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May 2026
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| | In this edition of the Rural Sheaf... | |
- Advocacy
- SARM Resolution Response
- Strategic Communications
- Webinar: Return to Work After Medical and Other Leaves - Practical Guidance for RMs
- 2026 SARM June Division Meetings
- 2027 Lieutenant Governor's Award Nominations
- 2026 Midterm & 2027 Annual Convention Accommodations
- SARM Online Calendar - June 2026
- #RuralMatters
- SARM Urges Public to Prioritize Flood Safety as 15 States of Emergency Actives Across Saskatchewan
- Insurance & Benefits
- Saskatchewan Blue Cross EFAP Coverage for SARM Members
- Legal Services
- Programs
- New Headversity Courses Available
- Member Purchasing
- Supplier Highlight: Adventure Printing
- Community Planning
- Finance & Administration
- SARM Classifieds
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- Emergency Declarations
- Flood Recovery Information for Municipalities
- Province Seeks Opinions on Social Media Limits for Youth
- Strychnine Training Now Available
- Targeted Sector Support (TSS) Initiative
- Municipalities Today - May 2026
- Announcements
- Innovation Saskatchewan Invests Nearly $150,000 to Expand Rural Tech Opportunities
- Celebrate Saskatchewan Tourism Week May 25 to 29
- Crop Report for the Period May 11 to 18, 2026
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- Communities Across Saskatchewan Invited to Support Youth Safety Education Day
- Funding Now Available: GMF's Accelerating Circularity in Construction Materials
- Nominate Your Project for an FCM Sustainable Communities Award
- The Cost of Waiting: Kochia and Herbicide Resistance in Your RM
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SARM’s Advocacy Team, at the direction of the SARM Board of Directors, meets and speaks with members and outside agencies on issues important to RMs, including bringing concerns forth at the provincial and federal levels.
SARM, through its Act of Incorporation, is mandated to work on files of importance to rural municipalities (RM) and agriculture producers.
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SARM Resolution Response
SARM has received a response from Transport Canada pertaining to a resolution passed at the 2026 SARM Annual Convention. Click the link below to review the response.
| | SARM’s Strategic Communications Team leads the initiatives, events, and public-facing components of the work we do for RMs. Strategic Communications is responsible for our conventions, the Rural Dart, Rural Sheaf, Rural Councillor, webinars, and many other events and initiatives. | | |
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Webinar: Return to Work After Medical and Other Leaves - Practical Guidance for RMs
Join SARM and Knibbs HR Consulting for an information session on managing the employee return-to-work process.
RM administrators often manage employee leaves and returns to work with limited time, small teams, and real operational pressures. This practical webinar will provide a clear, plain-language framework for supporting employees returning after medical or other leaves while managing privacy, safety, accommodation, documentation, and workplace expectations. Participants will leave with practical steps they can use to support a safe and respectful return-to-work process.
Date: June 24, 2026
Time: 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Speaker: Stephen Eger – Managing Partner, Knibbs HR Consulting
| | The 2026 SARM June Division Meetings will be held during the third week of June (15-18). Further details are listed below for each meeting. Registration for these meetings is not required. | | |
June Division 1 Meeting
Date: June 18, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Location: Kipling Town Hall, 301 6th Ave, Kipling, SK
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June Division 4 Meeting
Date: June 17, 2026
Time: 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Location: Wadena Community Legion Hall, 254 Main St N, Wadena, SK
*Please note meeting will start at 1:00 p.m. and lunch will not be offered.
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June Division 2 Meeting
Date: June 15, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Location: Temple Gardens Centre, 110 1st Ave NW, Moose Jaw, SK
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June Division 5 Meeting
Date: June 16, 2026
Time: 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Location: Affinity Community Hall, 120 Railway St, Langham, SK
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June Division 3 Meeting
Date: June 15, 2026
Time: 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Location: InnovationPlex, 2001 Chaplin St E, Swift Current, SK
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June Division 6 Meeting
Date: June 16, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Location: Dekker Centre, 623 Carlton Trail, North Battleford, SK
| | | Draft meeting agendas can be found on the SARM website through the link below. Please note these agendas are subject to change. | | | |
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Lieutenant Governor's Award for
Outstanding Service to Rural Saskatchewan
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Do you know a reeve, councillor, or administrator with an inspiring story?
