Shape Policy

Convention is an opportunity to influence policy, both locally and provincially. Shape SUMA’s policy direction through resolutions, sector meetings, and the new Dialogue with SUMA sessions. The annual bear pit and dialogue with ministers sessions provides delegates with the opportunity to put their municipal issues before the provincial government, as well as the media.

Networking 

There are plenty of people to meet and plenty of opportunities to network. Gain a fresh new focus as you connect with colleagues, peers, SUMA Board and staff members at the SUMA Convention during the President’s Gala and Awards Ceremony, sessions, at breaks, and in your sector meeting.

Municipal Marketplace, presented by Kinetic GPO

Sunday, April 14 - 4:00 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. 
Monday, April 15 - 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Tuesday, April 16 - 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

One of the largest of its kind in Canada, SUMA’s tradeshow features booths with products and services that municipalities use each day. 

Municipalities of the Future

Join us at the IMAX for a screening of “Cities of the Future” to delve into the plans engineers have been formulating for a more sustainable world. Following the screening, the staff from the Saskatchewan Science Centre will engage in a discussion about an upcoming project that seeks to collaborate with students throughout Saskatchewan to apply the principles and practices shared in the film to municipalities of all sizes. Guests will have the opportunity to explore the exhibit floor of the science centre before returning to the International Trade Centre for the Early Access Reception in the Tradeshow.

Discover Lumsden: Where Sunshine Meets Spirits in the Qu’Appelle Valley

Take a trip to the Town of Lumsden to explore its award-winning solar power facility and visit Saskatchewan’s first microbrewery, Last Mountain Distillery. Currently, Lumsden is the most solar-driven municipality in the province. Check out the solar panels and learn how they generate clean and renewable energy, powering the municipality’s wastewater treatment plant. During your time at Last Mountain Distillery, discover how they began their journey and learn about the meticulous crafting process of their premium handmade spirits, using locally sourced grain, herbs, and vegetables, as well as collaborations with other local breweries. 

Capital Connections: A Tour of the Legislative Building and Government House

The Legislative Building and Government House are Provincial Heritage Properties located in the heart of Saskatchewan’s capital city. Built in 1931 and 1891, respectively, these buildings continue to be significant components of the province’s rich political history. Tour the Saskatchewan Legislative Building to see where elected representatives gather to debate and make decisions that directly affect your municipalities, and learn about the history of the provincial legislature. Meanwhile, Government House served as the official residence of the Lieutenant Governor until 1945 and offers a journey back in time.

Keynote - David Coletto

Sponsored by SaskWater

David Coletto is Chair, CEO and founder of Abacus Data a full-service market research and strategy firm based in Ottawa and Toronto. With almost two decades of experience in the industry, David and his partners founded Abacus 13 years ago and since then it has grown into one of Canada’s most respected market research firms.

David has spent much of his professional career exploring and measuring public opinion as it relates to housing, quality of life, public policy, and capturing the mood of Canadians. He has worked with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, the Canadian Real Estate Association, the Ontario Real Estate Association, and many associations.

He earned a PhD in Political Science from the University of Calgary in 2010 is an adjunct professor at Carleton University. He is the host and producer of inFocus with David Coletto a new podcast that explores the intersection of public opinion, politics, public policy, and consumer behaviour.

He’s a foodie, a cyclist, and an avid traveler.

MC - Cody Demerais

Sponsored by Brownlee LLP

Cody Demerais is an award-winning
Métis author, speaker, life coach,
and entrepreneur. He was born and raised in
Prince Albert, Saskatchewan.

During Cody’s keynote presentation
in 2023, he shared his impactful story of
struggle and resilience through intense
substance abuse issues, as well as issues
with anger and depression that led to a
life-altering car crash.

Now, Cody is a successful leader who
delivers inspirational and motivational
talks on his past so others don’t have
to learn the hard way as he did.

An entrepreneur, change maker, and
community advocate, Cody Demerais aims
to make a difference in this world. He was the recipient of the “Young Entrepreneur of The Year” for the 2021 ABEX awards through the Saskatchewan Chambers. He now sits on the Prince Albert Chambers Board of Directors, and the Youth Representative for Western Regional 2 Métis Nation Saskatchewan.

President's Gala - Fundraising for the Laurent Mougeot Memorial Scholarship

Enjoy a buffet dinner with your peers, be wowed by hypnotist, Wayne Lee, join our fundraiser, and recognize the contributions of fellow long-serving elected officials and municipal employees who have made our hometowns stronger.

The President’s Gala is a night of celebration. We honor hard work through our awards ceremony and bring together shared interests over delicious food.

This year, for our evening fundraiser in honour of the Laurent Mougeot Scholarship Fund, we will have a silent auction taking place throughout convention. Prizes will be announced at the gala.