The public backlash has been fierce for elected officials and leaders who have travelled during the pandemic as authorities told the public repeatedly to stay home and not travel. Across Canada, leaders have resigned, asked to step down and have lost cabinet positions.
Barnhart was asked to consider resigning after it was discovered he had travelled to Hawaii. However, in today’s vote, he let his name stand as delegates gathered virtually during the Municipalities of Saskatchewan Convention.
Barnhart appeared from Hawaii to address the convention and is not due to return to Saskatchewan until late February.
When asked if the loss for Barnhart was a clear rebuke of Barnhart’s decision to travel, Lumsden Mayor and Municipalities of Saskatchewan Central Regional Director, Bryan Matheson, said, “Yes. Undoubtedly.”
“I believe Rodger will do an excellent job in the role as President of MuniSask.”
“It is an honour to be elected Municipalities of Saskatchewan President,” said Hayward. “I look forward to continuing to work with Municipalities of Saskatchewan’s Board of Directors as President, and our member municipalities, to ensure our hometowns have the resources we need. We are stronger when we work together.”
Hayward has served as Municipalities of Saskatchewan’s Vice-President of Towns since 2012. He was first elected to the Board of Directors in 2010 as Northeast Regional Director. Hayward has represented the community of Naicam since 1996 and has served six terms as mayor.
Municipalities of Saskatchewan’s towns and villages, resort villages, and northern municipal sectors also elected their sector representatives. Nipawin Mayor Rennie Harper will serve as the new Vice-President of Towns, and incumbent Mike Strachan, Mayor of Torquay, will continue to serve as Vice-President of Villages, Resort Villages, and Northern Municipalities.
Hayward, Harper, and Strachan will begin their four-year terms following the conclusion of the Municipalities of Saskatchewan 2021 Virtual Convention and Tradeshow on February 10.
Jennifer Argue, Civic Reporter, LMT - LJi
Note: These reports are abridged for content