While SUMA is appreciative of the federal government fast tracking federal gas tax funding, hometowns require additional emergency funding to continue providing the services that residents rely on daily.
“The advance of the federal gas tax funding will help municipalities in the short-term,” said SUMA President Gordon Barnhart. “But as our hometowns are hard at work to support residents through this pandemic, they are being hit with new expenses and experiencing significant drops in revenue. Emergency funding is needed so we can continue to deliver vital services.”
SUMA supports the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) call for at least $10 billion in emergency operating funding. FCM data shows municipalities are facing a minimum of $10-15 billion in near-term, non-recoverable losses due to COVID-19.
While facing significant losses, Saskatchewan’s hometowns continue to provide essential services and are working to ease financial burdens for local residents and businesses.
“Saskatchewan’s hometowns are deferring tax increases, delaying utility and tax payments, and providing programs like Moose Jaw’s Small Business Support Program,” said Fraser Tolmie, City of Moose Jaw mayor and chair of the SUMA City Mayors’ Caucus. “Our municipalities require federal help so we can continue to ensure the health and safety of our communities during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
To arrange an interview please contact:
Sean McKenzie
Director of Advocacy Services
SUMA
Telephone: 306-525-4388
advocacydir@suma.org
