OpEd - Will Rural and Urban Municipal Amalgamations in Saskatchewan Become Reality - Part 3
The Saskatchewan system of Rural Municipalities and Urban Municipalities, SARM and SUMA respectively, is one of the most representative systems in the country. This current system allows for a direct connection between the residents and the local government.
By Jan Derwores
Feb 2, 2025
Residents of rural Saskatchewan have what might be considered an advantage over urban residents. The elected councillors, reeves and mayors are well known, work and live among their electorate and are approachable. These are the people who, for the most part, are doing a tremendous job to protect the rights of and provide essential services to the people.
A successful government needs the engagement of the people, needs to be receptive to ideas and input from the people who are affected by the implementation of policies, and above all needs to be willing to be held accountable.
How does global governance and global policies begin to take precedence in local municipalities? Are global policies necessary to "save the planet?"
It may begin very unassumingly, with the introduction of glossy literature promising a bright and sustainable future for all. Who could possibly argue with lofty goals promising to carry everyone into a utopian world?
The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) on its website https://fcm.ca, says it has been the national voice of municipal government since 1901. Membership in the organization is voluntary.
"Our members include more than 2,100 municipalities of all sizes, from Canada's cities and rural communities, to northern communities and 20 provincial and territorial municipal associations. Together, they represent more than 92 percent of all Canadians from coast to coast to coast. Municipal leaders from across Canada assemble each year to set FCM policy on key issues," it said.
Saskatchewan has 378 members, representing 85.862 percent of the province. This is not the highest number count but far surpass the province of Quebec which sits at 51.790 percent encompassing 362 of the municipalities in that province.
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