Nominations for the Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Outstanding Service to Rural Saskatchewan are now open!
The 2027 nomination period runs until December 31, 2026.
To submit a nomination or request a nomination form, please contact:
Kathleen Israel,
Selection Committee Secretary
executivecoordinator@sarm.ca or 306.761.3731
2301 Windsor Park Road,
Regina, Saskatchewan S4V 3A4
To learn more about this award and how to submit a nomination, refer to the LGA Guidelines Document linked below or visit the SARM website.
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2026 Midterm & 2027 Annual Convention Accommodations
Be sure to book your hotel stays in advance to take advantage of the hotel blocks that have been set aside for delegates during SARM's annual and midterm conventions. Hotel blocks are limited, so once they have been filled there is no guaranteed space/pricing.
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Saskatoon Hotel Blocks:
- Best Western Plus East Side
- Best Western Airport
- Delta Bassborough (only available for 2027 annual - under construction for 2026 midterm)
- Delta Hotels Saskatoon Downtown
- TownPlace Suites by Marriott Saskatoon
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SARM Interactive Online Calendar - June 2026
View the SARM Interactive Online Calendar to access the full year on the SARM website. This version is updated regularly as new dates of interest and deadlines are identified and should be viewed as the most current.
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Deadlines
June 10:
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To remit taxes to SMHI, C&D, and regional parks
- To submit & return monthly EPT funds
June 15:
- To file Crop Report & Increased Indemnity Application with SMHI
- To submit CRA source deductions
- To prepare RM financial statement (previous financial year)
June 30
- For new applicants to apply for coverage with SMHI
- To submit Hail roll to SMHI
- For waterworks owners to provide annual notice to consumers and the minister (WSA or MoE, depending on whom they are regulated by) for compliance and quality per Section 42 of The Waterworks and Sewage Works Regulations.
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Meetings
- Committee Meetings: June 22
- Board Meeting: June 23-24
Monthly Reminder(s)
- MEPP employee and employer contributions through PLANet, as well as submitting payment is due within 15 days from the end of the pay period
Special Days
- FCM Conference - Edmonton: June 4-7
- SARM June Division 2 Meeting - Moose Jaw: June 15 (AM)
- SARM June Division 3 Meeting - Swift Current: June 15 (PM)
- SARM June Division 6 Meeting - North Battleford: June 16 (AM)
- SARM June Division 5 Meeting - Langham: June 16 (PM)
- SARM June Division 4 Meeting - Wadena: June 17
- SARM June Division 1 Meeting - Kipling: June 18
- Father's Day: June 21
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News Release:
SARM Urges Public to Prioritize Flood Safety as 15 States of Emergency Active Across Saskatchewan
May 6, 2026
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SARM’s Insurance & Benefits Team administers and
facilitates various SARM and external partner insurance and
benefit products, including SARM’s fidelity bond, liability, and
property insurance plans, the SARM Benefits Plan, and external
group benefits plans.
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Saskatchewan Blue Cross EFAP Coverage for SARM Members
The Saskatchewan Blue Cross group benefits plan for SARM members includes enhanced support through Homewood Health and Cleveland Clinic Canada, giving you and your family access to tailored, on-demand support for your mental and physical health.
Homewood Health’s EFAP program connects you to confidential, professional mental health and wellness services. Whether it’s counselling for anxiety, stress, or grief or coaching for work-life balance, parenting, or financial planning, Homewood is here to help. Their Enhanced Mental Health Care program even offers longer-term support for more complex needs, including up to 20 specialized counselling sessions. Register at homeweb.ca to access these resources today.
Cleveland Clinic Canada’s Express Care Online (ECO) service offers on-demand virtual medical consultations for your physical health. Available 24/7 across Canada, ECO lets you connect with a nurse practitioner for diagnoses, prescriptions, specialist referrals, and more—all from the comfort of your home. Simply download the Cleveland Clinic Express Care Online app to get started!
