Year in Review 2025: Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association

Municipal Affairs
12 hours ago
2 min read

This year, SUMA has been hard at work — not just hosting events or conventions, but pushing for real change on behalf of urban municipalities.

As part of the 2025‑26 provincial budget cycle, SUMA welcomed major investments in public safety, infrastructure, northern roads and airports, and health services — moves that will materially improve quality of life across the province.

At the same time, SUMA has consistently called on the provincial government to step up when it comes to mental health, addictions, social services, and housing — issues that urban governments are increasingly asked to address, but often lack adequate support to handle on their own.

Recognizing that public safety isn’t just about policing — SUMA has pushed for fully funded, provincially-shared police officers (training, equipment, supplies, benefits) to ensure fairness and equity across municipalities.

SUMA hasn’t limited itself to reactive advocacy: they’re looking ahead.

Through lobbying for a renewed federal‑provincial infrastructure funding program, they’re striving to secure long-term support for critical infrastructure — from water and wastewater systems, to roads, community facilities, and transit services in cities and towns.

Amid economic uncertainty, supply-chain challenges, and rising service demands, SUMA continues to call on provincial and federal governments to provide clarity and support for municipalities. Programs like the Targeted Sector Support Initiative remain critical in funding collaborative projects that strengthen municipal capacity and regional cooperation.

And for communities facing structural and safety risks — like run-down or dilapidated buildings — SUMA is pushing the province for financial assistance and better legislation, so municipalities can assess, maintain, repurpose, or demolish unsafe structures without bearing the full burden alone.

In short: whether it’s infrastructure, public safety, mental health and social services, or cleanup and municipal standards — SUMA is working province‑wide to ensure urban municipalities have the resources, support, and voice they need to serve residents effectively.

That’s what real municipal advocacy looks like — and that’s what we’ll be digging into in today’s Municipal Affairs, with SUMA President Randy Golden.

***************************************************

This edition of Municipal Affairs was sponsored by:

https://www.schoolofpublicpolicy.sk.ca/

***************************************************

Support The Show Today: https://www.crossborderinterviews.ca/support-the-show

Join The Show: https://www.crossborderinterviews.ca/be-part-of-the-show

***************************************************

Listen To The Show:

Apple: https://apple.co/41p5I2I

Spotify: https://bit.ly/3tkvb0E

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/crossborderinterviewswithchrisbrown

***************************************************