The virtual Municipalities of Saskatchewan convention is now under way.
The convention, which under more normal circumstances would have been held in Saskatoon, has gone online for the four days of sessions. The convention began Sunday and is set to include nearly 1,000 representatives from Saskatchewan鈥檚 cities, towns, villages, resort villages and northern municipalities. Representatives from the City of North Battleford and Town of Battleford were set to participate.
Organizers have dubbed the theme of the convention to be 鈥淪tronger Together.鈥� In a news release the organization has stated that 鈥淐OVID-19 has shown that while municipal leaders can鈥檛 physically be together, they can still work together to build stronger communities by sharing information and acting with one voice to ensure Saskatchewan鈥檚 hometowns have the resources they need.鈥�
"While we are disappointed we don't have an opportunity to meet with you in person over the next few days, going virtual was the only way we could ensure we could still come together in some way," said Randy Goulden, 2021 convention chair in her convention remarks.
The virtual format is the only real noticeable change in the proceedings, with the sessions organized in a similar format to past years. Highlights for Monday鈥檚 session include the Premier鈥檚 address, with Premier Scott Moe scheduled to speak just before noon.聽
The keynote speaker Monday morning was entrepreneur Kendal Netmaker, from Sweetgrass First Nation, who shared his story and provided an inspirational message to the online participants.
Tuesday鈥檚 session will include the address from Leader of the Opposition Ryan Meili.
There will also be a vote this week to determine the organization鈥檚 president, with incumbent President Gordon Barnhart of Saltcoats being challenged by Naicam mayor Rodger Hayward.
Barnhart ran into controversy for recently taking a trip to Hawaii with pandemic restrictions in effect 鈥� one of a number of public officials who ran into controversy for out of country travel.
Hayward, who is Municipalities of Saskatchewan鈥檚 vice-president of towns, said at the time that that elected officials should be taking public health orders to not travel seriously.
鈥淎s municipal leaders, we have a duty to lead by example, following all public health measures, orders and advisories. The premier has asked everyone to not do unnecessary travel and especially out-of-country travel,鈥� he said in January when the story broke.
The bear pit session, where delegates will get to ask questions of members of the provincial cabinet, will happen Wednesday morning to wrap up the convention.
