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Issue No. 17-19

Sept 11, 2017
Email Safety
 
Late last month, a member called us about an invoice they received from a SUMA staff member. Unfortunately, that was a phishing email, designed to look like it was coming from us. By opening the attachment, that person opened their computer to many risks. 

If you ever receive a strange or suspicious email from SUMA (especially one you weren't expecting), please call us to check. That phone call is the best way to make sure an email is legitimate, and can save you plenty of headaches.

The SUMA administration has training to mitigate exactly these types of risks, as recommended by our IT provider. You can contact your own IT provider if you're interested in similar training. The SUMAdvantage program has a partner for this service, if you don't have one already. 

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Last Chance to Register!
 
President Barnhart and the SUMA staff are almost ready for another tour around Saskatchewan for SUMA's 2017 Regional Meetings. 

These meetings are an invaluable chance to learn, network, and share. Get up to date with what SUMA has been up to, and meet with with SUMA's executive, staff and fellow members. 

Check out the agenda at the link for your regional meeting below. While you're there, get registered; the deadline is September 18. See you there!
 
Region
Date
Location
Tuesday, September 26
Maple Creek
Wednesday, September 27
Eston
Thursday, September 28
Blaine Lake
Friday, September 29
Melfort
Monday, October 2
Grenfell
Tuesday, October 3
Yorkton
Wednesday, October 4
Davidson

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We Want to Hear From You:
Upcoming Consultations

SUMA staff is already bracing for a busy season, and we will need your input on several files.

Tomorrow,  members will receive a survey on municipal elections. This will help us respond to upcoming consultations on The Local Government Elections Act, 2015 , and dates for the next round of municipal and provincial consultations. 

Cannabis legalization has been a frequent consultation point, and we will be coming to members again this week on that issue. 

We are also preparing a member survey on SUMA and our work. Your responses will help us better understand your hometown's needs and how we can best serve and represent members.

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Capacity Building: Save the Date for Our Next Webinar

We are once again coming right to your office with a training opportunity. The next SUMA webinar is scheduled for Wednesday, October 11, 2017. You'll get to learn about writing a Request for Proposal (RFP) for construction projects, with expert help from the Association for Consulting Engineers of Canada - Saskatchewan. 

Watch the Event Listings on our website for details as they become available.

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How New Trade Agreements Apply to Municipalities

On July 1, 2017, the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA) came into effect. This agreement between federal, provincial, and territorial governments requires municipalities to conduct open, transparent, and non-discriminatory procurement. This is similar to the  New West Trade Partnership Agreement (NWPTA) , which only relates to suppliers from British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. 
If you are already complying with the NWPTA, many of your practices should align with the CFTA.   The CFTA applies to: 
  • all municipal procurements for goods and services at or above $100,000; and
  • construction valued at or above $250,000.
The NWPTA applies to: 
  • municipal procurements for goods and services valued at or above $75,000; and
  • construction valued at or above $200,000. 
The Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between Canada and the European Union (EU) is scheduled to be implemented September 21, 2017. CETA also covers municipal procurement, applying to: 
  • purchases of goods or services valued at or above $340,600; and 
  • construction valued at or above $8.5 million (Canadian dollars). 
The Federation of Canadian Municipalities has more details on CETA (and other federal trade issues) on its website. 

If you have questions about these agreements, please contact Steven Dribnenki by email or at 306-525-4389.

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Urban Update Advertisement

Professional Development Workshops

ACHIEVE Centre for Leadership and Workplace Performance is offering the following in-person public workshops in Saskatoon and Regina this Fall
  • Dealing with Difficult People
  • Managing Mental Health in the Workplace - Rights and Responsibilities
  • Time Management
  • Emotional Intelligence
  • Management and Supervision - The Crucial Skills
  • Assertive Communication
For dates and more information, please visit our website:  www.achievecentre.com
 
In This Issue

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Fall Tire Sale
 
Michelin has a fall special on the X SNOPLUS grader and loader tires; check out this snippet for some pricing!
 
Michelin also offers competitive pricing on other popular tires for municipal equipment. Need a quote? Contact your Michelin sales representative,  Lori Doerksen , at 306-291-2199. Once you have a quote, contact one of the dealers most convenient to you for stock availability, and be sure to use your SUMA Michelin National Account #03337378.
Visit  SUMAdvantage online  for a complete list of member programs or email  Lisa Rawlings  at SUMA with any questions.

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Classifieds

LEAD THE SUMA TEAM

SUMA CEO

POSITIONS AVAILABLE













Find the latest listings by visiting the SUMA Classifieds  section of our website, under the Programs and Services tab.

Have a position to fill or an item to sell? Submit your ad  on our website.

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Grants 

Upcoming Deadlines
For a full listing of grants, check the   Grants   section of our website under the Resources tab.

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About Us

Thank you for reading the Urban Update this week. We welcome your comments.
  

SUMA

200 2222 13th Ave.

Regina, SK  S4P 3M7

suma@suma.org

www.suma.org