For more information, click the links below.
| | SARM’s Legal Services Team principally represents rural municipalities in legal proceedings where a SARM insurance plan (e.g. Liability Self-Insurance Plan) provides coverage. The team also provides in-house legal services to SARM’s other departments and Board of Directors. In addition, the team provides legal services to individual RMs, which can include researching legal issues, drafting opinions, and drafting agreements, on a fee-for-service basis and as time permits. | | |
| SARM’s Programs Team engages with provincial and federal governments, industry leaders, and program partners, as well as other stakeholders, to effectively deliver SARM programs. | | |
| New Headversity Courses Available | | | Respect in the Workplace CERT is a quick, interactive training program to help you navigate challenges and create a culture you love. You'll gain practical skills to recognize, prevent, and respond to harmful behaviours like bullying, abuse, harassment, and discrimination - all while strengthening connections within your team. | | | Mental Health Foundations CERT provides the essential knowledge and strategies you need to manage stress, prevent burnout, and foster resilience in the workplace. The program will equip you with actionable tools to maintain your energy, purpose, and wellbeing - so you can show up as your best self personally and professionally! | | | |
Each course is only 40 minutes in length and will be followed up with mini lessons to reinforce the learning you’ve gained.
There is a new cost associated with the course registration. Pricing will be $15 per person for the first course taken and $7.50 per person for the second course taken.
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To get started:
- Scan the QR code found on the one-pager to access on the web or mobile app. Or use the following link: apps.headversity.com/login
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Register with your e-mail address and invite code SARMCERT
- Both courses will be available once registered.
| | | SARM's Member Purchasing Team provides group purchasing and procurement advising services to save member municipalities money and time through the buying and procuring processes with the goal of being the first stop for all municipalities’ purchasing and procurement needs. | | |
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Adventure Printing
Adventure Printing, a local printing company based in Regina, continues to serve as an approved supplier for SARM Member Purchasing Printing Services. SARM members can access exceptional pricing, a wide range of products and custom options, and the convenience of an online ordering portal through Adventure Printing. Visit SARM's website for more details.
| | | SARM’s Community Planning Team is driven by a proactive and collaborative approach with municipalities to support growth, certainty for investment and landowners, and the protection and promotion of what already exists in the community. | | |
| SARM’s Finance and Administration Team provides the budgeting, accounting, and reporting functions for SARM, the Insurance and Benefits Funds, all externally funded programs, and the Tax Loss Compensation Trust Funds administered by SARM. In addition, the team provides administrative assistance performing reception duties that include being the first point of contact for all guests and SARM members both in-person as well as virtually by phone and email. | | |
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SARM Classifieds
The following municipalities/towns/villages have requested the information below to be distributed and will be billed for using this service.
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Looking to Hire:
RM of Terrell No. 101, Administrative Assistant/Trainee, May 29 - Close
RM of Meadow Lake No. 588, Manager of Public Works, May 31 - Close
RM of Prince Albert No. 461, Grader Operator, June 1 - Close
RM of Colonsay No. 342, Patrol Operator, June 6 - Close
RM of Winslow No. 319, Foreman, June 8 - Close
RM of Corman Park No. 344, Economic Development Officer, June 11 - Close
RM of Biggar No. 347, Equipment Operator, June 21 - Close
RM of Meota No. 468, Grader Operator, June 21 - Close
RM of Meota No. 468, Mower Operator, June 21 - Close
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Looking to Buy/Sell:
RM of Perdue No. 346, 2012 Portable Water Pump, June 8 - Close
RM of Montrose No. 315, 2023 Grader Mount Mulcher, June 22 - Close
RM of Montrose No. 315, 1988 Freightliner Tandem Fire Truck, June 22 - Close
RM of Maple Creek No. 111, 2018 Wing Mounted Reclaimer, June 25 - Close
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Ad Submissions
Ad postings for the SARM Classifieds can be submitted
through our online submission forms. For questions, contact 306.757.3577 or sarm@sarm.ca.
