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December 2025
Note: Some email platforms distort the Rural Sheaf (RS) formatting. The RS looks best when viewed as a webpage through your internet browser.
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| | In this edition of the Rural Sheaf... | |
- Advocacy
- 2026 SARM Annual Resolution Deadline
- Strategic Communications
- In Memoriams for SARM Convention Guide
- Update Council Member Details on RM Directory
- SARM Online Calendar - January 2026
- 2026 Annual & Midterm Convention Accommodations
- Lieutenant Governor's Award Nominations
- #RuralMatters
- Risk Management
- Occupational Health & Safety Snow Removal Exemption
- 2026 Cyber Awareness Training
- Programs
- Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership
- Rat Control Program Claim Deadline
- Beaver Control Program Claim Deadline
- Member Purchasing
- Supplier Highlight: Ecopest
- SARM and Canoe's Partnership with LBMX Inc.
- Notice of Planned Procurement Posting on SaskTenders
- Community Planning
- Finance & Administration
- SARM Classifieds
- Member Services
- Introduction to SARM's HR Service
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- Feedback on the Renewal of Saskatchewan's Solid Waste Management Strategy
- Public Survey Open for Independent Review of 2025 Saskatchewan Wildfire Season
- Municipal Tax Policy for Agricultural Crown Lands
- Agriculture Student Scholarship
- Targeted Sector Support (TSS) Initiative
- Municipalities Today - December 2025
- Announcements
- Saskatchewan Crop Production Hits Record High in 2025
- Water Security Agency Encourages the Public to Use Ice Safety Guidelines
| | - The Canadian Agricultural Loans Act (CALA) Program
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- Student Scholarship in Agricultural Safety and Rural Health
- Canadian Safety Train Express - Saskatchewan Key Insights
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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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2026 SARM Annual
Resolution Deadline
The deadline to submit resolutions for the 2026 SARM Annual Convention is Saturday, January 24, 2026, end of day.
Resolutions must be received in the SARM office by this date in order to be addressed at the upcoming convention and included in the convention guide.
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Each resolution must be emailed separately using the fillable submission form.
Please email resolutions to resolutions@sarm.ca.
Refer to the Resolution Writing Tips One Pager and the Resolution Submission Form linked below for details.
| | | 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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In Memoriams for SARM Convention Guide
In Memoriams for the year 2025 must be submitted to SARM by January 15, 2026, to be included in the 2026 SARM Annual Convention Guide. Please use the online form linked below for all submissions. Please note submissions after this deadline will be acknowledged in the 2027 Annual Convention Guide.
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Update Council Member Details
on SARM Website RM Directory
Don't forget to update the RM Directory on the SARM website. This will ensure that SARM and the public are kept up to date with current RM council details.
The RM Directory is also where we pull the information for SARM's convention name badges.
To access your RM Directory profile on the SARM website, please log in here and click on the “Manage your RM Directory Listing” link that is located under the Administrator’s Access for Updates heading on the Members Only homepage.
If you require any assistance, please contact coordinator@sarm.ca.
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SARM Interactive Online Calendar - January 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
January 1:
January 10:
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To remit taxes to SMHI, Conservation & Development (C&D) and regional parks
- Submit & return monthly EPT funds
January 15:
- Submit CRA source deductions
January 20:
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Submit statement to organized hamlet board
January 24:
- Submit annual convention resolutions
January 31:
- To forward tax liens to ISC (previous year’s arrears)
- To file annual EPT return
- Submit Municipal Revenue Sharing Grant (MRS): all municipalities must submit an online declaration of eligibility on or before January 31st (a council resolution is required)
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Meetings
- Committee Meetings: January 13
- Board Meeting: January 14-15
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
- Set (by resolution at first council meeting of the year) the amount of coverage required under Workers’ Compensation
- Appoint Development Appeals Board members
- Appoint library board members (if appliable)
- Appoint District Planning Commission members
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Appoint Board of Revision members & secretary (anytime prior to May 1st)
- Submit (at first council meeting of the year) Fidelity Bond coverage
- Appoint a weed inspector
Special Days
- New Year's Day: January 1
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2026 Annual
& Midterm 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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Regina Hotel Blocks:
- Comfort Suites Regina
- Courtyard by Marriott
- DoubleTree by Hilton
- Home Inn & Suites Regina Airport
- The Atlas
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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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 2026 nomination period runs until December 31, 2025.
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.
| | | | Happy holidays from SARM! We wish you a warm and joyful holiday season and invite you to consider supporting STARS with a donation: | | | | | Read the Winter 2025 Rural Councillor: | Sign up to receive our digital publications: | | 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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Occupational Health & Safety Snow Removal Exemption
The snow removal exemption, including the required agreement, is linked below for your reference and use. As in the past, this only applies to residents contracted by an individual rural municipality to remove snow who meets the conditions of the exemption and who signs an agreement to comply with the conditions set out in the exemption. This exemption is in effect until November 30, 2028.
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2026 Cyber Awareness Training
Cyber attacks are unfortunately happening more and more around the world, including right here in Saskatchewan, within our RMs.
SARM wants to assist its members in being proactive at guarding their operations against such risks by providing an opportunity to participate in cyber awareness training.
| We are excited to announce that SARM will continue to partner with the team at Huntress (formerly Curricula) to offer online Security Awareness Training to our members. | | |
This informative, fun, and engaging program contains short, animated episodes where you follow characters on their adventures of through life and experiencing how a cyber attack could happen to you. The training covers topics such as Social Engineering Fraud, Wifi Security, Ransomware, Phishing, and creating strong passwords – just to name a few.
