Mayor Sandy Bowman is out with a statement on the proposed alternative delivery options being explored by the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB) administration and council.

Bowman says he has had many conversations regarding the proposal to outsource some municipal services.

“Over the last several days, I’ve had the opportunity to have many conversations regarding the recent announcement that the Administration is exploring different ways of delivering some public services at the Municipality,” said Mayor Bowman in an official statement.

“I am deeply appreciative of the perspectives and viewpoints that have been shared with me.”

Mayor Bowman notes that the Municipality is faced with very real fiscal challenges, including declining tax revenues and the rising cost of doing business.

“As work is done to chart a path to better sustainability and responsibility, it is also my hope that current service levels to the community are upheld – or improved – and that all efforts are made to minimize impacts to current staff at the Municipality,” added Mayor Bowman.

Nevertheless yesterday, members of the Canadian Union of Public Employees and their allies gathered in front of Jubilee Centre ahead of the biweekly municipal council meeting. The rally was held to protest the 460 job cuts that CUPE Local 1505 says the RMWB is considering.

“The impact to our members and families is absolutely catastrophic,” said Stephanie Lustig, CUPE National Representative for Fort McMurray. Lustig said, “Time