The next chapter of civic politics in Regina was marked on Monday night with the swearing-in ceremony for the 2020-2024 city council.
The small ceremony, which happened on Monday night in Henry Baker Hall at city hall, involved 11 members including Mayor Masters and 10 city councillors. It was a limited ceremony that streamed live on the city’s website due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Bob Hawkins, Andrew Stevens, Lori Bresciani, John Findura and Jason Mancinelli are returning members from the previous council. The remaining six – Masters, Stadnichuk, LeBlanc, Shaw, Zachidniak and Mohl – were sworn in as council members for the first time.
- Mayor – Sandra Masters
- Ward 1 – Cheryl Stadnichuk
- Ward 2 – Bob Hawkins
- Ward 3 – Andrew Stevens
- Ward 4 – Lori Bresciani
- Ward 5 – John Findura
- Ward 6 – Dan LeBlanc
- Ward 7 – Terina Shaw
- Ward 8 – Shanon Zachidniak
- Ward 9 – Jason Mancinelli
- Ward 10 – Landon Mohl
Councillors listen in as Masters delivers her first official speech as mayor on Monday, Nov. 23, 2020 at Henry Baker Hall in Regina. (Photo: Moises Canales/620 CKRM)
Masters delivered her first official speech as mayor after she was sworn in. In her speech, she noted the importance for council to work together in order to bring results for the city and its citizens.
“Really what needs to happen is 11 of us have to come together and discuss the ideas and priorities that each of us have, and somehow figure out where we agree and align to move those issues forward,” explained Masters on Monday night. “And when we don’t [agree], we have to open for respectful debate and try to convince each other of what we can move forward.”
The last couple weeks since they were elected have involved multiple meetings and learning what it takes to be a member of Regina city council. Masters said it has given them an opportunity to learn more about each other and to grasp the ins and outs of municipal politics.
“I called it council school last week. We had many hours where administration did an amazing job in terms of putting together information and presentations and going through what each department does, how they are here to help us,” she shared.
“We had to spend some time getting to know each other, finding out what we want to bring to the table to move ahead. It was great.”
Masters said she and her fellow council members are ready for their first regular meeting. She mentioned how they have striking committees this week and next, which include pre-established committees that council sits on and advisory committees to move some of their initiatives forward.
In terms of Masters’ plan for 15 per cent efficiencies at city hall, which was part of her election platform, she said there are meetings later this week and early next week to start developing terms of reference or an advisory panel for that committee.
“We will then begin introducing council to the idea of how it might be structured and where we can expect to take it in the next six weeks,” added Masters.
Their first meeting is on December 2 at 1:30 p.m. at city hall.
