“We had an excellent event,” Volkov stated. “We had great attendance from all areas of the province and we were able to have great speakers and resolutions.”
As Volkov explained, the fall convention is the organization’s annual general meeting. On top of that, it is an opportunity for the municipal leaders to engage with each other, cabinet ministers and others, and as a way to learn what is necessary to make their communities better.
This year’s theme was “Leadership in Motion.” Volkov said this was a reference to how busy life was for those who are responsible for so much with so little time.
“Municipal officials, they are under-recognized. Outside of the cities, they are part time councils, there is very little money, but they are really important. They are always in motion, always busy for their communities.”
There are different facets to the AMM convention. One is the engagement with higher levels of government. Volkov said the fact that both Premier Wab Kinew and Leader of the Opposition Obby Khan addressed the gathering demonstrated how seriously they take engagement with municipalities. There are also sessions with different cabinet ministers. One big one was on the first day, where Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara led a forum along with other members of Manitoba Health. According to Souris-Glenwood Mayor Duane Davison, this was a very worthwhile part of the event.
“We went to the health care leaders talk, it was a very interesting bear pit, where we asked questions,” Davison said. “They talked about everything, staffing, EMS, everything that was interesting to us. I was very impressed with the health minister. I appreciate that the minister really listened to us.”
In some cases, municipalities were able to meet directly with cabinet ministers. Volkov said it gives municipalities a way to connect and discuss issues important to them. Davison said they met with Jamie Moses, the minister for Business, Mining, Trade and Job Creation.
Davison felt the convention was very strong last week. Council members attend each year, and often split up for the breakout sessions, so they can cover them all. Held on Wednesday, they included a presentation by Recreation Manitoba, the response to wildfires, making the last 12 months of the municipal term count, and more.
Davison said he also attended the session about the last year of municipal government. He said it was interesting to hear how important it was for those who may be retiring at the 2026 election to set the municipality up for success into the future. It was one of many good sessions.
“The other folks who went to the other breakouts, they said they were worthwhile too.”
Volkov felt one of the big ones was regarding e-scooters, as there has recently been a big accident in Minnedosa. He added with breakout sessions and keynote speakers, there is always the attempt to have people who can speak on issues important to all municipalities – large and small, urban and rural. They are chosen by AMM.
The big name was curler Jennifer Jones. Volkov said she spoke on the importance of leadership, resilience and teamwork, working with her personal motto of “enjoy the moment”.
The other keynote speaker was Kendall Netmaker. Davison liked his presentation. Netmaker is Indigenous and grew up on a reserve. Davison liked his story of being able to play sports with the help of a friend’s family. It greatly impacted his life.
“It was really inspiring,” Davison said. “It was a great story of opportunity and it’s neat to see there are still nice people in the world.”
A big part of the convention are the resolutions. These are made by municipalities, sometimes sponsored by more than one, on a variety of topics. This year, Volkov said, there were about 40% fewer of them than usual. He said it might have been because it was the last year before the election. At any rate there were strong ones as usual, on topics ranging from health care to the scope of the Municipal Board. Davison said it is interesting to see the discussion on the floor for these, adding most have ben talked about at district and are fine-tuned so they pass.
Volkov said once adopted, AMM can begin lobbying on them. They will meet with ministers and their deputies to make compromises and discuss what can be done. It can take time, but he points to the cabinet brief AMM made, which shows where they have made a difference and what they are working on.
“We have been very successful,” Volkov stated. “In the last five years we have had a lot of success in general, getting additional support for municipalities.”
One major change is on the horizon. In the past, the fall convention has rotated between Brandon and Winnipeg. By 2027, they will permanently move it to the Manitoba capital, while the spring convention will be held in the Wheat City. In part, this is due to the larger spring trade show, which the Keystone Centre is perfect for. Both Volkov and Davison see this as a positive.
The executive director said as well as lobbying, AMM is starting to plan their visits to municipalities across their seven districts in 2026. It is always a busy time. The convention is a big event for them, however, a time for everyone to prepare.
“The importance is huge,” Volkov explained. “It is an opportunity for us to meet everyone in one space, to have all members in one spot, to get direction from them. As well, it is a time for those municipalities to network together.”
Davison agreed.
“If you come out of the breakout sessions with one or two salient points, it’s worthwhile.” The mayor said. “The relationships are great too. Every relationship you develop is worthwhile. Everything is important, and really the biggest one is the people.”
by PAUL RAYNER, Recorder staff