We’re pleased to welcome Shanon Zachidniak , Councillor for the City of Regina and SUMA Vice President; City of Regina.Shanon brings municipal experience and a Regina perspective that will help listeners understand how the new governance model works in practice, the priorities guiding the Board, and what members can expect from SUMA’s renewed approach to representation and decision-making. Join us as we unpack the Board’s role, the benefits of SUMA for Municipalities in all regions of Saskatchewan. ***************************************************Learn More About SUMA: Website: https://suma.org/Facebook: https://facebook.com/SUMAConnectTwitter: https://twitter.com/SUMAConnectLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/saskatchewan-urban-municipalities-associationInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/suma.connectYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/user/SUMASask***************************************************Listen to the Show: Apple:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5QLq7OluynaodZyd7c30DN?si=f67427d5b2ec4483Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/municast/id1750494860Youtube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnyOMC0SKIN9AwtusJmC9pLyuaudHP7Bf&si=SnzkKbG0GQvkMLb4***************************************************Music: ‘One Foot On Main Street’ written and performed by Jeffery Straker, used with permission.***************************************************Follow the Cross Border Network: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crossborderpodcast/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/crossbordernetwork.bsky.social Threads: https://www.threads.net/@crossborderpodcast Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/CrossBorderInterviews/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/crossborderinterviews/ Website: https://www.crossborderinterviews.ca/MuniCast is made in partnership with SUMA and the Cross Border Network©2025
To launch season 9, we’re pleased to welcome Randy Goulden, Councillor for the City of Yorkton and SUMA President. Randy brings municipal experience and leadership perspective that will help listeners understand how the new governance model works in practice, the priorities guiding the Board, and what members can expect from SUMA’s renewed approach to representation and decision-making. Join us as we unpack the Board’s role, the benefits of the caucus model, and the priorities that will guide SUMA moving forward.***************************************************Learn More About SUMA: Website: https://suma.org/Facebook: https://facebook.com/SUMAConnectTwitter: https://twitter.com/SUMAConnectLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/saskatchewan-urban-municipalities-associationInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/suma.connectYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/user/SUMASask***************************************************Listen to the Show: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5QLq7OluynaodZyd7c30DN?si=f67427d5b2ec4483Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/municast/id1750494860Youtube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnyOMC0SKIN9AwtusJmC9pLyuaudHP7Bf&si=SnzkKbG0GQvkMLb4***************************************************Music: ‘One Foot On Main Street’ written and performed by Jeffery Straker, used with permission.***************************************************Follow the Cross Border Network: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crossborderpodcast/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/crossbordernetwork.bsky.social Threads: https://www.threads.net/@crossborderpodcast Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/CrossBorderInterviews/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/crossborderinterviews/ Website: https://www.crossborderinterviews.ca/MuniCast is made in partnership with SUMA and the Cross Border Network©2025
Libraries have long been pillars of knowledge, community,and accessibility, but as the world shifts toward digital media and instant information, their role is evolving. In this episode, Reimagining Libraries, Director of Advocacy Sean McKenzie sits down with Jason Barnhardt and Malcolm Eaton from Praxis Consulting, along with Jeff Barber from the Regina Public Library, to explore the enduring value of libraries in today’s society, both in larger cities and smaller communities.Both Jason and Malcolm were key players in a study SUMArecently hired Praxis Consulting to conduct into the provincial library system, and to make recommendations on what could be improved. Jeff has been the Library Director and CEO of the Regina Public Library since 2005 and has also worked within the Southeast regional library in Weyburn, been head of Access Services in the University of Saskatchewan, and is a past president of the Saskatchewan Library Association, as well as past Chair of the Canadian Urban Libraries Council.From ebooks to streaming services, technology has reshapedhow we access information, yet libraries continue to offer something irreplaceable. However, they are not without challenges. Funding remains an ongoing concern, and the demands on these institutions are increasing. What needs to change to ensure their future? This episode examines the essential services they provide, the unique structure of Saskatchewan’s one-card system, and how regional collaboration ensures that resources remain available to as many people as possible. This discussion dives the pressing issues and possible solutions that could shape the next chapter of library services.
