S10:E02 Advocacy on the Convention FloorS10:E02 Advocacy on the Convention Floor
MuniCast
Chris talks with Mayor Gerald Albers and Councillor Tara Montaigne about how municipal leaders can use SUMA Convention 2026 for sharp, effective advocacy. The conversation focuses on planning, teamwork, hallway conversations, and learning from both successes and mistakes on the convention floor.
31:17•1 Apr 2026
Making Every Minute Count: Advocacy Lessons from the SUMA Convention Floor
Episode Overview
- Plan ahead as a council by studying the agenda, dividing sessions, and agreeing on shared priorities before arriving at the convention.
- Treat minister meetings like a two-minute elevator speech: be concise, bring a short handout with clear data, and always present a proposed solution.
- Use hallway conversations to widen the circle, draw in other municipalities with similar issues, and show ministers that challenges are province-wide.
- Listen closely during policy resolution and bear pit sessions, then connect with others who share your issue to build a stronger, united advocacy front.
- For first-time delegates, ask questions, attend as much as you can, lean on SUMA staff for guidance, and don’t underestimate the value of the trade show and networking.
“If you don’t ask the question, you’ll never get the answer.”
What can municipal leaders really get done on a convention floor? Season 10 of MuniCast takes that question head-on with a practical, no-nonsense chat about advocacy at SUMA Convention 2026 in Regina. Host Chris sits down with Lloydminster mayor Gerald Albers and Melfort councillor Tara Montaigne, who share how they turn a packed schedule, short minister meetings, and crowded hallways into solid wins for their communities.
You’ll hear how Albers plans his council’s time like a team sport—spreading members across sessions, then regrouping to “corner a minister” when needed. He compares those brief chats with decision makers to a “two-minute elevator speech” where you bring a tight, two-page handout, clear examples, and, crucially, a proposed solution.
Montaigne talks honestly about early mistakes, like not recognising key people she sat beside, and stresses the value of doing homework, being concise, and being brave enough to say, “Hi, I’m Tara, I’m from Melfort, I’m not sure who you are.” Her message is simple: listen hard, learn a lot, and don’t be shy about asking for help—from SUMA staff, other delegates, or neighbouring municipalities. Both guests highlight the power of a unified voice.
What starts as “our local problem” often turns out to be shared by towns, cities, and northern municipalities right across Saskatchewan. Whether it’s wastewater, recycling, or ageing infrastructure, they show how joint advocacy, policy resolutions, and those famous hallway conversations can slowly move projects like CT scanners, helipads, and major road upgrades from wish list to reality.
If you’ve ever wondered how to make a convention count—especially as a first-time delegate—this conversation offers straight-talking tips, a few gentle warnings, and plenty of encouragement to show up prepared, curious, and ready to speak up. So, how will you use your next convention floor to push your community’s priorities forward?
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