to all communities.

A significant topic at SUMA meetings each year is infrastructure, which Muntain said varies with each community. For example, Prince Albert’s delegates are focused on the new hospital, while Muntain said Melfort is more concerned about maintenance and improvements to buildings like the Northern Lights Palace and other recreational facilities. She said Melfort is beginning to lobby and advocate for different grant possibilities and other resources that could help them maintain the quality that they want for citizens.

“The meetings are a great way to collaborate and talk with all of the people that are around us,” Muntain said. “We have the same love for our community, and we want to help in whatever way we can, so talking with other members of SUMA, we’re able to take the stuff that they do, and if it helps us, that’s fantastic.”

Muntain added that Melfort can take bylaws from places like Regina or Saskatoon and adapt them if needed to suit Melfort’s needs, instead of starting from square one.

“It’s a way for us to do our job easier, and better.”

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cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com

by Cam Lee

Muntain discusses Melfort’s presence at SUMA convention

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