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October 2026
Note: Some email platforms distort the Rural Sheaf (RS) formatting. The RS looks best when viewed as a webpage through your internet browser.
View as Webpage
| | In this edition of the Rural Sheaf... | |
- Advocacy
- Vehicle Weight and Dimension Regulations Survey
- SARM in Ottawa
- Strategic Communications
- 2026 SARM Midterm Convention Registration Now Open!
- Fraudulent Emails About SARM's Conventions & Trade Shows
- 2027 Lieutenant Governor's Award Nominations
- 2026 Midterm & 2027 Annual Convention Accommodations
- SARM Online Calendar - November 2026
- #RuralMatters
- SARM Brings Rural Saskatchewan's Priorities to Parliament Hill
- Insurance & Benefits
- Saskatchewan Blue Cross EFAP Coverage for SARM Members
- Legal Services
- Programs
- Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership
- Invasive Plant Control Program Claim Deadline
- Rat Control Program Claim Deadline
- Rural Integrated Roads for Growth
- Intake for 2026 RIRG Projects
- RIRG 2026 CTP Statutory Declaration Reminder
- SARM Learning
- New Headversity Courses Available
- Member Purchasing
- Supplier Highlight: Ecopest Pest Control
- Community Planning
- Finance & Administration
- SARM Classifieds
- Member Services
- HR Services for SARM Members
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- 2026 General Election Results Reporting Reminder
- The Saskatchewan Farm Security Act Public Consultation
- Evolving Wildlife Damage Claims to Meet Today's Farming Realities
- The Benefits of Pollinators to Agriculture
- Targeted Sector Support (TSS) Initiative - Now Reviewing Applications Monthly
- Municipalities Today - October 2026
- Announcements
- Reminder: Firearms Amnesty Extended Beyond October 30 Expiry Date
- Crop Report for the Period October 13-19, 2026
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- 2027 Saskatchewan Outstanding Young Farmers Nominations
- Nominations Now Open for Saskatchewan Municipal Awards!
- Have Your Say: National Study on AI in Small Municipalities
- Canadian Safety Train Express - Saskatchewan Insights
- 2026 RCMP Municipal Cost Distribution
- Saskatchewan Municipal Peer Network
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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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Vehicle Weight and Dimension Regulations Survey
SARM, Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI), and the Ministry of Highways are seeking input from rural municipalities to better understand their familiarity with The Vehicle Weight and Dimension Regulations, 2010 and their experience with the permitting process.
Through this survey, the working group aims to identify knowledge gaps, practical challenges, and opportunities to develop resources that support rural municipalities in administering overweight permits.
SARM encourages RM administrators, council members, and transportation service staff to participate. Your feedback will help ensure future guidance resources reflect the needs of rural municipalities.
Please complete the survey linked below by November 27, 2026.
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SARM in Ottawa
SARM travelled to Ottawa last week to meet with federal representatives to advocate for priority issues on behalf of rural Saskatchewan. Key meetings included the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations Rebecca Alty, Deputy Minister of Transport Canada Michael Vandergrift, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Lawrence Hanson, Secretaries of State Ruby Sahota and Buckley Belanger, and more.
The SARM team also had the opportunity to attend question period on Parliament Hill.
The following representatives from SARM's board and staff made the journey and attended 24 meetings in Ottawa on October 20-22:
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- President Bill Huber
- Vice President Darren Steinley
- Division 1 Director Bob Moulding
- Division 2 Director Cody Jordison
- Division 3 Director Shawn Kramer
- Division 5 Director Blair Cummins
- Division 6 Director Randy Aumack
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- Ex-Officio Director Sheila Keisig
- Executive Director Laurel Feltin
- Manager, Advocacy Alicia Bay
- Senior Advisor, Advocacy & Media Relations Ryan Bellamy
- Policy Analyst Kaylee Dodds
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SARM Priorities
Read the Fall 2026 priority information brochure that SARM took to Ottawa.
