"First of all, we will take the approach of just trying to get to know the ministers and starting to build some relationships."
That's Association of Manitoba Municipalities President Kam Blight on today's start to their multi-day Fall Convention in Brandon. A ministerial forum will be one of the highlights, co-chaired by Blight and Premier Wab Kinew. The convention will also include many breakout and resolution sessions.
This year, Blight explains, they want to bring forth the challenges and concerns that will be impacting Manitoba's 137 municipalities, and then help the NDP government better understand their position.
"Hopefully, we can sit down, be part of the discussion, and part of the solution to try and resolve some of the issues that we have."
He says it's a case-by-case basis of discussion, but the priority is making those relationships and getting to know the ministers a little better.
Blight says these meetings that follow the election of a new government are typically quite exciting.
"There's the introductory period, and you get to get to know each other, and what your backgrounds are," continues Blight. "You're starting from scratch and it's kind of nice. You start to form a relationship and a bond, and then you start to discuss what your challenges and concerns are and how we can work together to address those concerns. It all comes down to the bottom line of how, when we have stronger municipalities, we're going to have a stronger province. When we have a stronger province, we're going to have stronger municipalities."
He notes these meetings are based on the principle that it's in the best interest of both sides to work together.
Blight says the importance of developing these relationships is critical. He explains the convention is the ideal means of accomplishing that, adding that it's not just meeting the ministers, but, also, networking with the staff and other MLAs. Each year, many ministers take part in the forum and municipal leaders are able to ask questions specific to their municipality.
"I think you're going to hear a lot of the key topics that were brought forward during the actual election, which would be fair and predictable funding for municipalities, investing in strategic infrastructure, investing in people such as our emergency services, healthcare professionals, and, of course, public safety. All those four topics will be top of mind for all of our municipalities across the province."
He says it's also the AMM's 25th anniversary, making it that much more special. Blight says speeches will include those from the Premier, the opposition, the Liberal government, and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities president who will also be in attendance.
"There's a lot of work that's involved and a lot of different sessions for individuals to participate in," adds Blight from a personal level. "For myself, being president and part of the executive, there are definitely a lot of things that I have to be a part of, and am participating in, but I am certainly getting taken care of and well-fed. It's excellent to catch up with all of my good friends and peers from across this province. So, it's an event that I most certainly look forward to."
Blight says the convention also facilitates the need for all leaders in Manitoba to be brought up to current issues and progress on the various files with which they're dealing.
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