OPINION: In Saskatchewan Municipalities Matter in Cabinet
When Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe unveiled his new cabinet this week, the standout feature wasn’t just who was appointed but where many of them came from.
Out of 16 new ministers, six hail from municipal government backgrounds, bringing a wealth of local governance experience to the provincial level. This unprecedented representation of former councillors, reeves, and municipal administrations signals a shift in Saskatchewan’s leadership that could change the province’s approach to inter-governmental affairs.
For a long time, municipal leaders have felt that provincial governments overlooked or misunderstood their unique challenges and priorities. Local governments often serve as the backbone of communities, dealing with everything from roads and health services to economic development and public safety.
They have firsthand experience with the issues facing rural and urban communities alike. By selecting leaders with this background, Moe may have positioned Saskatchewan to bridge the gap between provincial policy and municipal realities, bringing the needs and insights of local communities into provincial decision-making.
The most significant appointment in this cabinet shift is Eric Schmalz as the Minister of Government Relations and Minister responsible for First Nations, Métis, and Northern Affairs. As the former Reeve of the Rural Municipality (RM) of Prince Albert, Schmalz isn’t just well-versed in the challenges rural communities face; he’s lived them. Elected as Reeve in a by-election in 2019 and re-elected in 2020, Schmalz is known for his practical, hands-on approach to local governance and has a strong reputation for collaborating with neighbouring First Nations communities and Métis leaders. His role will require navigating the delicate balance between municipal autonomy and provincial oversight while fostering relationships with First Nations and Métis communities—a task uniquely suited to someone with his background.
This emphasis on municipal expertise is echoed across other key portfolios. Daryl Harrison, now Minister of Agriculture, brings a rural municipal councillor’s understanding of Saskatchewan’s agricultural backbone. Agriculture is a challenging file, especially as farmers face pressures from climate change, global market shifts, and evolving environmental policies. Harrison’s experience in local governance provides him with a grounded understanding of these pressures, positioning him to advocate effectively for Saskatchewan’s farmers.
In a similar vein, Lori Carr takes on the role of Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, Seniors, and Rural and Remote Health.
After a decade on Estevan City Council, Carr brings a depth of insight into the unique healthcare challenges facing rural communities. Mental health and addiction issues are particularly complex in rural Saskatchewan, where access to specialized care is often limited, and local councils are left trying to find community-based solutions. Her experience will be invaluable in a role that demands both compassion and an understanding of the structural barriers these communities face.
David Marit drives into the Minister of Highways profile. He will draw upon years of experience as a councillor and past president of the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM).
Saskatchewan’s highways are the veins that connect communities across vast distances, especially in rural areas, and the economic health of these communities relies on well-maintained infrastructure. Marit’s extensive experience in rural infrastructure planning will certainly help ensure that this critical portfolio receives the focused attention it deserves, grounded in a practical understanding of the province’s road network and the logistical needs of rural and remote communities.
Similarly, Jim Reiter’s appointment as Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance indicates a commitment to keeping Saskatchewan’s financial priorities aligned with the needs of local governments. As a former President of the Rural Municipal Administrators’ Association, Reiter has a firm grasp on the economic and logistical challenges that local governments face. This experience, combined with his expertise in finance, will serve him well as he helps guide Saskatchewan’s economic policy. The province’s fiscal stability, crucial to supporting both urban and rural areas, is now in the hands of someone who has managed budgets from a municipal lens, and that’s a promising development for Saskatchewan’s communities. The last of the municipal leaders joining the cabinet is Jamie Martens, the former Deputy Mayor of Martensville. Martens will become the new Provincial Secretary.
Moe’s choice to elevate leaders from the municipal realm speaks volumes about his vision for the future of Saskatchewan. The presence of these voices at the provincial level promises a more comprehensive approach to policy that’s attuned to both urban and rural realities. However, this shift isn’t without its challenges. Municipal leaders moving to provincial roles must navigate a more complex web of stakeholder interests, balancing local priorities with broader provincial and even national concerns. Policies that may have made sense at a municipal level might require adaptation to fit the provincial stage, where the impact of every decision is magnified.
Additionally, former municipal leaders may face pressure from their local constituencies to prioritize issues that may not align perfectly with the provincial agenda. Saskatchewan is a diverse province, and balancing the needs of cities with the unique demands of rural areas will require skillful negotiation and diplomacy. Ministers like Schmalz, Marit, and Carr will need to carefully manage these expectations, working to deliver for their communities while also supporting a cohesive provincial vision.
Moe’s new cabinet could also serve as a model for future provincial governments across Canada. Municipalities are often where the most innovative, people-centred policies emerge simply because local leaders are so closely connected to the communities they serve. By recognizing the value of this experience, Saskatchewan is leading the way toward a more inclusive, representative provincial government.
In tapping municipal leaders for provincial leadership, Moe has brought in voices that intimately understand the impact of policies on communities, from remote northern towns to bustling small cities. As Saskatchewan faces the challenges of economic diversification, healthcare reform, and reconciliation, this local perspective could be the key to crafting responsive and effective policies.
Whether this cabinet succeeds in its ambitious goals will depend on how some of these former municipal leaders adapt to their new roles and manage the added complexities of provincial governance.
But one thing is clear: with leaders like Schmalz, Harrison, Carr, Marit, and others, Saskatchewan’s new cabinet is deeply rooted in the communities it aims to serve.
And that’s a promising start for any government.
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