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Some of the representatives SARM met with while in Ottawa include the following:
- Dave Epp - Shadow Minister for Rural Development
- Frank Caputo - Shadow Minister for Public Safety
- Mike Kelloway - Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport Canada
- Jacques Ramsay - Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Safety Canada
- Senator David Arnot
- Senator Marty Klyne
- Senator Tracy Muggli
- Deputy Minister Michael Vandergrift - Transport Canada
- Secretary of State (Combatting Crime) Ruby Sahota
- Vice President of Government Affairs Gregory Kolz - CropLife Canada
- Deputy Minister Mollie Johnson - Environment and Climate Change Canada
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- Director General for AI Secretariat Katherine Burke - Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
- Assistant Deputy Minister Matt de Vlieger - Policy & Results Branch, Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada
- Secretary of State (Labour) John Zerucelli
- Minister Rebecca Alty - Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
- Secretary of State (Rural Development) Buckley Belanger
- Director General of Intergovernmental Affairs and Projects (IGAP) Danica Vaillancourt - Strategic Policy and Partnerships Sector (SPPS), Natural Resources Canada
- Senior Assistant Deputy Minister Michèle Kingsley - Crime Prevention, Public Safety Canada
- John Barlow - Shadow Minister for Agriculture and Agri-Food
- Pat Kelly - Shadow Minister for Prairie Economic Development & Economic Advisor to the Leader
- Deputy Minister Lawrence Hanson - Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
| | 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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2026 SARM Midterm Convention Registration Now Open!
Registration for the 2026 SARM Midterm Convention is open. The deadline to register and/or make any revisions to your registration is November 10, 2026. SARM members received an email on September 2 with instructions on how to register, as well as more information about the convention.
Please ensure that all members from your RM who wish to attend the convention are registered by the deadline.
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Name badges for RM councils and administrators have been mailed out, based on the SARM RM Directory. Any SARM members attending the convention must bring their badge to the venue; it will act as a ticket and will be scanned upon arrival.
If you have registered additional/new attendees, their name badges will be available onsite. In addition, if a name badge requires updating or correcting, it will be done onsite.
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Non-members can register to attend by visiting the SARM website.
Please contact convention@sarm.ca if you have any further questions about the convention.
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Fraudulent Emails About SARM's Conventions & Trade Shows
Leading up to SARM conventions and trade shows, beware of fraudulent email scams circulating about acquiring SARM convention visitor/attendee lists, coordinating hotel accommodations, or registering to attend the conventions or trade shows. SARM is not affiliated with the companies sending these emails and does not release convention attendee information to outside parties. To register for SARM conventions and trade shows or to book your accommodations, please use the direct links posted on our website or contact:
With data breaches and cyber attacks on the rise, we are reminding you to stay vigilant against phishing attempts.
Hackers use deceptive practices to trick people into sharing their data. The most common technique is email phishing. Hackers send messages that appear legitimate or look like they're from someone you trust so that you engage with the message or click on malicious attachments.
Here are some tips to keep in mind to avoid falling victim to these types of scams:
- Double-check that the sender's email address matches who they claim to be
- Don't click a link or download from someone you don't know, or weren't expecting
- Don't reply to a suspicious email or message from an email you don't recognize
- Inform your IT solutions partner or provider about any suspicious or potential attempts
If you receive an email from @b2battendees.com, @eventdatarxinc.com, @dataseccentric.com, @e1businessdata.services domains, or any other unknown email addresses, please disregard it, block it, and delete it.
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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
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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 Online Calendar - November 2026
View the SARM 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
November 10:
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To remit taxes to SMHI, C&D and regional parks
- To submit & return monthly EPT funds
November 15:
- To submit CRA source deductions
- To submit list of lands in arrears (previous year’s taxes) to reeve
November 30
- To file annual public disclosure statement declarations
- To advertise list of lands in arrears (previous year’s taxes)
- To notify of charges (noxious weeds) to owner or occupant of land
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Meetings
- Committee Meetings: November 12
- Board Meeting: November 17
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
- Remembrance Day: November 11
- SARM Midterm Convention: November 18-19
- Canadian Western Agribition: November 23-28
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News Release:
SARM Brings Rural Saskatchewan's Priorities to Parliament Hill
October 26, 2026
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SARM’s Board of Directors and Advocacy team were in Ottawa, meeting with federal representatives to advance the priorities of rural Saskatchewan.