Saskatchewan communities are facing significant challenges in healthcare access, affecting the quality and availability of care for residents. Key findings from recent research reveals gaps in service delivery outside larger urban centers including limited resources, staffing shortages, and geographic barriers. Mental health services face similar struggles, with individuals encountering difficulties in accessing support due to systemic barriers and regional disparities. Tackling these issues requires innovative solutions to improve healthcare access and ensure equitable support for all residents.In this episode, Accessing Health Services in Saskatchewan with the University of Regina and the Canadian Mental Health Association, Advocacy Advisor, Kerri Martin, sits down with Dr. Nuelle Novik, Associate Professor in the Faculty of Social Work at the University of Regina, and a researcher with the Saskatchewan Population Health and Evaluation Research Unit (SPHERU), and Rebecca Rackow, Assistant Executive Director and Dave Nelson, Senior Program Consultant, with the Canadian Mental Health Association, to discuss the challenges faced by residents in small and remote communities when accessing healthcare services. To learn more about the state of healthcare in Saskatchewan access the Saskatchewan Population Health and Evaluation Research Unit's report on The Current State of Health Care in Rural Saskatchewan here.To learn more about the state of mental health in Saskatchewan in comparison to other provinces across the country access the Canadian Mental Health Association's recent report The State of Mental Health in Canada here.
From dangerous animals to noise and debris and many areasin between, bylaws are municipal regulations that cover areas not enforced by provincial and federal law. However, despite their importance in keeping a community safe, enforcement of bylaws is a challenge faced by many of Saskatchewan’s urban municipalities. In this episode, Bylaw Enforcement for Public Safety with the City of Yorkton and the Town of Allan, Advocacy and Communications Advisor Cheyenne Geysen sits down with Jordan Hafichuk, Mayor of the Town and Allan, and Nicole Baptist, Bylaw & Safety Supervisor with the City of Yorkton, to unpack some of those challenges and look at the perspective of bylaw enforcement seen by their communities.
In Season 8 of MuniCast we are taking a deep dive intoSUMA’s Advocacy Initiatives.Diversity and inclusion are the cornerstones of thriving communities and a sustainable economy. Diversity brings unique experiences and innovation, while inclusion ensures everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute. Theseprinciples are essential for municipal growth, addressing labor shortages, strengthening social connections, and retention.In this episode, Diversity and Inclusion in EconomicDevelopment, Verona Thibault, CEO of the Saskatchewan Economic Development Alliance (SEDA), Lovely Magnaye, CAO for the Town of Tisdale, Jean Goerzen, Executive Director for the Saskatchewan Association of Immigrant Settlement and Integration Agencies (SAISIA), and Ronke Edoho, owner of 9jaFoodie, sit down with Augustina Osaseri, Advocacy Advisor with SUMA, to discuss the ways that embracing diversity can strengthen community economic development. Events and resources mentioned in the episode:Rural Sask hosted by Conseil économique et coopératif de laSaskatchewan (CÉCS): https://cecs-sk.ca/en/areas-of-interest/employability-immigration/ruralskTaking place March 14, 2025. Occurs annually.Intercultural Competence Training from the Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan (MCoS): https://mcos.ca/programs/education/Want to continue the discussion?Speakers from this episode invite listeners to follow up with them directly.Verona Thibault, CEO, SEDA: Verona.thibault@seda.ca Jean Goerzen, Executive Director, SAISIA: jean.goerzen@saisia.ca Lovely Magnaye, CAO, Town of Tisdale: cao@tisdale.ca Ronke Edoho, Owner, 9jaFoodie: ronke@9jafoodie.com Augustina Osaseri, Advocacy Advisor, SUMA: advocacy1@suma.org
The Saskatchewan Municipal Peer Network is available to assist municipal leaders as they face diverse challenges in their role as an elected official or administrator. The Municipal Peer Network connects municipal officials and administrators with highly experienced mentors who can provide advice and suggest options to help resolve disputes. Mentors are veteran municipal administrators and elected officials who offer guidance and support from their own experiences to help resolve issues at a local level. There is no cost to the service and conversations between a mentor and peer are confidential. In episode five Municipal Networking with the Municipal Peer Network we have a conversation with former Peer Network Chair Michelle Buechler and current Peer Network Mentor, Michelle McKenzie about how the program started, how mentors are selected, and the benefits of contacting a mentor. Saskatchewan's Municipal Peer Network is a partnership between the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM), Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA), Rural Municipalities Association of Administrators (RMAA), Urban Municipal Administrators Association of Saskatchewan (UMAAS), and the Government of Saskatchewan.
