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January 2023
Note: certain email platforms distort the Rural Sheaf (RS) formatting. It is viewed best as a webpage through your internet browser.
View as Webpage
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Municipal Tax Policy for
Agricultural Crown Lands
RMs can request payment for taxes owing on leased agricultural Crown land if there are any unpaid amounts five business days after December 31st of the year in which the taxes were levied. The first step is for the RM to complete and submit the Agreement Cancellation Request Form to Corporate Services. Corporate Services will not be sending out this form, it has been attached for your convenience.
This form needs to be submitted no later than February 5, 2023. If you have questions please contact Corporate Services at billinginquiryag@gov.sk.ca or 306-787-7191.
Once this form is received by the ministry, a Notice of Cancellation will be sent to the lessee. If taxes are not paid by the lessee within 21 business days after the issuance of the Notice of Cancellation, the lease will be cancelled. The ministry will only pay up to one year of tax arrears (the oldest tax year owing) to the RM directly and the ministry will take the necessary actions to recover the debt from the former lessee. If the RM receives payment for taxes, after the ministry provides a grant in lieu, from the former lessee on a cancelled lease, the RM will refund all taxes paid by the ministry.
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Beaver Control Program (CAP-BCP)
RMs and First Nation Bands that operate a humane beaver management program between February 16, 2022 and February 15, 2023; and who follow the minimum level of service determined by the CAP-BCP may be eligible for a cost-shared payment through this program.
Reach out to the Plant Health Officer (PHO) in your division for assistance with claim forms and supplemental documents required to be eligible for rebates.
Submit to SARM by the claim deadline:
February 15, 2023.
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Transport Canada's Program to Enhance Rail Safety Engagement - Call for Proposals
The recently launched Program to Enhance Rail Safety Engagement is intended to support Indigenous and local communities to participate in rail safety initiatives in Canada.
This program helps Indigenous and local communities participate in developing and improving Canada's rail transportation system through consulting, engaging, collaborating, participating, researching, or gathering community views.
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The call for proposals deadline is February 16, 2023 | | | |
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The Networking Breakfast, sponsored by Kortech / Green Earth Road Spraying / Triple S Transport, will be held on March 16th from 8-9am.
Attendees can mix and mingle with fellow local leaders and enjoy a free breakfast before heading into convention.
This event is only open to RM administrators and council members and does not require registration to attend. All RM administrators and council members will receive a ticket for the breakfast when they check in onsite at convention.
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Eligibility Expanded for Rural and Remote Recruitment Incentive
Eligibility has been expanded for Saskatchewan's Rural and Remote Recruitment Incentive of up to $50,000 to provide more opportunities for health care professionals. This incentive is available to new employees in nine high priority positions in rural and remote areas.
Applications are now open and will close on March 1, 2023 or while funds last.
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The Rural and Remote Recruitment Incentive has been expanded to include:
- Individuals who have completed an education program in one of nine high priority classifications while working for the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) or an affiliate.
- Former employees of the SHA/Affiliate who left their employment prior to September 7, 2022 and are now returning into one of the nine high priority classifications and eligible locations.
- Employees of the SHA/Affiliate who are awaiting their required license to practice in one of the high priority classifications. Awards will be dispersed upon proof of license.
- Health care workers who received and signed letters of offer prior to September 7, 2022 and began employment on or after September 7, 2022.
- Health care workers who have a work permit and are legally entitled to work in Canada for the term of the return in service.
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SARM encourages our members to look at the program and, even if the March deadline is too soon, consider participating, if not this spring, later this year during the fall intake as this program is a great initiative by SGI to try and reduce traffic accidents and make our roadways safer.
If you have any questions, please contact:
Colin Warnecke, Manager of Risk Management, at cwarnecke@sarm.ca.