From advocating for the needs of rural municipalities to strengthening relationships with federal decision-makers, these conversations are an important part of ensuring rural Saskatchewan’s voice is heard on Parliament Hill.
And you never know who you might run into while walking around Parliament Hill! The team had an unexpected opportunity to connect with Prime Minister Mark Carney for an impromptu conversation.
SARM remains committed to advocating for policies, programs, and investments that support strong, sustainable rural communities across Saskatchewan.
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The Hon. Warren Kaeding, Minister of Trade and Export Development, visited the SARM office for a discussion on trade and exports.
The conversation focused on Canada–U.S. relations, market access, agriculture, the cattle industry, fuel costs, and what it means for Saskatchewan producers and rural communities.
During Agriculture Week in Saskatchewan, we appreciate the opportunity to bring rural priorities to the table. Thank you to Minister Kaeding for his time and continued dialogue.
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SARM representatives were proud to join Team Saskatchewan in Ottawa in a joint effort to lobby for improved federal infrastructure investment programs. The delegation, which included key leaders in municipal government representing all areas of Saskatchewan, met with representatives from FCM and Build Canada Homes, as well as several federal leaders. SARM also had the honour of co-hosting a reception with SUMA.
Thank you to the Government of Saskatchewan and Minister Schmalz for assembling this delegation, and to Team Saskatchewan, who share SARM’s commitment to bringing more accessible infrastructure programs to our province.
We are proud to be the voice of rural Saskatchewan and look forward to continuing our advocacy work when the SARM Board of Directors returns to Ottawa in a few short weeks.
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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. | | |
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Invasive Plant Control Program
Claim Deadline
October 31, 2026
| | To learn more about the Invasive Plant Control Program, scan the QR code or visit the SARM website. | | | | |
Rat Control Program
Claim Deadline
December 31, 2026
| | To learn more about the Rat Control Program, scan the QR code or visit the SARM website. | | | | |
Intake for 2026 RIRG Projects
The RIRG program application intake for road, bridge, and large diameter culvert projects has now opened!
The deadline to apply is November 15, 2026.
Application Forms
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Application approvals are anticipated in January, following the intake, so that RMs can begin construction as soon as possible next year.
For more information, please visit the RIRG website, linked below, or email info@rirg.ca with any questions or concerns.
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RIRG 2026 Clearing the Path (CTP)
Statutory Declaration Reminder
RMs with a CTP Corridor
This is a reminder to submit your 2026-27 RIRG Clearing the Path Incremental Maintenance Statutory Declaration starting on October 1, 2026, using the online Statutory Declaration Form linked below.
This form requires completion annually to confirm that the Road Authority has maintained the Corridor(s) to a safe and suitable level as described in their CTP Incremental Maintenance Funding Agreement.
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SARM Learning
SARM is launching its new municipal education program this fall called SARM Learning. One of the main priorities for SARM Learning is orientation support for newly elected officials and we are introducing three new resources!
| | “What Are You Getting Into” | | A one-pager that outlines some key messages from SARM to potential candidates for municipal government. It is designed to be given with other information from the municipal office to those deciding whether or not to run for office. | | | “What Have You Gotten Into” | | This booklet is a tool for administrators to use with newly elected council members before their first meeting. | | | For more information about these resources, as well as other SARM Learning events and programs, please visit the SARM website linked below. | | 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:
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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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Ecopest Pest Control
Ecopest continues to be an approved supplier of pest control products through SARM Member Purchasing. SARM members benefit from preferred pricing, a wide selection of products, and convenient online ordering.