The Municipal Leadership Development Program (MLDP) was carefully designed to address the unique needs of municipal officials. This series of modules was exclusively developed for elected and appointed officials in Saskatchewan, including mayors, reeves, councillors, and municipal staff. The program aims to enhance leadership skills and strengthen local government leadership. In this conversation, learn about the modules included in this program, the different ways modules are delivered, and the valuable benefits they offer to both elected officials and municipal employees. The MLDP is a joint partnership of SUMA, SARM, New North, RMAA, UMAAS, and the Ministry of Government Relations. The program seeks continuous feedback through the municipal associations regarding the education and training needs of municipalities.
In episode 3, Local Government Administration with the University of Regina, we discuss the Local Government Administration certificate program offered by the University of Regina, Centre for Continuing Education. In this conversation with Dr. Christie Schultz and Robin Markel, we discuss what this program covers, how it can be accessed, course pricing, and more. The Certificate and the Advanced Certificate satisfy requirements for local government administrator certification through the Rural Municipalities Administrators’ Association (RMAA) and the Urban Municipal Administrators Association of Saskatchewan (UMAAS).
In season 7 of MuniCast we are discussing the educational opportunities available to municipal administration and elected officials in Saskatchewan. In episode two Municipal Administration Specialty with Saskatchewan Polytechnic we discuss the new municipal administration specialty for the Business diploma program with Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s School of Business. Graduates with the new specialty will be trained to successfully manage the day-to-day operations of a municipality as a municipal administrator, clerk or city manager. In this conversation learn more about the program, and which courses may be valuable to elected officials. This specialty has been developed in partnership with SUMA, SARM, UMAAS, CAMA, and the Saskatchewan Ministry of Government Relations.
In season 7 of MuniCast we are discussing the educational opportunities available to municipal administration and elected officials in Saskatchewan. In episode one Municipal Management with Southeast College we discuss the Municipal Management Microcredential offered by Southeast College. The Microcredential an accessible opportunity available to participants across the province to increase their knowledge of municipal management. Partnerships with SARM, SUMA and Municipal Hail Insurance continue to support training opportunities at Southeast College that challenge and build on participants’ core business, leadership, and management skills.
In episode six we speak with long-time MuniCast sponsor, SaskTel, about their 2020-25 plan to expand broadband services to small and remote communities in Saskatchewan. Expanding Broadband Access with SaskTel features a conversation with Greg Jacobs, External Communications Manager with SaskTel about this initiative, the work that has been done to date, the value of this initiative to citizens of these small urban communities, and SaskTel's plans to continue expanding broadband access throughout the province.
Episode five, Serving Members: Membership, Funding, and Supplies, features a conversation about the value of membership, ordering election supplies, connecting members to legal support, and more information on the funding opportunity available through the Targeted Sector Support initiative. The work done in corporate services is often done behind the scenes, but their work does a lot to support SUMA members. Led by Jean-Marc Nadeau, CEO of SUMA, learn more about the behind the scenes work that SUMA engages in behind the scenes to support members.
Episode four, Practical Partnerships with SUMAssure, GBI, and Kinetic GPO, features a conversation with leaders from services the SUMA members have access to. In this conversation with Tania Wendling, CEO of SUMAssure, Scott Meger, Manager of Group Benefits Insurance (GBI) Amanda Reid, Administrator for GBI, and Sandra Lisi, National Director Business Development, Canada with Kinetic GPO, led by Jean-Marc Nadeau, CEO of SUMA, learn more about the role of each of these organizations, the benefits they can provide to members and affiliate members, and how you can get involved. SUMAssure is the insurance and risk solutions provider of choice for two hundred and forty six Saskatchewan communities, learn more about SUMAssure here: sumassure.ca SUMA's Group Benefits Insurance (GBI) program offers a full line of benefits for full-time, part-time, and seasonal employees along with elected officials of SUMA member municipalities and organizations affiliated with member municipalities, learn more about GBI here: suma.org/programs-and-services/benefits-and-insurance Kinetic GPO helps municipalities save time and money in their procurement efforts, learn more about Kinetic GPO here: kineticgpo.ca
This episode of MuniCast features a conversation with SUMA’s Advocacy team about the committees they work with, and updates on advocacy efforts and successes. In this conversation Augustina, Cheyenne, Kerri, Mason, and Sean discuss the purpose of SUMA's advocacy, what their committee's are currently focused on, and how they can help support SUMA members. Listen in to this discussion, lead by SUMA CEO Jean-Marc Nadeau, to meet the team and get an inside look at how SUMA advocates for Saskatchewan’s urban municipalities.