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Emergency Declarations
If you are a community leader and your municipality is needing support, visit Requesting SPSA Assistance on sakspublicsafety.ca or contact your SPSA Emergency Services Officer (ESO). If you do not know the contact information for your ESO, contact the SPSA’s general inquiry line at 1.800.667.9660 (option 5, then option 1).
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Emergency Declaration and Provincial Disaster Assistance Program
The SPSA's website also contains information and templates for municipalities to use if they need to make an emergency declaration to exercise additional authorities to deal with an emergency or make a designation through the Provincial Disaster Assistance Program (PDAP) to receive financial support.
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Municipalities should encourage their residents to:
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Download the SaskAlert app which sends alerts about emergencies in real-time so they can keep themselves, their loved ones and their property safe.
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View current fire bans and restrictions in Saskatchewan using the SPSA interactive fire ban map.
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Prepare for an emergency in case they need to take care of themselves and their family.
For more information, visit the SPSA website through the links below.
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Flood Recovery Information for Municipalities
In April, the Water Security Agency issued its annual spring run-off update. While most of the province could anticipate near to below normal runoff, above normal runoff was anticipated in the north and east-central Saskatchewan. Additional snow events and a rapid warm-up created high spring run-off and flooding conditions in several municipalities.
The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) has stood up a Recovery Task Team to support municipalities with recovery efforts following this year’s flooding. The general information listed and linked below is provided to assist municipalities.
If you are experiencing an active flooding emergency, contact SPSA.
Municipalities and First Nations that are responding to active flooding requiring SPSA personnel and emergency coordination for deployment of sandbags, pumps, or specialized equipment can complete the SPSA Request for Assistance Form. Submit it to your nearest Protection Office or through your local Emergency Services Officer (ESO). If you are unsure of which ESO to contact, call 1.800.667.9660 (option 5, then option 1).
| | | Flood Recovery Task Team – Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency | 1.800.667.9660 | | Provincial Disaster Assistance Program (PDAP) | 1.866.632.4033 | | Water Security Agency (WSA) | 1.866.727.5420 | | Ministry of Highways Customer Service Centre | 1.844.754.4929 | | Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation (SCIC) | 1.888.935.0000 | | Ministry of Agriculture Ag Knowledge Centre (Livestock) | 1.866.457.2377 | | Farm Stress Line | 1.800.667.4442 | | | |
Province Seeks Opinions on Social Media Limits for Youth
The Government of Saskatchewan is looking to hear directly from families in the province regarding placing limits on social media access for youth under the age of 16.
Government wants to hear directly from parents and residents what role government should play and how far it should go between an outright ban, some flexibility for parental consent or leave entirely to parents.
| | A postcard will be mailed to households across the province in the coming days that includes several questions on possible social media limits and an option for comments. The postcard includes prepaid postage for return mail by June 30, 2026. The results will be tabulated over the summer. | | | |
Strychnine Training Now Available
Producers in the 208 RMs eligible for Emergency Use of strychnine can register for online training through Saskatchewan’s Strychnine Stewardship Program.
The 90-minute course is mandatory to access two per cent liquid strychnine for targeted RGS control. Early completion of training is recommended to allow sufficient time for records to be shared with RM offices and for users to be registered when product becomes available.
Training can be accessed on the SARM website.
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While initial strychnine supplies will be limited this spring, those interested are encouraged to complete training ahead of the recommended late summer application window, July 15 to Sept. 1.
For more on the program, including a list of participating RMs and information on product distribution, see Saskatchewan.ca/RGS-Control.
| | | Targeted Sector Support Initiative | | |
The Targeted Sector Support (TSS) Initiative is a cost-shared grant program that uses a portion of Municipal Revenue Sharing ($1.5 million per fiscal year) to support projects that strengthen municipalities’ core operational capabilities through increased regional cooperation.
Projects under this program are intended to assist in supporting more efficient and effective municipal service delivery, and enhanced governance and administrative capacity in Saskatchewan. Partnering municipalities can apply for up to 75 per cent on eligible project costs to strengthen their core municipal responsibilities.
Applications are now being accepted at any time of the year and will be reviewed on a monthly basis.
The updated application guide can be found on the SARM website.