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SARM Interactive
Online Calendar - February
Deadlines:
- Submit written notification on properties exempt from assessment for the purpose of economic development
- Remit taxes to SMHI, C&D, and regional parks
- Submit & return monthly EPT funds
- Pay SARM membership fees and insurance premiums
- Submit MEPP
- Submit CRA source deductions
- Submit Workers’ Compensation Statement of Earnings
- Issue T4 slip
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Meetings:
- Agriculture & Economy - FEB 9
- Municipal Oversite - FEB 14
- Board of Directors- FEB 23-24
Special Days:
- Valentines Day - FEB 14
- Family Day - FEB 20
Click on the link below to access the full year on the SARM website. This version is updated regularly as new dates of interest and deadlines are identified.
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MORE THAN $500,000 WAS INVESTED TOWARD 15 NEW MUNICIPAL PROJECTS TO STRENGTHEN COMMUNITIES
Saskatchewan Government Relations announced 15 new municipal projects that will receive a combined provincial investment of more than $500,000 under the Targeted Sector Support (TSS) Initiative.
Rural projects include developing a land use plan in the RM of Paddockwood north of Prince Albert, producing a shared policy manual for municipal officials in various west-central communities, and creating a regional emergency plan in the Lanigan area in central Saskatchewan, and more.
Read the news release and attached TSS backgrounder for information about all eight of the approved RM projects.
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"SARM couldn't be more pleased with the impact the TSS initiative is having in our communities," SARM President Ray Orb said. "We have experienced RMs using their grant to provide municipal governance training to not only their own elected officials, but officials from surrounding municipalities as well." | |
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Respect in the Workplace Training
Since 2019, SARM has been fortunate to offer the Respect in the Workplace Training at half the cost due to SARM’s partnership with the Respect Group. This program is designed to empower your team with the skills to prevent bullying, abuse, harassment, and discrimination. Our goal is to have our members, both council and staff, certify themselves through the training. The program takes approximately 90 minutes and is done online in one sitting, but we recommend you break it up. You can come and go from the modules. The focus of the training is on culture change but of equal importance is the legal risk and liability avoidance it affords.
The certification costs $20.00 per person. Councils and staff simply register for the training. SARM will invoice the members on a quarterly basis based on your activity. It’s as simple as that.
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Linked below, in both English and French, are the registration and access instructions for Respect in the Workplace. You will also see the “Respect in the Workplace One pager”. Providing these instructions to your users simplifies the registration process for end-users and reduces possible confusion or challenges.
For helpdesk support, please go to:
https://support.respectgroupinc.com
Let’s have a goal of all our members to become Respect Certified.
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What to expect when you call a mental health help line
Provided by John McFadyen - Mobile Crisis Services Inc.
- Crisis workers will listen to you talk about what is worrying you
- They may ask you to provide information about your current situation, past situations, your current and past supports (family, friends and professionals)
- They will help you tell your story
- They will keep all aspects of your conversation confidential
- They will help you prioritize the issues you have identified, not judge you for what you’re going through
- They will assess what has worked well and what hasn’t
- They will help you determine what needs to be addressed and what can wait
- They will help you determine what you have control over and those issues you have no control over
- They will problem solve with you and identify alternatives
The hardest part is that decision to pick up the phone and call.
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Do More Ag is a charity organization focusing on mental health in agriculture across Canada.
Do More Ag champions for the mental wellbeing of all Canadian producers and are changing the culture of agriculture to one where all producers are encouraged, supported and empowered to take care of their mental wellbeing.
Agriculture is an industry with a foundation of deep rural roots, hard work, resilience, strength and community. In order to uphold that image, those traits can also be the industry’s weakness as they become barriers for speaking up and seeking help. Producers are among the most vulnerable when it comes to mental health issues. Stress, anxiety, depression, emotional exhaustion and burnout are all high among producers. By collaborating with the entire industry and those working to address the state of mental health in agriculture, we can and will make a substantial impact!
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Determining Compensation when Payable to the Crown: Street and Road Closures
The Ministry of Highways has prepared a guide to assist municipalities in determining compensation.
