Sunday 1 March 2015

Moment with the Mayor: Reframing Provincial and Municipal Relations


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.

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