Disagreement over Meewasin Valley Authority program cuts led to firing of CEO Lloyd Isaak
'This is a period of deep reflection for Meewasin,' says new acting chair
Meewasin Valley Authority CEO Lloyd Isaak didn't see eye-to-eye with the rest of the MVA board on how to absorb the steep funding cuts imposed by the Saskatchewan government — a disagreement that partly led to Isaak's firing, says the board's new acting chair.
The province has reduced the authority's funding by $443,000 — to roughly half of what it received before — prompting the authority to announce an initial series of cuts to its programs.
And more program cuts are being eyed, says Colin Tennent, the board's new acting chair.
"This is a period of deep reflection for Meewasin," said Tennent in explaining why Isaak was dismissed. "It comes down to perspective and the approach to this period of reflection.
"I expect each of the board members would join me in applauding Lloyd's skills, the way he approaches every issue ethically. He's a very committed man. It's a matter, though, that he has a strong vision or expectation where he thinks Meewasin needed to go, and there were just some differences."
The break was announced by the authority's board of directors in a news release issued Friday afternoon and is slated to take effect on Monday.
'Cathedral that runs through the city'
Isaak, who has not signed a non-disclosure statement, could be not be reached for comment.
In a statement issued Friday afternoon, Isaak said it had been an honour and privilege to serve the MVA over 17 years.
"In the words of Raymond Moriyama, the Meewasin Valley is the cathedral that runs through the City of Saskatoon," he said.
"I wish to express my gratitude to the staff, volunteers and donors devoted to keeping Meewasin vital. I am confident that this community will remain resolved in ensuring this living conservatory endures."
An interim CEO will be announced in the coming days. Then the board will begin looking for a permanent replacement.
Tennent would not specify what additional cuts the authority is contemplating, saying the board expects to announce the results of a program review "by the summer."
Additional layoffs are a "potential" option, he said.
"On the other hand, we're looking or the most creative solutions we can come up with that may in fact — through exercises such as development of social enterprise ventures, potential increase in fee-for-service work that Meewasin undertakes — assist us in maintaining a balance."
New board chair in place
Isaak's departure wasn't the only one announced Friday by the authority.
Tennent replaces Toddi Steelman, whose departure as board chair was telegraphed more than a week ago, says Tennent.
She is moving back to her home in the United States, says Tennent.