Refer to page 10: Checklist Item #4 (PDF accessible here).
Compensation is payable to the Crown (Ministry of Highways) if the land was previously purchased for a provincial highway.
For further information, please review the Ministry of Government Relations website.
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Celebrating Rural Ranching Women 2023
Celebrate the strength of rural and ranching women at this event filled with topics ranging from technical presentations to producer panels!
This event will be filled with presentations from industry partners, extension specialists and researchers.
Keynote speaker Lee McLean will reflect on the challenges, opportunities, and lifelong learning faced by farming and ranching women. Other topics include:
- Updates on ministry-led research projects and new technologies.
- Importance of semen testing and interpreting semen quality reports.
- Cattle market update, pasture rejuvenation, mineral programs and water quality.
- Financial management discussions.
- A feature producer panel focused on how to approach challenges and adversity.
Date & Time: Thu, 2 Feb 2023, 3:30 PM – Fri, 3 Feb 2023, 4:00 PM CST
Location: Maple Creek Armories, 502 Marsh Street, Maple Creek, SK S0N 1N0
Fee: $75
Please contact Jordan Johnson at jordan.johnson10@gov.sk.ca or 306-741-6800 with any dietary restrictions.
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SaskCanola is hosting Top Notch Farming meetings during winter 2023 in partnership with SaskBarley, Saskatchewan Agriculture and other organizations. There is no fee to attend and lunch will be provided. | |
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Location: North Battleford
Date: January 31, 2023
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
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Location: Swift Current
Date: February 8, 2023
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
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Location: Saskatoon
Date: February 1, 2023
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
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Location: Melfort
Date: February 15, 2023
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
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Location: Regina
Date: February 7, 2023
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
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Meeting topics will include market outlook, agronomy,
new research, health, and
policy updates.
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The following RM’s have requested the information below to be distributed and will be billed for using this service. | |
Looking to Hire:
RM of Montcloses MARtre No. 126, Seasonal Full-time Equipment Operator, CLOSES FEB 25
RM of Great Bend No. 405, Equipment Operator, CLOSES FEB 15
RM of Meadow Lake No. 588, CAO/Administrator, Closes APR 30
RM of Sherwood No. 159, Manager of Infrastructure and Utilities, CLOSES FEB 23
RM of Whiska Creek No. 106, Foreman, CLOSES FEB 23
RM of Aberdeen No. 373, Foreman, CLOSES FEB 19
RM of Enterprise No. 142, Administrator, CLOSES FEB 24
RM of Wellington No. 97, Seasonal Maintenance Employee, CLOSES FEB 24
RM of Dundurn No. 314, Equipment Operator, CLOSES FEB 3
RM of Brock No. 64, Seasonal Utility Operator, CLOSES FEB 19
RM of Brock No. 64, Foreman, CLOSES FEB 19
RM of Elmsthorpe No. 100, Seasonal Grader Operator, CLOSES FEB 18
RM of Elmsthorpe No. 100, Foreman, CLOSES FEB 18
RM of Morse No. 165, Seasonal Grader Operator, CLOSES FEB 10
RM of Reno No. 51, Maintenance/Utility/Equipment/Mower Operator, CLOSES FEB 6
RM of Morris No. 312, Seasonal Equipment Operator, CLOSES FEB 10
RM of Morris No. 312, Seasonal Grader Operator, CLOSES FEB 10
Town of Dundurn, Town Clerk/Administrative Assistant, CLOSES FEB 11
RM of Lacadena No. 228, Administrator, CLOSES FEB 3
RM of Usborne No. 310, Administrator, CLOSES FEB 15
RM of Waverley No. 44, Seasonal Grader/Equipment Operator, CLOSES MAR 10
RM of Pleasantdale No. 398, Administrator, CLOSES JAN 30
RM of Snipe Lake No. 259, Foreman, CLOSES JAN 30
RM of Closes MARquis No. 191, Operating Foreman, CLOSES FEB 10
RM of St. Andrews No. 287, Foreman, CLOSES FEB 3
Looking to Buy/Sell:
RM of Willner No. 253, 2017 Tornado Sanding Unit, CLOSES FEB 15
RM of Coulee No. 136, For Sale By Tender: Deere Backhoe, CLOSES FEB 24
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The Municipal Leadership Development Program (MLDP) is a series of modules developed exclusively for elected and appointed municipal leaders in Saskatchewan. Mayors, reeves, councillors and municipal staff are able to benefit from this program that is designed to strengthen local government leadership. | |
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Winter 2023 modules
Strategic and Financial Planning for Municipalities
Get to know how Council and staff plan for municipal success. Everything from setting strategic priorities and community engagement to developing action plans and the financial framework to achieve the desired outcomes.
