The mayors of Saskatchewan cities met recently to discuss common issues, and Yorkton Mayor James Wilson said they had an opportunity to take those concerns to federal ears.
Wilson said it was the mayors' first meeting since the provincial budget, and it generated "some really good discussion
"We were trying to identify as communities what our issuers are, what we are up against."
With some common themes coming forth, Wilson said the mayors were able to meet "with the Saskatchewan caucus of MPs," to take the message of their needs back to Ottawa.
"We needed to have our voice heard," he said, adding it is important the federal government recognize Saskatchewan cities have issues they could be partners in helping address.
"Rather than just barking up one tree (provincial) we wanted to get to the other one too," said Wilson.
The first area the federal government could play a role in is helping fund infrastructure renewal, said Wilson, adding the mayors' message was to have that need be a "consideration in budgeting."The second issue was housing.
"Those are the two things we think they can have an impact on," said Wilson.
In general terms Wilson said the mayors also think it's "time to put the political partisanship aside.
"People vote you in to do good. To do right," he said, noting that does not mean voting party lines at all costs.
"We're all in the same situation. We're not interested in the partisanship stuff. We're in it for the good of all."
The mayors also met with the provincial ministry of municipal affairs, where they reiterated the cities' need for infrastructure and housing support from the higher levels of government, said Wilson. He added with the province the issues of smoothing the process and timelines associated with altering municipal boundaries was also discussed.
