Hi Neighbours:
I have recently been
reflecting on the relationship between municipalities and the provincial
government given the Premier’s statement to arbitrarily change a revenue-sharing
agreement. I think the relationship is due for a review and some changes. Here
are my suggestions I shared with the Premier in a letter:
Another approach is
needed to ensure the Province and municipalities can sustainably manage growth
and change. Change is the new normal, and greater cooperation and flexibility
is required by both the Province and Municipalities to successfully manage our
mutual challenges. The following may be considered a framework for a new and
enhanced Saskatchewan to help her realize her potential:
1. An understanding between the Province and
Municipalities, SUMA and SARM, recognizing that the Province and its
municipalities are equal partners in stewarding Saskatchewan.
2. Recognition that revenue for both the
Province and Municipalities is the result of the joint effort between the
Province and municipalities to increase the wealth of Saskatchewan.
3. Recognition that the Province and
Municipalities share responsibility for building, managing, and sustaining our
province and municipalities.
i.
Respect
for the roles, responsibilities, and obligations each partner undertakes to
build and equip the province.
ii.
As
partners working together a formal consultation procedure between the Province
and Municipalities be established ensuring collaborative planning and
strategies resulting in effective stewardship.
4. Enhanced cooperation between the Province
and municipalities ensuring certainty and predictability of government
performance, standards, and planning.
5. Recognition that municipalities are
under-resourced, leading to an unhealthy dependence upon the Province and federal
government for financial assistance to address necessary hard and soft
infrastructure such as water, waste water, solid waste, and arts and
recreation.
i.
Revenue-sharing
that is considered ‘own source’ predicated on economic activity and independent
of provincial government decision-making.
ii.
As the
Province delegates greater responsibilities to Municipalities, the Province
ensures adequate funding and resources is allocated to Municipalities to
effectively and efficiently fulfill the responsibilities.
We are at a fortuitous
time in Saskatchewan’s history. Saskatchewan’s tomorrow is today and we need to
think and act wisely now to ensure yesterday’s dreams are tomorrow’s realities.
Please write or
phone if you would like me to discuss a particular topic. If you have any
questions or comments, drop me a line at the town office or email me at
mayorenns-wind@kindersley.ca. You can also check out my blog at http://mayorjohn.blogspot.ca/.
I appreciate your feedback.
No comments:
Post a Comment