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Communities Across Saskatchewan Invited to Support Youth Safety
Education Day
For many young people in Saskatchewan, a first job starts close to home — at a local restaurant, rink, retail store, campground, golf course, farm, or community facility. These early experiences help shape a young person’s understanding of workplace safety for years to come.
Unfortunately, young workers are injured on the job every day in Saskatchewan. In fact, more than 3,200 youth each year — and, tragically, an average of two lives lost annually due to workplace incidents.
That’s why Service Hospitality is inviting municipalities across Saskatchewan to participate in Youth Safety Education Day (YSED) on September 10, 2026.
Youth Safety Education Day is a province-wide initiative focused on helping young people learn about workplace rights, responsibilities, and hazard recognition before entering the workforce. Through community partners, YSED encourages conversations about safety and helps equip youth with the knowledge and confidence to speak up and stay safe on the job.
This year also marks the 15th consecutive year the Government of Saskatchewan has officially proclaimed September 10 as Youth Safety Education Day!
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Participation is intentionally simple and flexible. It could include:
- Sharing a few pre-made social media posts
- Promoting the initiative to local employers or community spaces
- Encouraging local schools or youth programs to take part
- Recognizing the day through a proclamation or council mention
To make participation easy, YSED2026 partners receive an exclusive digital Youth Safety Toolkit, including ready-to-use graphics, posters, messaging, activity ideas, access to exciting contests, and recognition as a participating community in a province-wide initiative.
Our goal is to partner with 200 communities and organizations across Saskatchewan. We would love to see your community be part of the movement to help ensure every young worker comes home safe.
Learn more or sign up today!
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Funding Now Available: GMF’s Accelerating Circularity in Construction Materials
The Green Municipal Fund is now accepting applications for Accelerating Circularity in Construction Materials, a funding and a 2-year peer learning cohort opportunity to help Canadian municipalities reduce construction, renovation and demolition waste and advance circular solutions.
Eligible applicants can apply for up to $100,000 in grant funding, covering 50% to 80% of eligible costs, and up to 100% for Northern and eligible Indigenous first-time applicants. Applications are open until June 26, 2026.
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Nominate Your Project for an FCM Sustainable Communities Award
If your municipality has delivered a sustainability project that’s making a real difference, here’s your chance to share it. FCM’s Sustainable Communities Awards recognize proven solutions that other communities can learn from and replicate.
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Each winning project will receive one complimentary full pass to the FCM Sustainable Communities Conference 2027. There, winners will be invited to present their work in a TED Talk-style presentation—with expert coaching in public speaking.
All Canadian municipalities and their partners are eligible. Nominations close on June 28, 2026.
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The Cost of Waiting: Kochia and Herbicide Resistance in Your RM
Across Saskatchewan, herbicide-resistant kochia is showing up in the places rural municipalities manage every day, including roadsides, ditches, and other disturbed areas, and it’s bringing new challenges for vegetation control and long-term costs.
Kochia is highly mobile, spreading by seed movement and thriving in saline and disturbed soils common along municipal infrastructure. Increasingly, populations are resistant to multiple herbicide groups, including glyphosate. In some cases, it can take as little as five years to go from “we’ve got a few patches” to “our options aren’t working.”
For RMs, that means rising costs and fewer effective tools. More passes. More product. More time spent managing something that used to be straightforward.
The good news is that early action can make a real difference.
One practical option is converting unproductive or heavily infested acres from annual crop to perennial forage. Ducks Unlimited Canada’s Marginal Areas Program (MAP) helps producers do exactly that, targeting saline and weed-prone areas with coordinated seeding and access to incentives of nearly $400 per acre.
| | Photo Credit: Ducks Unlimited Canada | |
RMs have a role to play. Managing municipal land is one piece, but just as important is making sure ratepayers know there are tools available to deal with problem areas before they spread.
Kochia doesn’t recognize fence lines. Acting early on both municipal and private land can make the difference between managing it now and paying for it later.
To learn more about MAP, contact Ducks Unlimited Canada at 1.866.252.3825 or visit ag.ducks.ca.
| | | SARM is now on Bluesky! Follow us here: @sarm.ca | | | | |