This interactive and engaging session will see participants gaining insight into how to move from Thought to Action with tips and tools to make sure everyone is aligned and committed to common goals. This module will provide attendees with an overview of financial planning – the budget process, with a focus on where the money comes from. Learn about the relationship between assessment and taxation, tax tools, municipal borrowing and investments and an intro to asset management.
Municipal Economic Development Fundamentals
This module helps find answers to key questions about economic development – what is economic development, who are the players, what role can the municipality play and what are the returns? The course objectives will assist participants to: develop an understanding of economic development principles & theories; review the context for economic development; discuss concerns and problems common to economic development in Western Canada; and introduce processes and skills applied in economic development.
Human Resources in the Municipal Workplace
As employers, Councils need to know: what are your responsibilities to your employees who carry out your directions and deliver municipal services? This highly interactive session gives participants an overview of the labour market, the role of Council and administration, the legislative framework, how to deal with conflict, the hiring and dismissal processes, the importance of orientation and motivation, and how to manage performance.
Strategic Communications for Municipalities
Formerly known as Public Relations and Communications for Municipalities, this module teaches how to effectively communicate with your ratepayers as well as the media. Learn how to become proactive. Special tips will be given on public speaking and techniques used by print, radio, television, and other media.
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Municipal Economic Development Fundamentals
Monday, March 13th
Prairieland Park, Saskatoon
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday, April 15th
TCU Place, Saskatoon
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Strategic and Financial Planning for Municipalities
Monday, March 13th
Prairieland Park, Saskatoon
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday, April 15th
TCU Place, Saskatoon
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Human Resources in the Municipal Workplace
Monday, March 13th
Prairieland Park, Saskatoon
9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Saturday, April 15th
TCU Place, Saskatoon
9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Strategic Communications for Municipalities
(formerly Public Relations and Communications for Municipalities)
Monday, March 13th
Prairieland Park, Saskatoon
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday, April 15th
TCU Place, Saskatoon
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Community and Land Use Planning
Online course –https://www.southeastcollege.org/courses/mldp-community-and-land-use-planning/
*Dates are subject to change.
Spaces are limited – register today!
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Data management
on the farm
Data management on the farm has come a long way since the days of keeping a pen and notebook in the tractor. But are farmers capturing maximum value from the “crop” of data they now harvest every year?
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In this special sponsored edition of Between the Rows, we discuss how farmers are changing the way they use data and what to look for in a data management packages with Krista Kilback, marketing manager for AgExpert at Farm Credit Canada, and Justin Funk, partner of Real AgriStudies. Hosted by Laura Rance. | |
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What Does Member Purchasing Do for Municipalities?
Check out the SARM Member Purchasing infographic to learn more about what Member Purchasing does for RMs.
Hear about our Mission, Buying Group, and Partnerships, and see how this provides RMs with the best value on purchasing programs, how it helps reduces risk and reinvests in rural Saskatchewan while saving you time, and being there as a resource for advise if needed.
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How Can Municipalities Access Member Purchasing Programs?
