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March 2026
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| | In this edition of the Rural Sheaf... | |
- Advocacy
- SARM Resolution Response
- Strategic Communications
- 2025 Annual Report
- 2026 SARM Annual Convention & Trade Show Wrap
- Saskatchewan Municipal Awards - 2025 Winners
- Lieutenant Governor's Award - 2026 Recipient
- Agricultural Health & Safety Network - Scholarships & Awards
- 2027 Lieutenant Governor's Award Nominations
- 2026 Midterm & 2027 Annual Convention Accommodations
- SARM Online Calendar - April 2026
- #RuralMatters
- SARM responds to 2026 provincial budget: focus on agriculture, infrastructure, health care, policing, and revenue sharing
- SARM’s 121st Annual Convention & Trade Show Begins Next Week at REAL District
- SARM Calls for Stronger Provincial and Federal Support to Meet Emergency Response and Rural Safety Needs
- Federal and Provincial Governments Invest $262.5 Million to Strengthen Prairie Trade Through Port of Churchill
- Risk Management
- Saskatchewan Blue Cross EFAP Coverage for SARM Members
- Programs
- Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership
- New Headversity Courses Available
- MLDP Winter 2026 Modules - Registration Now Open!
- Member Purchasing
- Supplier Highlight: Auto Parts Program
- Traffic Partner Program 2026 - ATS Traffic
- Community Planning
- Finance & Administration
- SARM Classifieds
- Member Services
- Introduction to SARM's HR Service
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- Workshops on Zoning and Building Requirements
- Targeted Sector Support (TSS) Initiative
- Municipalities Today - March 2026
- Announcements
- Saskatchewan Welcomes Pest Management Regulatory Agency Approval of Emergency Strychnine Use
- Protect Our Elms: Don't Prune from April 1 to August 31
- New High School Course Supports Students Interested in Health Care Careers
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- Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers - 2026 Partners Newsletter
- SWF Offers Support to Landowners Facing Gopher Overpopulation
- Recruiting Participants for Research on Digital Agriculture
- Innovate Rural - Canada's Rural Innovation Festival and Forum
- 2026 Dig Safe Awareness Breakfasts
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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 the Saskatchewan Minister of Environment pertaining to a resolution passed at the 2025 SARM Midterm 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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2025 Annual Report
The 2025 SARM Annual Report and financial statements are now available to view and download on the SARM website.
Click the link below to access the documents online.
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That's a Wrap on the 2026 SARM Annual Convention & Trade Show
If you missed anything during the convention, you can review all three days using the provided links or visit SARM's YouTube channel. Please also take a moment to complete our feedback survey, sent to RM administrators on March 23rd, by April 16, 2026.
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SARM Annual Convention on YouTube
Live Stream Links:
| | | Enjoy some of the candid photos from this year's convention and trade show below. | | |
Saskatchewan Municipal Awards
2025 Winners
Congratulations to the winners of the 19th annual Saskatchewan Municipal Awards! Rural winners were presented with their awards at the 2026 SARM Annual Convention. Urban winners will receive their awards at the upcoming 2026 SUMA Convention in April. See the list of winning initiatives below.
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Co-op Centre: Meadow Lake Recreation Centre
City of Meadow Lake
| | | Top Rural Municipal Initiative | | |
Moosomin Municipal Airport Project
RM of Moosomin No. 121
| | | Top Urban Municipal Initiative | | |
Youth Council
City of Melville and City of Weyburn
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RM of Wheatlands No. 163 Satellite Fire Hall
RMs of Caron No. 162 and Wheatlands No. 163, Villages of Caronport and Mortlach, and the Hamlet of Caron
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Lieutenant Governor's Award
2026 Recipient
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Congratulations to Douglas Panter
from the RM of Big River No. 555 on receiving the 2026 Lieutenant Governor's Award for Outstanding Service to Rural Saskatchewan.
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Agricultural Health and Safety Network
Scholarships & Awards
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Congratulations to the 2026 recipients of the SARM Student Scholarship!
2026 Recipients:
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Keith Daae
RM of Cambria No. 6
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Liam Reeve
RM of Big Quill No. 308
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Congratulations to the 2026 recipients of the Ike Thiessen: Building a Foundation Award!
2026 Recipients:
Sheri and Darin Pedersen
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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 opens on April 1st!
