For the first time since 2007, over a dozen Saskatchewan Party MLAs traveled to Saskatoon to meet with the city’s councilors and mayor.

With many members of both governments being new to the job following the elections last year, MLA for Saskatoon Willow Grove Ken Cheveldayoff says it was important to meet in person, exchange contact information, and gain an understanding of each other’s priorities.

“We had a very lively discussion about housing and homelessness…We also talked about funding mechanisms and revenue sharing that’s going to be happening here with the budget coming.”

Other topics discussed today include the Downtown Event Entertainment District, policing, and crime.

Although they didn’t agree on everything, Mayor Cynthia Block says the two levels of government are aligned on the fact that addressing homelessness is the number one priority right now.

“The most pressing issue that we are facing is homelessness, and I was encouraged by Minister Jensen and others from the government who are wanting to work with us to make sure that we are looking at this though a fresh lens.”

Cheveldayoff adds that this type of meeting could become more common in the future, and the province has scheduled a similar meeting with Regina’s council members.