In this episode of MuniCast, join members of SUMA’s events and communications teams as they discuss the opportunities that SUMA offers to connect with us, participate in education, have member excellence recognized, and more. In this conversation with Katee, Catherine, Steph, Cheyenne, and Tanisha, we cover everything from the annual Convention and Tradeshow to our bi-weekly newsletter. Listen in to this discussion, lead by SUMA CEO Jean-Marc Nadeau, to meet the team and get an inside look at how SUMA works to connect with Saskatchewan’s urban municipalities.
In season 6 of MuniCast we are sitting down with the SUMA staff to discover "Who is SUMA?" In episode 1 of season 6 we chat with SUMA's CEO, Jean-Marc Nadeau, about the strategies and methodologies employed to support urban municipal leaders and administrations across Saskatchewan through the work done at SUMA. In this episode, we explore key considerations for guiding SUMA's direction such as partnerships with municipal organizations across the country working with the board of directors, and engaging with Saskatchewan's urban municipalities. Jean-Marc discusses ways SUMA gathers feedback from members and translating that into actionable initiatives, including involvement with educational programs such as the Municipal Administration Specialization with Saskatchewan Polytechnic. In this insightful discussion, gain a broader understanding of SUMA's role aiming to empower urban municipalities.
In Episode 6 we speak with Cadmus Delorme and Thomas Benjoe of OneHoop about economic reconciliation, building relationships, and engaging with indigenous owned businesses. OneHoop is a groundbreaking consulting firm that proudly embraces its Indigenous heritage. OneHoop aims to advance Canadians’ understanding of economic reconciliation and support meaningful relationship-building between the corporate sector, governments and the Indigenous community. Founded by Cadmus Delorme, former Chief of Cowessess First Nation, OneHoop’s unique perspective guides their approach to the firm’s three core pillars: Indigenous consulting Management consulting and; Government relations. Their experts have been instrumental in the development of recognized Indigenous engagement strategies and frameworks, Indigenous procurement policies, and diversity, equity and inclusion practices. In tandem with Indigenous consulting, they offer conventional management consulting, business development, and government relations services. Learn more about OneHoop here.
In Season 5 of MuniCast we are discussing how truth and reconciliation relates to municipalities. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada has outlined 94 Calls to Action, with a portion of those calls directed toward government, some to all levels of government, including municipalities. In Episode 5 we speak with Sandra Bender from the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) about the importance of understanding the truth in truth and reconciliation, how municipalities can continue to deepen their reconciliation practices and continue to address call to action #57. The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation or NCTR is a place of learning and dialogue where the truths of Residential School Survivors, families and communities are honoured and kept safe for future generations. The NCTR educates Canadians on the profound injustices inflicted on First Nations, Inuit and the Métis Nation by the forced removal of children to attend residential schools and the widespread abuse suffered in those schools. They preserve the record of these human rights abuses, and promote continued research and learning on the legacy of residential schools. Their goal is to honour Survivors and to foster reconciliation and healing on the foundation of truth telling. Resources discussed: City of Toronto Reconciliation Action Plan na-mi-quai-ni-mak Community Support Fund Education Resources - NCTR National Advisory Committee on Residential Schools Missing Children and Unmarked Burials Resources for Indigenous Communities Considering Investigating Unmarked Graves My ReconciliACTION plan for public servants Indigenous Cultural Safety Collaborative Learning Series
In Episode 4 SUMA's Northern Regional Director and Councillor for the Northern Village of Île-à-la-Crosse, Gerald Roy, joins us for a conversation on Reconciliation and Governance. We discuss the value of engaging with first nations communities, economic growth in the north, and the value of municipalities engaging in acts of reconciliation. Gerald was born and raised in the historic Métis community of Île-à-la-Crosse and is a lifelong resident of Saskatchewan’s North. He graduated from Rossignol High School and convocated from the School of Human Justice at the University of Regina. Gerald is an Indigenous Business Development Specialist with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Trade and Export Development. He is an outdoor enthusiast and enjoys boating, angling, ice fishing, snowmobiling and hunting. He is serving in his fifth term as councillor with the Northern Village of Île-à-la-Crosse.