The Town of Creighton is hoping to bring a provincial cabinet minister north to discuss the impact of the recent obstetrics closure at Flin Flon General Hospital.
Members of town council chose to request a meeting between Greg Ottenbreit, Saskatchewan minister of rural and remote health, and Mayor Bruce Fidler to determine how residents from Creighton and other Saskatchewan communities may be affected. The request came after a recommendation from the town’s bylaws, resolutions, policy and fiscal services health finance committee.
It is not yet known if the potential meeting will take place in Creighton or in Regina. Council members in attendance said Ottenbreit had been receptive to coming to the north regarding health service issues, but confirmation from the minister’s office had not yet arrived.
In case Ottenbreit cannot make it north, council approved a measure to cover expenses for Fidler to meet the minister in Regina.
“Ottenbreit and another minister are going to try to come here. If he can’t come here, then Bruce will go. We have that motion ready to go,” said Paula Muench, chief administrative officer (CAO) for the Town of Creighton.
“That would be great,” added Dan Hlady, council member and deputy mayor. Hlady chaired the meeting while Fidler was out of town on municipal business.
The meeting is tentatively scheduled for Dec. 13.
Indemnities
A change in federal tax laws has led to an increase in compensation for members of Creighton town council.
Under the proposed measure, mayor and council members will receive a 25 per cent increase in indemnities. Mayor Fidler’s monthly payment from the town will go from $600 to $750, while councillors will see their payment changing from $500 to $625.
The reason for the change is a recent decision by Revenue Canada to change existing rules regarding “one-third” tax exemptions for elected officials. Previously, up to one third of compensation for elected officials was considered tax exempt, but as of Jan. 1, 2019, the exemption will be eliminated.
“Revenue Canada has removed the exemption, so most of the communities, we’re now seeing them making these adjustments,” said Muench.