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
- Delta Hotels Saskatoon Downtown
- TownPlace Suites by Marriott Saskatoon
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Regina Hotel Blocks:
- Comfort Suites Regina
- Courtyard by Marriott
- DoubleTree by Hilton
- Home Inn & Suites Regina Airport
- The Atlas
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SARM Interactive Online Calendar - April 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
April 1:
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To forward Auditor’s Statement to SMHI
- To receive notification of proportioned assessment for separate and public school divisions
April 10:
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To remit taxes to SMHI, C&D, and regional parks
- To submit & return monthly EPT funds
April 15:
- To submit CRA source deductions
April 30:
- To apply for crop exemption with SMHI
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Meetings
- Committee Meetings: April 21
- Board Meeting: April 22-23
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
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During April & May council shall consider applications for withdrawal of lands as shown on lists supplied by SMHI
- To prepare and adopt yearly budgets as soon as practical (no prescribed date in MA)
Special Days
- Good Friday: April 3
- Easter Sunday: April 5
- SUMA Convention (Regina): April 12-15
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News Release:
SARM responds to 2026 provincial budget: focus on agriculture, infrastructure, health care, policing, and revenue sharing
March 19, 2026
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News Release:
SARM’s 121st Annual Convention & Trade Show Begins Next Week at REAL District
March 6, 2026
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News Release:
SARM Calls for Stronger Provincial and Federal Support to Meet Emergency Response and Rural Safety Needs
March 4, 2026
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| | | | SARM Vice President Darren Steinley provided testimony to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates regarding the impacts of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada closing research farms in Indian Head, Scott, and throughout Western Canada. | | As the final day comes to a close, that's a wrap on #SARMAnnual2026! SARM extends its gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of this year’s annual convention and trade show. | | | | | |
This week, SARM had the opportunity to meet with the Honourable Jeremy Cockrill, Government of Saskatchewan Minister of Health, to discuss health care, recruitment, staffing, training, and the needs of rural Saskatchewan.
| | SARM’s Risk Management Team is comprised of two distinct groups: Benefits & Insurance and Legal. These departments administer and facilitate various SARM and external partner insurance and benefit products, as well as provide legal solicitor services to member rural municipalities. | | |
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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 Programs Team engages with provincial and federal governments, industry leaders, and program partners, as well as other stakeholders, to effectively deliver SARM programs. | | |
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Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership
The new program year for the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) will begin on April 1, 2026. Program details and forms will be posted on the SARM website in the coming weeks.
| | 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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Auto Parts Program
You rely on your fleet to get you through some of your most demanding work. The Canoe Auto Parts Program ensures you can always get the components you need to keep your fleet in top shape with the most comprehensive parts catalogue in the industry.
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Traffic Partner Program 2026
ATS Traffic
ATS Traffic has been ensuring safer roads since 1966, and now we’ve used our vast experiences to develop the Traffic Partner Program. The Traffic Partner program enables ATS to take the customer experience to a far greater level. Through Consultation, Education, Collaboration, and Communication, we can ensure a safer experience for all of our visitors in motion.
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As a member of the Traffic Partner Program, we will work together to ensure the safety and success of all of your projects.
FEATURES AND BENEFITS OF BEING AN ATS TRAFFIC PARTNER
- Access to 15,000+ Rental and Sale Products
- Custom Designed Traffic Management Plans
- ATS Traffic has been a Trusted Leader in Traffic Safety for over 58+ years
- Two locations to serve you in SK: 806C 43 Street E, Saskatoon and 410A Henderson Drive, Regina.
- Online Store with extensive customer support, custom digital store front and more!
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| 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 Eyebrow No. 193, Administrator, Mar 31 - Close
RM of Redburn No. 130, Administrator, Apr 2 - Close
RM of Spy Hill No. 152, Grader/Equipment Operator, Apr 3 - Close
RM of Senlac No. 411, Equipment Operator/Labourer, Apr 7 - Close
RM of Fish Creek No. 402, Equipment Operator, Apr 10 - Close
RM of Bengough No. 40, Seasonal Patrol Operator, Apr 10 - Close
RM of Blaine Lake No. 434, Seasonal Maintenance/Equipment Operator, Apr 13 - Close
RM of Elmsthorpe No. 100, Operator, Apr 23 - Close
RM of Laird No. 404, Assistant Administrator, Apr 24 - Close
RM of Marquis No. 191 & Village of Marquis, Administrator, Apr 26 - Close
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Looking to Buy/Sell:
RM of Winslow No. 319, 2021 Schulte Mower & 2022 Schulte Mower Flex Arm, Apr 7 - Close
RM of Blucher No. 343, 2008 Muvall Triaxle, Apr 9 - 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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| SARM’s Member Services Team is dedicated to providing valuable services that meet the specific needs of SARM's member rural municipalities. | | |
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Introduction to SARM’s HR Service
SARM now offers Human Resources consulting services to members across Saskatchewan. We understand that this is a need for many RMs and we are excited to offer advice and support on a wide range of HR issues. RM’s can access services including advice on people issues, hiring, terminations, performance management, compensation, recruitment, retention, change management, conflict resolution, training and many other HR related issues.
Our new HR service is being offered through our partner Knibbs HR Consulting. Knibbs HR is a Métis-owned Saskatchewan firm that has been supporting organizations since 2002 with practical, people-first HR solutions rooted in respect, clarity, and partnership. Their work helps organizations bring strategy, culture, and people systems into alignment while strengthening the internal confidence and capability of leaders and teams. Known for their objectivity, compassion, and actionability, Knibbs HR explains the “why,” shares knowledge generously, and leaves workplaces more equipped than when they arrived. Whether developing HR tools, guiding difficult conversations, shaping culture, or coaching leaders through change, they remain grounded in practical professionalism. Learn more at www.knibbs.ca.
