SUMA
SUMA
S9E03: SUMA Vice President of Towns Michelle McKenzie
S9E03: SUMA Vice President of Towns Michelle McKenzie
S9E03: SUMA Vice President of Towns Michelle McKenzie
Wednesday 22nd October 2025
Explore Michelle McKenzie's inspiring journey from council candidate to mayor and her insights on municipal leadership challenges.
33 minutes
Inspiring
Informative
Honest
Hopeful
Engaging
About this podcast
Author:
SUMA
Overview:
Categories:
Relationships & Community
Community & Support Networks
Sobriety Toolkit
Mindfulness & Emotional Wellbeing
Smart Financial Planning
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Episodes:
57 (View all)
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Get the buttons here!Michelle McKenzie's Journey: Leadership and Resilience
Episode Overview
- Michelle McKenzie shares her journey from council candidate to mayor.
- Emphasises communication, transparency, and honesty in governance.
- Discusses healthcare accessibility and retention challenges.
- Highlights need for better mental health and addiction services.
- Offers advice for new board members on adapting to roles.
"To me, being the mayor is making sure that everybody has a happy, healthy place to live."
What makes a recovery story truly inspiring? In this engaging episode of MuniCast, Michelle McKenzie, the Vice President of Towns for SUMA and the Mayor of Maple Creek, Saskatchewan, shares her journey from council candidate to mayor. Michelle's story is a testament to perseverance, having lost her first election by just three votes. Undeterred, she ran again and eventually took on the role of mayor when the opportunity arose.
Her dedication to public service shines through as she discusses the importance of communication, transparency, and honesty in governance. Michelle also addresses the pressing issues facing Saskatchewan's towns, such as healthcare accessibility and the challenge of retaining medical professionals. She candidly talks about the struggles with mental health and addiction services, highlighting the need for better support systems. Her passion for advocacy is evident as she emphasises the role of SUMA in providing guidance and support to municipalities.
Listeners will appreciate Michelle's honesty about the challenges of municipal leadership and her optimism for the future. She shares practical advice for new board members and reflects on the importance of learning from each other’s successes. With a touch of humour, she describes the unique charm of Maple Creek, making this episode both informative and entertaining. As you listen, you'll find yourself reflecting on what it takes to be a resilient leader in the face of adversity.