The president of the provincial urban municipalities association is coming under fire from his own organization for vacationing in Hawaii during the Christmas holidays.
The Municipalities of Saskatchewan (MOS – formerly the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association or SUMA) Board of Directors issued a statement January 8 expressing disappointment with MOS President Gordon Barnhart for travelling internationally while non-essential travel is not recommended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The Board of Directors is disappointed in President Barnhart’s decision to travel abroad,” said Mayor Rodger Hayward, MOS Vice-President of Towns. “As municipal leaders, we have a duty to lead by example and keep our communities safe by following public health measures and recommendations.”
Following a meeting on January 8, the MOS Board of Directors formally requested that President Barnhart respond to the MOS membership and the public, regarding his decision to travel.
“Saskatchewan’s hometowns have been working diligently to support their residents during the COVID-19 pandemic, and Municipalities of Saskatchewan has been working diligently to support our hometowns,” said Hayward. “We strongly believe that everyone should be doing their part to reduce the transmission of COVID-19.”
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Municipalities of Saskatchewan has switched to virtual education sessions and online meetings. The organization’s annual convention in late February is also online.