Are you a member of a municipal council or perhaps an administrator or manager who works for a municipality? Do you strive to provide public programs and services that make your community and province a better place? Are there times when you struggle with how to get it all done and how to make the best use of everyone’s time and talents? If so, the GEMS Program can give you the insights, knowledge and understanding to govern your municipality, or provide support and advice to your elected, with confidence.

Program Overview

The GEMS program is delivered fully online, at your own speed. There are 10 modules covering the following topics:

  1. Municipal Governance in Saskatchewan
  2. The Council’s Role: Setting Direction
  3. The Council’s Role: Monitoring & Reporting
  4. Financial Stewardship Deeper Dive
  5. Future Focus & Infrastructure Stewardship
  6. Risk Management & Mitigation
  7. Conflict of Interest & Liability
  8. Corporate Culture & the Power of Teams
  9. Council Effectiveness
  10. GEMS Recap

Each module includes critical information shared in an engaging way, such as animations, interviews, exercises, padlets, and infographics. Join us to become a certified Municipal Sector Governor and earn the Municipal Sector Governance designation (MSGov) upon successful completion of the GEMS course and exam!

Quick Facts

Looking for answers to some of your key questions? We have you covered.

Program Type Flexible, on-demand module-based program
(No exam to complete unless you choose the option to obtain the MSGov designation)
Program Length Approximately 40 hours over a 4-month period
Start Date No standard start date. Program activated upon registration.
Registration Deadline No registration deadline. Register when you’re ready to begin!
Program Cost $1000 per person (plus $200 to complete the exam, if you choose)
Location Online, at your own pace right from your own tablet or laptop.
Designation on completion MSGov (only if you choose to successfully complete a final exam, which is optional)

Core Learning Outcomes

By the end of the program, you will be well equipped to:

  • Understand municipal sector governance and its important nuances
  • Understand roles and responsibilities of the Council within the areas of Setting Direction and Monitoring & Reporting
  • Ask important questions and gain the necessary understanding to provide oversight of financial, infrastructure, and human resources stewardship, including the duty of care and fiduciary duty of Council members
  • Deal with issues of risk and mitigation at the Council level
  • Feel confident on legislative matters and issues of liability and conflict of interest
  • Make informed decisions, establish a positive culture, and mitigate biases

Program Facilitators

The Municipal Sector Governance Program is being facilitated by:

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Funding availability

The Targeted Sector Support (TSS) Program can help with the costs associated with your council taking the GEMS course. TSS covers up to 75% of approved project costs and we highly recommend you check this out if you are thinking about enrolling.

More information is available here.

Contact Us

For more information on the Governance Essentials for the Municipal Sector (GEMS) Program, please contact jsgs.ee@uregina.ca.