SARM and CAOEC Discuss Overweight Permitting Coordination

In June, SARM met with representatives from the Canadian Association of Energy Contractors (CAOEC) to discuss how Rural Municipalities (RMs) issue overweight permits to road users. The meeting focused on improving coordination and streamlining the permitting process across RMs, with the goal of reducing administrative challenges for industry while ensuring RMs are appropriately compensated and informed.

Saskatchewan Blue Cross System Upgrades

SARM wants to sincerely thank all of our members for your patience and understanding during the recent system upgrades implemented by our partner, Saskatchewan Blue Cross (SBC). We recognize that IT system upgrades can be complex, and while the launch of SBC’s new client portal did not go as smoothly as planned, please know that they are fully committed to resolving any issues and ensuring a seamless, positive experience for you moving forward.

As their client, we are working closely with our contacts at SBC to make sure that the service and user experience you receive meets the high standards you expect and deserve.

We would also like to extend special thanks to our Employee Benefits Administrator, Jodi Hughes. Throughout this transition, Jodi has taken on a great deal of additional work behind the scenes to adjust our systems in response to SBC’s changes. She has also been dedicated to assisting members with inquiries and troubleshooting since the new portal went live. We are grateful for her commitment and hard work during this time.

Thank you again for your continued patience and support. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Jodi Hughes, SARM Employee Benefits Administrator (jhughes@sarm.ca or 306.761.3727), or Colin Warnecke, SARM Manager of Risk Management (cwarnecke@sarm.ca or 306.761.3946).

Process Claims Faster with the Member Portal & Apps

Submit your claims the fast and easy way!

Ensure your health benefits are processed quickly and conveniently. Skip the paperwork and wait times. The quickest way to get your claim processed is to submit it online at portal.sk.bluecross.ca or using the SK Blue Cross App, available for iOS and Android.

Certain benefits are eligible for Real-Time Adjudication (RTA), which is the immediate processing and payment of an eligible claim. Benefits available for RTA include:

SEEDS for Elected Officials

New Training Program

Introducing SARM's newest training program: SEEDS for Elected Officials

SEEDS is basic training – training for elected officials, training that is easy and accessible.

What’s unique about this program? Each module requires only ten minutes of an elected official’s time. Ten minutes, and they become familiar with key tips on an important topic, helping them be more comfortable with and effective in their role.

2025-26 Rural Municipal Revenue Sharing

The 2025-26 Municipal Revenue Sharing (MRS) grant amounts are now available on the Government of Saskatchewan's website. To view a municipality’s grant amount, select the applicable municipality type, then select the municipality from the drop-down menu and then click Request New Data. 

The RMAA is Seeking Applicants for Executive Director Position

The Rural Municipal Administrator's Association (RMAA) is currently seeking applicants for the position of "Executive Director".

Reporting to the RMAA Board of Directors, key responsibilities of this part-time position include and are not limited to:

• Arrange and organize Executive meetings including venue and hotel bookings;
• Receiving and processing payables and receivables to/from the RMAA while maintaining accurate financial records in preparation for the annual audit;
• Advise and provide direction in relation to the RMAA Bylaws, Regulations and Policies to the Executive Board; Collect, organize and report Personal Development hours for Administrators;
• Execute the decisions of the Executive Board as required;
• Timely and accurate communication to the Executive, members and other key stakeholders;
• Accurately create and produce specific documents for distribution to RMAA members and Executive team including RMAA Review, Meeting Minutes, Convention agendas, and the SARM Rural Councillor publication;
• Correspond with the general public and third-party officials as required including SARM, SMHI, and Provincial and Federal Government agencies;
• Store, maintain and protect current and historical records of the RMAA, supplies, and all paper and electronic documents. 
• Liaise with key stakeholders including hotels, sponsors, guest speakers and members to ensure the annual convention details including the coordination of the Trade Show are executed to the highest standard;
• Provide verbal reports to the Executive team and at the annual Convention.

Preference may be given to applicants with a Rural 'Superior A" designation, or past experience with the RMAA Board.

This part-time position provides an initial compensation as set out by policy, and adjusted after 12 months.

Please submit your resume in confidence by August 1, 2025.

Evacuee Support

Ombudsman Saskatchewan

The Ombudsman Saskatchewan has compiled a list of resources for evacuees in your communities that will continue to be updated as conditions progress. Click the link below for the current list of resources for evacuees.

If you are an RM administrator and are unsure of an answer to a question from an evacuee, you can contact the Ombudsman Saskatchewan office for assistance in providing additional information. Contact Niki Smith at nsmith@ombudsman.sk.ca or 1.800.667.9787 with your questions.

If any evacuees have complaints about government services during the wildfires and evacuations or require additional support, they can contact the Ombudsman office with their questions and concerns.