GOVERNMENT SEEKS PUBLIC INPUT ON EXTENDING TERMS FOR ELECTED LOCAL GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS

Saskatchewan people will be asked for their views about whether elected urban and northern municipal officials, and school board officials, should have their terms extended from three to four years.

Through a request for written submissions and an online form on the Municipal Affairs website, the provincial government is asking the public's advice, following the adoption of a resolution at the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA) 2008 convention, which called for extended terms for urban and northern municipal officials.

Changing the term of office for urban and northern municipal officials would mean the terms for school board officials would also change as school board elections are held at the same time as urban and northern municipal elections.

"Direct consultation and asking for input on this issue is consistent with our goals of being open and accountable to the people of Saskatchewan and helps maintain a respectful government-to-government relationship with municipal sector partners," Municipal Affairs Minister Bill Hutchinson said.

Seven provinces have a four-year term (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, PEI, Quebec, Ontario and Manitoba). British Columbia and Alberta have three-year terms. Saskatchewan has a three-year term for urban municipalities and a two-year term for rural municipalities. Yukon has a three-year term, but is consulting to change the term to four years. The Northwest Territories and Nunavut have two or three-year terms based on the size of the community.

To submit your opinion and comments electronically please visit www.municipal.gov.sk.ca or you can write to:
Attention: Policy Development (Local Government Election Act)
Saskatchewan Ministry of Municipal Affairs
1540 - 1855 Victoria Ave.
Regina, SK S4P 3T2

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For more information, contact:
Greg Urbanoski
Municipal Affairs
Regina
Phone: 306-787-2155