Resolutions

Whereas Saskatchewan municipalities are experiencing increasing climate-related challenges, including flooding, drought, wildfires, extreme weather events, and infrastructure degradation, which threaten public safety, local economies, and municipal budgets; and

Whereas Saskatchewan’s municipalities require climate adaptation strategies, improved risk assessment tools, and funding to implement sustainable solutions that enhance community resilience and protect municipal infrastructure; and

Whereas many municipalities lack the technical expertise, financial resources, and regional data needed to develop effective climate adaptation policies and infrastructure projects; and

Whereas climate adaptation programs in other provinces, including Alberta’s Municipal Climate Change Action Centre, have successfully supported municipalities in securing funding and technical support for climate resilience projects.

Therefore be it resolved that SUMA advocate the Ministry of Environment to:

• Provide financial support to SUMA to establish the Municipal Eco-Action Centre as a key resource for municipalities to access training, funding assistance and expert guidance on climate adaptation.
• Establish the Municipal Climate Adaptation and Resilience Fund to support local governments in Saskatchewan in assessing climate risks, implementing adaptation measures, and upgrading infrastructure to withstand climate impacts.
• Provide municipalities with enhanced access to climate risk data, impact assessments, and technical support to improve decision-making, land-use planning, and disaster preparedness.
• Expand partnerships between the province, municipalities, and academic institutions to facilitate research, innovation, and capacity-building programs focused on climate adaptation for urban communities.

Acts affected: None

Dear Sean McKenzie:

Thank you for the opportunity to respond to the resolutions passed at the SUMA 120th Annual Convention.

The Government of Saskatchewan has consistently opposed the federal carbon tax and the financial burdens it imposes on the people of Saskatchewan. On March 27, 2025, Premier Scott Moe and I were pleased to announce a pause to the industrial carbon tax in Saskatchewan, which has already resulted in substantial savings for industries, municipalities, and citizens. In addition, Minister Reiter announced an increase of $21.5 million in municipal revenue sharing in the provincial budget, reflecting our commitment to supporting municipalities build sustainable communities.

Our commitment to municipalities is further reinforced by our support of ClimateWest, a regional climate resilience resource hub for Saskatchewan, Alberta and Manitoba. ClimateWest connects municipalities with knowledge, data, and technical and academic networks to build capacity, assess risk, enhance preparedness and conduct proactive planning. The year's ClimateWest Forum, "Climate Resilient Future," will be hosted by Saskatchewan held in Saskatoon and online from June 17 to 18, 2025. This event will bring together a wide range of sectors and communities from Sasktchewan, Alberta and Manitoba, all working toward building climate resilient futures. Admission is free and includes meals and refreshments.

In addition to provincial and regional efforts, several funding programs are available to support municipal climate action. These include the Federation of Canadian Municipalities' $2.4 billion Green Municipal Fund, the $2.2 billion Low Carbon Economy Fund, and the $1.4 billion Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund. These programs all provide resources for energy efficiency, climate risk assessments, and greenhouse gas reduction projects. SaskEnergy and SaskPower also offer various rebates and programs, including the Commercial Boiler Rebate and the Net Metering Program, to support municipalities in improving energy efficiency and fostering renewable energy generation.

Sincerely,

Travis Keisig

Minister of Environment