After having won by acclamation, RM of Portage la Prairie Reeve Kam Blight is now also the President of the Association of Manitoba Municipalities. The position was made official on Monday at the AMM fully-virtual annual convention with close to 700 delegates registered.

Blight says the convention was amazing.

"Everything went very well and we were very fortunate that our amazing staff did such a wonderful job preparing this meeting, and we worked together with Data On The Spot, or DOTS, to put on the convention," says Blight. "The 100 per cent virtual convention featured Premier Pallister speaking on behalf of the provincial government, and Mr. Vandal speaking on behalf of the federal government, of which we're very grateful and appreciative. We also had the Provincial Cabinet participating in the ministerial forum, which is co-chaired by Minister Squires which went very, very well. And once again, we are still very appreciative for the provincial government's cooperation and attendance in our convention. They've been exceptional in that sense for the past few years. And also, we had our elections which went very, very well."

He notes he was not leading the convention as president, explaining he was declared president at about 11:00 a.m.

"Outgoing President Ralph Groening ran the meeting and did a phenomenal job," explains Blight. "He's been absolutely excellent to work with and under, through these past two years for me. And I've been very fortunate to have worked alongside him and wish him all the best. It is pretty exciting now that I'm officially president and, you know, I'm very grateful and humbled that my fellow municipal leaders have entrusted me with leading our strong united association. So it's very exciting."

Blight says they were to continue with meetings beginning Tuesday with several virtual versions that he would lead in his new role.

"And then we have the AMM board meeting at the beginning of December," notes Blight. "So, basically, we're hitting the ground running, and it's going to be a very busy couple weeks here right off the bat."

He stresses it's important to acknowledge that Reeve Brad Saluk from the RM of Brokenhead and Mayor Chris Ewen from the RM of Ritchot were elected as vice presidents.

"So, I'm very excited to work with them as part of our executive team," adds Blight. "And I think it's also important to note that, basically, our advocacy efforts will be focused largely on COVID-19 assistance and supporting our members in regards to their concerns of Bill 37. So, I'm really hoping that all orders of government continue to work together during these challenging times."

Blight explains there were seven individuals running for the vice presidency, making it a very exciting election.

"In fact, there was a tie at one point," continues Blight. "So, there had to be another vote for the second position of vice president. So, it was excellent and it's so great to see so many people put their names forward and let their names stand. It was a great election and I'm very excited to work with our new executive team."

Describing the completely virtual version of the convention, Blight notes it certainly wasn't as easy as an in-person event.

"It definitely worked well, and that's in thanks, largely in part, to the great work that our staff did behind the scenes," says Blight. "They were very prepared and everything all set up for us. Everyone did a phenomenal job in that sense. But nothing, and I mean nothing, beats meeting face-to-face and having that meeting in person. So, we really do miss that in-person interaction and hopefully, we get that soon. But right now, like everyone else is, we're making the best of what we have. And I think, as you know, as far as all things concerned, though, that the day went as good as can be expected."