This HR Service principally provides rural municipalities with advice on people issues. Our HR Service also works in collaboration with our Legal Services team, or your usual legal counsel to provide holistic advice and opinions when employment matters necessitate.
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Fee: $230 per hour for HR Consulting
$95 per hour for Administrative and Support Services
How to Access Services:
If you have a human resources inquiry or require HR services you can contact: hr@sarm.ca.
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Workshops on Zoning and Building Requirements
Ministry of Government Relations
The Ministry of Government Relations’ Community Planning and Building and Technical Standards branches will be delivering a series of joint workshops across Saskatchewan in late April/early May 2026. These sessions will focus on why the zoning and building bylaws matter rather than how they are approved and highlight key responsibilities of local authorities. Workshops are open to anyone interested including elected officials, administrators and community members and run from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with a one-hour lunch break. Coffee and tea are provided; please bring your own lunch.
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Workshops will be held in:
- Weyburn
- Melville
- Humboldt
- Swift Current
- Kindersley
- North Battleford
To register for a presentation, attendees are encouraged to use our online registration form and select the one nearest to their location. An agenda and information package will be emailed to all registered attendees.
For more information, please contact Building and Technical Standards at 306.787.4113 or btstandards@gov.sk.ca.
| | | | 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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Highlighted events include both SARM and SUMA Conventions, WHL hockey games, AG in Motion, Parkland Outdoor Show and Expo, Pow Wows at 3 First Nations, Cram the Cruiser night in in both Saskatoon and Yorkton, and Community, Municipal, and First Nations presentations to share the benefits of the program and what can be done to promote safety in the community.
The program continues to have a successful social media presence with unsolved crimes posted to our website and a following of over 58,000 to the program’s Facebook page with a solve rate of approximately half of all crimes that are posted to the page.
Program Results
| | Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers acknowledges the tremendous financial support from all sponsors and asks all rural and urban municipalities to consider a $200 donation to the program in their annual budget. | | |
Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation Offers Support to Landowners Facing Gopher Overpopulation
With escalating gopher populations causing increasing concern for landowners across Saskatchewan, the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation (SWF), with the support of the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM), is stepping up to offer practical assistance.
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Gophers are a significant cause of crop loss and land degradation, impacting the livelihood of Saskatchewan producers and landowners. In response, the SWF is connecting landowners with trusted SWF members who are ready to assist in controlling gopher numbers in a responsible and ethical manner.
Landowners experiencing challenges with gophers are encouraged to contact the SWF Office at 306-692-8812. The SWF will then work to identify available SWF members in that area to coordinate arrangements directly with the landowner.
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Recruiting Participants for Research on Digital Agriculture
Calling grain / oilseed / fruit / vegetable farmers in Saskatchewan! A research team at the University of Regina is looking into how new digital technologies are changing the nature of farming in Saskatchewan. They would love to speak with you and are offering a $25 honorarium for your participation. To learn more or to participate in the study, email apoirier@uregina.ca.
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Innovate Rural - Canada's Rural Innovation Festival and Forum
Rural Canada isn’t waiting to be included in the future—it’s already building it.
Innovate Rural – Canada’s Rural Innovation Festival and Forum is where rural regions prove, in real time, how innovation, workforce development, culture, and economic growth actually get delivered—outside major cities and without theory-only talk.
This is not a conference about rural issues. It’s a working rural innovation festival designed around execution, coordination, and outcomes.
Over two days, Innovate Rural brings together industry leaders, researchers, Indigenous partners, artists, educators, policymakers, and practitioners to showcase how rural Canada drives productivity, builds talent, and strengthens national competitiveness—grounded in place and focused on what works.
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SARM Members who attend will receive a 30% discount on their ticket fees. Use promocode RIFFSARM at checkout. To learn more about the event and to purchase your ticket, visit the link below. | | | | |
2026 Dig Safe Awareness Breakfasts
You are invited to REGISTER for a Dig Safe Awareness Breakfast coming to a community near you this April.
For 2026, there are various event host locations for you to choose from:
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These FREE Breakfasts are sponsored by over 20 industry members in partnership with the Saskatchewan Common Ground Alliance (SCGA). For those attending in Lloydminster, The SCGA is jointly hosting with Utility Safety Partners.
The SCGA has tailormade these events to the following:
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- excavators
- contractors
- landowners
- farmers
- oil and gas, water and sewer, telecom and trenchless industries
- municipal and public works departments
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- One Call Center members/owners and operators
- utility locate service providers
- utility locate administrators
- engineers
- insurance claims and risk management operators
| | Local fire and police departments, volunteer fire fighters, EMS personnel, safety officers, and urban or rural councillors are encouraged to attend. | | SARM is now on Bluesky! Follow us here: @sarm.ca | | | | |
