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.

Saskatchewan’s urban municipalities are dealing with evolving environmental regulations, which makes collaborative waste management essential for a long-term sustainability. Effective waste management reduces greenhouse gas emissions, extends landfill lifespan, and helps municipalities remain environmentally responsible. By working together, communities can share costs, access funding, and implement innovative waste diversion strategies.

In this episode, Collaborative Waste Management with the Ministry of Environment, SWRC, ARWMAS, and TSS, Advocacy Advisor Augustina Osaseri sits down to discuss opportunities for effective waste management in Saskatchewan with

• Michelle Heggstrom, Manager of Compliance Assurance for the North Central Region with the Ministry of Environment, Government of Saskatchewan,
• Pamela Barry, Senior Policy Analyst and Research Officer for Waste Stewardship and Recycling with the Ministry of Environment, Government of Saskatchewan,
• Joanne Fedyk, Executive Director of the Saskatchewan Waste Reduction Council,
• Anne Mathewson, Executive Director of the Association of Regional Waste Management Authorities of Saskatchewan, and;
• Richard Beck, TSS Coordinator with SUMA.

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.

The Government of Saskatchewan announced the creation of the Saskatchewan Marshals Service in 2024. After a comprehensive search and hiring process, Robert Cameron was appointed as the Chief Marshal of the Saskatchewan Marshals Service effective January 1, 2024.

Public safety, and policing in particular, are extremely important topics for SUMA members. In this episode, Behind the Badge with Chief Marshal Robert Cameron, learn more about what this new service will mean for SUMA members, the reason for creating the Marshals Service, and how they will work with other established policing services including the RCMP and municipal police services.

During the episode Chief Cameron refers to the "James Smith" incident. More information about the tragedy can be found here: https://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/cnt/trnsprnc/brfng-mtrls/prlmntry-bndrs/20241001/12-en.aspx

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: [email protected]

Jean Goerzen, Executive Director, SAISIA: [email protected]

Lovely Magnaye, CAO, Town of Tisdale: [email protected]

Ronke Edoho, Owner, 9jaFoodie: [email protected]

Augustina Osaseri, Advocacy Advisor, SUMA: [email protected]

Get to know Convention 2025 MC Trevor Moore before we gather in Saskatoon in April!

Trevor is a neurodivergent husband, father and entrepreneur who lives life as a mental health advocate, chronic pain warrior, kindness crusader, and over-thinker in recovery. As a professional emcee, host, speaker, and corporate standup comedy magician with 17 years of experience at the microphone, Trevor understands how to steer the rhythm, focus, and feel of any event. His intimate and interactive style, engaging attitude and refreshing, upbeat persona is sure to entertain guests at this year’s Convention. 

In this episode, Eventful Conversations with Trevor Moore, discover what audience members can expect as he guides us through Convention 2025. Learn more about Trevor, how he will incorporate his vast hosting and speaking experience, and his hopes for attendees to walk away inspired

Want to get to know keynote speaker Pamela Barnum before Convention 2025? Tune in to this bonus episode of MuniCast!

After a successful 20-year career in the criminal justice

In this episode, discover what audience members can expect from her keynote presentation at Convention 2025. Learn about the crucial role of non-verbal communication for municipal leaders, how to apply Pamela's insights across various areas, and more.

Doug Griffiths is a wildly popular community strategist and author of two best selling editions of his book "13 Ways to Kill Your Community”. He has supported, guided and inspired hundreds of communities to create effective change. Doug grew up on a ranch outside a small town where he learned the value of hard work, critical thinking skills, and the value of community. That background led him into politics, which gave him a deep understanding about how to move people and to get things done. He deliberately retired from politics in January 2015, after serving for 13 years, to return to his passion for community building. 

In this episode, Revitalizing Your Community with Doug Griffiths, hear what audience members can expect to take away from his keynote presentation at the Virtual SUMA Summit, his experiences as a former elected official, the inspiration for his best-selling book, "13 Ways to Kill Your Community", and more.

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.