The Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities convention concluded with a bear pit session where provincial ministers fielded questions from community leaders and members. Strasbourg mayor Kelvin Schapansky brought up concerns about funding for emergency services infrastructure, specifically fire equipment and fire halls. The Fire Chiefs of Saskatchewan indicated that 38 communities will require new fire halls within the next five years. Minister of Government Relations Don McMorris explained that funding for such projects comes from the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, which provides over $900 million in federal funding for various Saskatchewan infrastructure projects. Despite the response, Schapansky expressed dissatisfaction and a desire for further action.
In addition to infrastructure funding inquiries, there were also questions about mental health and addictions support in rural communities. Concerns were raised about the province’s decision to cut funding for harm reduction services. One attendee asked Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Tim McLeod about plans to enhance addiction treatment and support in rural areas. McLeod mentioned that the province is working on adding 500 more addiction treatment spaces across Saskatchewan, including detox facilities, in-person treatment centers, virtual options, and transitional living spaces. McMorris assured that the government is listening to the community’s concerns on a variety of issues raised during the bear pit session.
The overall sentiment from the community leaders and members in attendance at the Saskatchewan convention was a desire for more concrete action and support from the provincial government. While ministers like McMorris and McLeod assured that steps were being taken to address various concerns, there was still a feeling of needing continued advocacy and engagement to ensure rural communities’ needs were met. The bear pit session provided an opportunity for direct dialogue between government officials and the public, highlighting the importance of ongoing communication and collaboration.
The announcement that the next Summit of rural municipalities in Saskatchewan (SUMA) convention is expected to be held in Saskatoon in 2025 suggests a continuation of the efforts to address the challenges facing rural communities in the province. The convention serves as a platform for community leaders and members to voice their concerns, engage with government officials, and advocate for the necessary support and resources for their municipalities. The discussions at the convention underscored the importance of ongoing investment in infrastructure, mental health, and addiction support, as well as the need for collaborative efforts between the government and rural communities to address these pressing issues effectively.
The presence of hundreds of individuals at the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities convention demonstrates the strong engagement and commitment of community leaders and members to address the challenges facing their regions. The questions and concerns raised during the bear pit session reflect the diverse needs and priorities of rural communities, from infrastructure funding for emergency services to mental health and addiction support services. The responses from provincial ministers indicate a recognition of these issues and a commitment to working towards solutions, but there is still a call for increased support and resources to address the unique challenges faced by rural municipalities in Saskatchewan.
Overall, the Saskatchewan convention highlighted the importance of ongoing dialogue and collaboration between government officials and rural communities to address the various challenges and priorities faced by these regions. As the province continues to work on enhancing infrastructure, mental health services, and addiction support, the input and advocacy of community leaders and members will be crucial in shaping policies and initiatives that effectively meet the needs of rural municipalities. The bear pit session provided a valuable forum for direct communication and engagement, emphasizing the significance of partnerships and shared efforts in building stronger, more resilient rural communities in Saskatchewan.
