105th Annual Convention - Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities ...

Message from the Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan
It is my sincere pleasure to extend greetings on behalf of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of Canada, to
all of the participants in the 105 th Annual Convention of the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association.
We enjoy extraordinary rights and freedoms, and an exceptionally high standard of living thanks to our
effective system of government. Our system relies on generous and capable citizens who are willing to give
an enormous amount of time and energy to provide leadership in our communities. I am grateful to all of you
for your outstanding contributions to our province. Thank you for your willingness to lead.
The Honourable
Dr. Gordon L. Barnhart
Lieutenant Governor
Please accept my very best wishes for a productive and enjoyable convention.
Message from the Premier
On behalf of the Government of Saskatchewan, I would like to thank SUMA and all its member communities
for your continued efforts to build a strong future for the people of our province.
2009 was a challenging year for both the Province and municipal governments, but through the worst of the
recession, Saskatchewan’s economy remained strong and continued to create jobs and opportunities. Our
population grew at its fastest pace in over 50 years and two Saskatchewan towns became cities – the first time
that has happened since 1913.
The Honourable
Brad Wall
Premier of Saskatchewan
Over the past year, the provincial government strengthened our commitment to our municipal partners. We
provided $100 million in per capita infrastructure funding through the Municipal Economic Enhancement
Program (MEEP). We delivered an unprecedented $167.4 million in Municipal Operating Grants (MOG) – an
increase of 34 per cent over our first budget. And we provided $139 million in interest-free borrowing through
the Saskatchewan Infrastructure Growth Initiative (SIGI) to help communities be ready for growth.
Saskatchewan is forecast to lead the nation in economic growth in 2010. Our Government looks forward to
working with our municipal partners as we continue “building momentum” in our province.
Message from the Minister of Municipal Affairs
As Minister of Municipal Affairs, it is my privilege on behalf of the Government of Saskatchewan to bring
greetings to all delegates attending SUMA’s 105 th annual convention.
This year’s theme, “Building Momentum” is a sentiment shared all over Saskatchewan. This past year we have
seen many successes as the government-to-government relationship between the province and the municipal
sector grows.
The Honourable
Jeremy Harrison
Minister of Municipal Affairs
SUMA and its diverse members play an important part in building our province to the benefit of all communities.
As we move forward together, we share a vision of a stronger Saskatchewan and a better life for everyone who
lives here.
Our economy is strong and everywhere we look, construction is underway. New people are making
Saskatchewan their home and others are welcoming the opportunity to move back. This investment is
strengthening rural and urban communities and providing a solid foundation for growth.
Our shared commitment to work together enables both our levels of government to deliver quality services
and ensure the necessary infrastructure is in place for our continued success. We must work together for the
prosperity of our communities and province.
I look forward to meeting new people and renewing acquaintances with many familiar friends and colleagues
here, while continuing our discussions and working to explore opportunities that will benefit all of Saskatchewan.
Best wishes for a successful and productive convention.
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