Visit our website through the link below for more information.
| | | 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 Perdue No. 346, Grader Operator, Oct 30 - Close
RM of Biggar No. 347, Administrative Assistant, Nov 2 - Close
RM of Big River No. 555, Assistant Administrator, Nov 6 - Close
RM of Laird No. 404, Office Assistant, Nov 13 - Close
Town of Lanigan, Director of Operations, Nov 30 - Close
Resort Village of Manitou Beach, Chief Administrative Officer, Dec 30 - Close
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Looking to Buy/Sell:
RM of Excelsior No. 166, Tampo Sheepsfoot Packer, Nov 6 - Close
RM of Excelsior No. 166, Novadisc Top Mower, Nov 6 - 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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HR Services for SARM Members
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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Fees:
- $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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2026 General Election Results
Reporting Reminder
With the general elections for even-numbered divisions in Saskatchewan rural municipalities taking place on November 9, 2026, this is a reminder for municipalities to report all election results, including acclamations, to the Ministry of Government Relations.
Section 140 of The Local Government Elections Act, 2015 requires the administrator to notify the ministry of election results. To comply, notification is to be provided online to the ministry using the "Report Municipal Election Results" form linked below.
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Please report the election results within 10 business days of the election. If you have questions about the submission process, please contact grcompliance@gov.sk.ca or call 306.530.2822.
In addition, please ensure the Municipal Directory is updated on the Government of Saskatchewan's website through the link below.
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The Saskatchewan Farm Security Act Public Consultation
The Government of Saskatchewan is undertaking a comprehensive review of The Saskatchewan Farm Security Act, including public and stakeholder consultations. The consultation includes a public survey.
Saskatchewan farm land is one of the province's most valuable assets. As the nature of farming and business continues to evolve, the Government of Saskatchewan wants to ensure the legislative framework regarding farm land meets the needs of the people of Saskatchewan.
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The purpose of this survey is to gather information about the public’s perceptions and use of the Act, including:
- Farm land ownership;
- Home quarter protection; and
- Farm foreclosure protections.
Complete the survey linked below by November 30, 2026.
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Evolving Wildlife Damage Claims to Meet Today's Farming Realities
At Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation (SCIC), we continue to evolve alongside your operational needs by modernizing the administration of wildlife damage claims. If you notice wildlife damage in a standing crop, register your claim at least seven days prior to swathing or straight cutting.
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The Benefits of Pollinators to Agriculture
Saskatchewan farmers and ranchers work hard and pollinators can play an important role in their success.
Healthy populations of honey bees, leafcutter bees, bumble bees and solitary bees can significantly boost crop yields. In annual crops like canola, mustard and sunflowers, pollinators can help increase yields by up to 20 per cent. For faba beans, the benefit can exceed 50 per cent. Forage seed production is even more dependent on pollinators. In red clover, alfalfa, sainfoin and cicer milkvetch, insect pollination contributes 80 per cent or more yield.
Pollinators can help crops to ripen more quickly and evenly with higher quality and seedling vigour. Forage and pasture stands can also benefit when they are occasionally allowed to go to seed, helping maintain stands through self-seeding.
How can you put pollinators to work? The answer depends on your farm. In many regions, commercial honey beekeepers may be looking for additional locations to place their hives. Old yard sites, shelterbelts and protected areas are great places for beeyards. Calling a local beekeeper is a good first step. Managed leafcutter bees are another option. These are especially common in northeast Saskatchewan.
If there are no beekeepers nearby, you can still provide habitat for native bees. Leaving wetlands, fencelines and shelterbelts intact and establishing flowering strips against roads, edges and awkward field corners can assist pollinators on your farm. Pesticide stewardship is another consideration. Monitoring pest thresholds and spraying at dusk, dawn or night can help keep pollinator populations healthy and working on your farm.
| | For recommendations on identifying, maintaining and creating pollinator habitat on your farm, more information can be found through the link below. | | |
Targeted Sector Support Initiative
Now Reviewing Applications Monthly
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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 on a rolling basis and will be reviewed monthly for decisions.
