SUMA Invests $250,000 into Saskatchewan Polytechnic Municipal Administration Program
Goal of new Business diploma specialty to prepare graduates for careers in local and rural government
The Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA) is investing $250,000 into developing Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s new municipal administration specialty for the Business diploma program. This collaboration aims to enhance the quality of education and training provided to aspiring municipal administrators, who will play a vital role in the sustainable growth and efficient governance of municipalities across the province.
“Thank you to SUMA for investing in our students in the Sask Polytech Business diploma, Municipal Administration specialty and in Saskatchewan’s future municipal administration professionals,” says Dr. Larry Rosia, president and CEO. “With this generous contribution, SUMA demonstrates its commitment to the future of local government leadership and to strengthening Saskatchewan's communities. Graduates with this new specialty will be trained to successfully manage the day-to-day operations of a town or municipality as a government manager or official.”
In addition to the $250,000, SUMA announced the establishment of the Laurent Mougeot Memorial Scholarship at the SUMA Convention this spring. Mougeot’s career covered many aspects of municipal administration and governance. He worked in several different roles with the City of Prince Albert and later moved to Regina to become CEO of SUMA. His dedication to promoting and strengthening local governments and municipal associations is widely recognized by his peers and he received several awards for his work. This Sask Polytech scholarship for municipal administration specialty students honours the memory and lifelong work of Mougeot. At the convention, SUMA members were encouraged to donate to this scholarship in support of Sask Polytech students.
“SUMA understands the importance of having well educated municipal administrators who are prepared to take on the significant responsibilities associated with the position. Administrators are the foundation of a successful municipal office,” said SUMA president Randy Goulden. “We are proud to support this initiative and are grateful for the opportunity to honour Laurent’s memory in such a significant way.”
Municipal managers and administrators are responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of rural communities. Key learning outcomes of the specialty include managing human resources and labour relations in a municipality, applying municipal laws, ordinances, and protocols, developing strategic communication, interpersonal and project management skills, applying principles of municipal accounting and risk management by implementing tax laws, financial reporting protocols, and protocols for managing public utilities.
The curriculum has been developed based on the direction of SUMA, Saskatchewan Association for Rural Municipalities (SARM), Urban Municipal Administrators' Association of Saskatchewan (UMAAS), Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators (CAMA) and the Saskatchewan Ministry of Government Relations and their members to ensure graduates are prepared for demanding and rewarding roles in municipal administration.
With 10 courses developed specifically to address the job requirements of senior government managers and officials, this program will equip students with the specific knowledge, skills and attitudes needed for a successful career in municipal administration. This specialty is offered online, allowing students to continue working while they upgrade their knowledge and skills.
Current Business diploma students who have completed year one or completed the Business certificate are eligible to start the municipal administration specialty in fall 2024.
June 2023