- Municipalities must post annually their Notice of Planned Procurement on SaskTenders
- To view the goods and services offered, and the available suppliers, go to the Member Purchasing section of the SARM website and find “Group Purchasing Programs.”
- Each program provides specific instructions for accessing the programs offered by a supplier. This is found in the “How it Works” section.
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Additional programs that meet nearly every imaginable need a municipality may have can be found on the Canoe Procurement website: canoeprocurement.ca/programs/
- Always use the supplier contact details that are listed on the SARM and Canoe websites. When speaking with supplier contacts, ask for SARM and Canoe membership pricing.
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Member Purchasing exists to serve SARM’s members and their communities by facilitating the efficient and economic purchase of goods and services.
It is our goal for all SARM’s member RMs to make Member Purchasing their first stop when they seek to procure what they need.
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Reach out to:
Amanda Kozak,
Member Purchasing Advisor
akozak@sarm.ca or 306.761.3722
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Convene received the successful award as the SARM Member Purchasing Meeting Management Software approved supplier.
The new contract offers SARM’s members exceptional pricing,
a variety of solutions and custom options, and the convenience of email
and telephone support 24/7.
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Current Tenders
Medium Duty and Compact Construction Equipment with Related Attachments
– closing date is February 2, 2023 – RFP020223
Laboratory and Science Equipment, Supplies, and Related Technology and Services
– closing date is February 7, 2023 – RFP020723
Portable Construction Equipment with Related Accessories and Attachments
– closing date is February 9, 2023 – RFP020923
Scoreboards, Digital Displays, and Video Boards with Related Services
– closing date is March 2, 2023 – RFP030223
Recycling and Repurposing Equipment with Related Accessories, Supplies, Technology, and Services
– closing date is March 9, 2023 – RFP030923
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The SARM Plant Health Officers and the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture have partnered to deliver free winter webinar:
Pest Control
Officer Webinar
February 13, 2023 at 12:00 pm
This webinar will focus on Strychnine alternatives to Richardson’s Ground Squirrel control presented by James Tansey, Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture.
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SARM Webinars
SARM offers webinars for members. Not only can you participate in these live, but you can also have them as a resource to view again when it’s convenient. Past topics have included:
- Fire Bans and Emergency Preparedness
- Municipal Safety Manual
- Civic Addressing
- Municipal Leaders' Roles and Responsibilities
- Tendering and Procurement Best Practices
- Mental Wellness in Agriculture – Fostering Resiliency
- Nuclear Power in Saskatchewan
- Principles for Positive Employment Relations
- And more
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SARM News Release (NR)
SARM supports the province in introducing The Saskatchewan Firearms Act to help protect law-abiding firearms owners
#RuralMatters #SKPoli #CDNPoli
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The Saskatchewan Broadband Action Committee (SBAC) is a cross-sector and community-based group of provincial, local, and Indigenous organizations and networks. The SBAC was formed through a shared and collective concern and understanding over the issues and lost opportunities for all citizens related to broadband connectivity across the province.
The key focus of the SBAC is to assist with addressing long-standing
issues affecting broadband connectivity; and, advise and direct
actions leading to a shared strategy, investment, and vision.
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The SBAC is committed to achieving broadband infrastructure parity by 2024, and exceeding the CRTC standard by 2027, for all Saskatchewan residents, regardless of location.
To achieve this, the SBAC has identified four key building blocks for change:
- Enhanced Awareness, Local Capacity, and Digital Competency
- Improved Regional and Indigenous Collaboration and Stakeholder Partnerships
- Elevated Community Access and Infrastructure Development
- Strengthened Industry Partnerships and Market Development
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Members of SARM's Board responded to questions about rural crime, ag issues, and lobbying the federal and provincial governments during the RDARM Convention, where SARM's Legal team also presented on issues facing RMs. #RuralMatters #skpoli #RDARM | | | | |