The updated application guide can be found on the SARM website.
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2027 Saskatchewan Outstanding Young Farmer Nominations
Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers Program is designed to recognize young farmers that exemplify excellence in their profession. Eligible nominees must be farm operators between the ages of 18 and 39 who derive a minimum of two-thirds of their income from their farm operations. Each year one farming couple is selected from each of the program’s seven Regional Recognition Events to represent their respective region at the National Recognition Event.
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The submission deadline for nominations is November 15, 2026. To learn more or submit a nomination, click the links below. | | | | |
Nominations Now
Open for Saskatchewan Municipal Awards!
Established in 2006, the Saskatchewan Municipal Awards (SMAs) recognize the innovation and excellence of Saskatchewan’s municipal governments by celebrating and sharing these achievements and providing provincial exposure to both the municipality and the initiative.
The Saskatchewan Municipal Awards are awarded for:
- Top municipal initiative (rural, urban, or cooperative)
- Top rural municipal initiative
- Top urban municipal initiative
- Regional cooperation (a joint initiative with at least one rural and one urban municipality working collaboratively to lead the project)
| | Celebrate a municipally led initiative by submitting a nomination before 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 24, 2026. | | |
Have Your Say: National Study on AI in Small Municipalities
The Canadian Urban Institute (CUI), with funding from the Future Skills Centre at Toronto Metropolitan University, is conducting a national study examining how small Canadian municipalities are adopting and preparing for artificial intelligence (AI).
Members representing municipalities with populations under 30,000 are invited to participate by completing a short survey. The survey will help identify:
- How municipalities are currently using or exploring AI
- Opportunities and challenges associated with AI adoption
- Organizational readiness and governance considerations
- Workforce impacts and training needs
- What resources, guidance, and capacity-building support municipalities need
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The experiences of smaller municipalities are an important part of understanding Canada’s readiness for AI. We encourage eligible municipalities to participate and help ensure that the needs and realities of smaller communities are reflected in the national conversation.
CUI is also looking to speak with municipalities that are interested in participating in a 30-minute interview to share their experiences in greater depth. If you are interested in an interview, please indicate your interest through the survey or contact the research team directly (rbortolin@canurb.org).
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Canadian Safety
Train Express
Saskatchewan Insights
There have been 18 total incidents between January 1 - September 30, 2026.
Regina is the hotspot part of Saskatchewan, accounting for 22% of overall incidents.
Southeast Saskatchewan has had 61% of the incidents this year.
78% of Saskatchewan incidents this year have resulted in injury or fatality.
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2026 RCMP Municipal Cost Distribution
Following the provincial budget release, the Ministry of Community Safety has indicated the per capita rates that will be charged out to municipalities for RCMP policing under the Provincial Police Service Agreement (PPSA) for 2026-27, as set out below.
| | For more information regarding the police cost distribution formula, please click the link below to read the full letter from the Ministry of Community Safety. | | |
Saskatchewan Municipal
Peer Network
Municipal leaders may face diverse challenges and sometimes need extra support. The Saskatchewan Municipal Peer Network is available to assist. Elected municipal officials and administrators can connect with highly experienced peer mentors who have proven successful in resolving inter-municipal challenges and disputes.
As veteran municipal administrators and elected officials, mentors provide one-on-one guidance, share information, and options to help resolve issues at a local level. Coaching and advice are provided on:
- Interpersonal conflict
- Governance practices
- Service provisions
- Public issues
- Roles and responsibilities
Any conversation between a mentor and peer is confidential, and there is no cost to the service
Saskatchewan's Municipal Peer Network is a partnership between the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM), Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA), Rural Municipalities Association of Administrators (RMAA), Urban Municipal Administrators Association of Saskatchewan (UMAAS), and the Government of Saskatchewan.
| | SARM is now on Bluesky! Follow us here: @sarm.ca | | | | |
