Back

Municipalities of Saskatchewan

Res #: 20-21A
Number: 20
Year: 2021
Midterm: No
Expired: No
Responses Received: Yes
Departments: Saskatchewan Ministry of Government Relations

WHEREAS the Provincial Government and Minister Carr in particular, made it clear at the 2020 Annual Convention that the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA) was not to use the name “Municipalities of Saskatchewan” when referring to their organization, until SUMA follows the proper process and the Provincial Government changes legislation; and
WHEREAS SUMA membership has not endorsed this use of “Municipalities of Saskatchewan”; and
WHEREAS the continued us of the term “Municipalities of Saskatchewan” will lead to the lack of distinction between SARM and SUMA.
BE IT RESOLVED SARM lobby the Provincial Government to put an immediate stop to this misuse of the term “Municipalities of Saskatchewan” as their legal entity.

Responses From: Saskatchewan Ministry of Government Relations

August 23, 2021

  • The executive branch of government is not involved in the amendment of a private act. The province cannot prevent SUMA from putting forward, to the Legislative Assembly, amending legislation.
  • Once the association has a draft, it works with the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly to create a Draft Bill that will be introduced by a Member of the Legislative Assembly.
  • Representations for and against the Bills are heard by the Committee on Private Bills. Private individuals and/or organizations proposing the legislation along with their legal counsel may appear as witnesses. Members of the public may also request permission to appear. During the committee review, SARM and any members of the public would have the chance to voice any supporting or opposing views.
  • The committee provides a report to the Legislative Assembly, recommending the Bill with or without amendments, or to report that the Bill not proceed.

Hon. Don McMorris – Minister of Government Relations