The president of the Association of Manitoba Municipalities (AMM) has stepped down from the position he held since November of 2020.
Kam Blight served as the reeve of Portage la Prairie since 2010, and served on the executive of the AMM board as vice president from 2018 to 2020 and as president since 2020 His resignation was announced in a release issued by the AMM on October 11, 2024.
“Throughout his tenure, President Blight has been a champion for all local governments while playing a significant role in bringing priorities forward to provincial and national tables,” stated AMM Executive Director Denys Volkov in the release.
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On the same day, Blight also resigned from his position as Reeve of the RM of Portage la Prairie. Local media in Portage la Prairie was reporting that Blight wanted to focus on his health and spend more time with his family. The municipality has said a byelection will be called at a future date to elect a new Reeve.
“I am incredibly honoured to have worked alongside municipal leaders across Manitoba and Canada as well as our dedicated staff committed to the advancement of municipal interests in Manitoba,” Blight said in the AMM release. “I am confident that the AMM is well-positioned for future success, and the next president will continue to grow our association.”
Kathy Valentino, who was serving as vice president of the AMM, has stepped in to replace Blight as the interim president of the organization until a new president is voted in.
“It is an absolute privilege to step into this role and help build on the incredible work Kam has done for Manitoba’s 137 municipalities,” said Valentino. “Together with our Board of Directors and staff, we will continue to advocate for the priorities of all municipalities at both provincial and federal levels.”
Elections at the AMM’s Fall Convention in Winnipeg on November 27 will determine who the next president will be. Vice President Brad Saluk will remain in his respective position, while Valentino’s Vice President position will remain vacant until the Fall Convention.