The annual training program renewed on December 17th and is $25.00/person. This cost entitles participants to a one-year subscription to the training - currently including 44 modules. New modules are released throughout the year, and current episodes are continuously updated to ensure it is keeping up with the most up-to-date cyber information.
If you were already enrolled in this training for 2025, your subscription will automatically renew.
For those interested in starting your RM’s security awareness journey, simply provide the full name(s) and email addresses for those individuals interested in participating.
Please email Lisa Shordee, Insurance Program Administrator, at property@sarm.ca for more information and to enroll in this training opportunity.
| | 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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Rat Control Program
Claim Deadline: December 31, 2025
| | | To learn more about the Rat Control Program, scan the QR code or visit the SARM website. | | | | |
Beaver Control Program
Claim Deadline: February 15, 2026
| | | To learn more about the Beaver Control Program, scan the QR code or visit the SARM website. | | | | 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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SARM and Canoe's Partnership with LBMX Inc.
SARM and Canoe are pleased to announce our partnership with LBMX Inc., a leading B2B platform of technology solutions for buying groups.
This partnership will allow SARM Members to access their invoices for purchases through Canoe and Sourcewell purchasing programs through a dedicated portal, within hours of making the purchase, rather than filling up your inbox slowly over time.
What to expect from the LBMX platform for all invoices that you receive from Canoe and Sourcewell:
- Members will have a web-based portal to self-direct their experience
- Members control when, where, and who accesses their invoices, with no limit to the number of log-ins
- Members can review and download invoices, as well as dispute any invoice for reasons of warranty or error immediately
- Enhanced real-time visibility into all purchases with analytics and reporting
- Errors are caught or eliminated at the source, and delays in invoicing are reduced
- Canoe staff will always be at the ready to assist with any portal or invoicing issues or queries!
- Members will continue to enjoy the convenience of paying their invoices through SARM as your currently do. Likewise, all Canoe / Sourcewell derived invoices will continue to be reflected on your monthly SARM statements
Next Steps
Please watch for an email from LBMX inviting you to a webinar that will walk you through logging in and using the site.
If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to Vicki Barton at vicki@rmalberta.com or Craig Williams at cwilliams@sarm.ca.
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Notice of Planned
Procurement Posting on
SaskTenders
Effective January 1, 2026
The Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA) requires any municipality interested in participating in a buying group to publish a declaration of its intent to participate in a buying group. Participating in SARM’s buying group includes purchases from SARM’s Member Purchasing, Canoe Procurement Group of Canada, and Sourcewell.
Effective January 1, 2026, SARM’s legal counsel has advised that the provisions of the CFTA requiring a procuring entity to publish a notice of participation with the buying group applies to each of SARM’s members individually. The legal advice that we received is that the RM is the procuring entity and it is the RM’s responsibility to make this annual posting.
SARM is advising its members to individually post a notice of their participation with the SARM buying group on SaskTenders before making purchases from the SARM buying group’s offerings. This posting is only required to remain active for two weeks. You will need to repeat this posting annually if purchases are planned for the year.
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Notices of planned procurement for 2026 should not be posted on SaskTenders until January 1, 2026. Please see below for further details.
To create your municipality’s declaration, copy and paste the paragraph below onto a document with your municipality’s letterhead and attach to your Notice of Planned Procurement posting on SaskTenders.
(Insert Municipality Name) intends to participate in one or more procurements offered through the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM), between (insert one year period including month/year). For further information and access to SARM’s Request for Proposal (RFP) notices, please review the Government of Saskatchewan website at sasktenders.ca/content/public/Search.aspx
Please contact Amanda Kozak, SARM's Procurement Advisor, if you have any questions at 306.761.3722 or akozak@sarm.ca.
| | 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 Lipton No. 217, Administrator, Dec 31 - Close
District of Lakeland No. 521, Municipal Enforcement Officer, Jan 2 - Close
RM of Huron No. 223, RM Patrol Operator, Jan 6 - Close
RM of Blaine Lake No. 434, Maintenance/Equipment Operator Jan 8 - Close
Town of Radisson, Administrator, Jan 9 - Close
RM of Ituna Bon Accord No. 246, Rural Municipal Administrator, Jan 13 - Close
RM of Miry Creek No. 229, Grader Operator Jan 16 - Close
RM of South Qu’Appelle No. 157, Administrator, Jan 18 - Close
RM of South Qu’Appelle No. 157, (4) 2026 Seasonal Truck Driver(s), Jan 18 - Close
Town of Hepburn, Chief Administrative Officer, Jan 19 - Close
RM of Reno No. 51, Assistant Foreman/Operator, Jan 22 - Close
RM of South Qu’Appelle No. 157, 2026 Seasonal Equipment Operator(s), Jan 26 - Close
RM Frontier No. 19, Maintenance Operator, Jan 31 - Close
RM of Enterprise No. 142, Maintenance/Utility, Jan 31 – Close
RM of Webb No. 138, Administrator, Jan 31 - Close
RM of White Valley No. 49, Seasonal Utility Operator, Feb 6 - Close
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Looking to Buy/Sell:
RM of McCraney No. 282, Craig Dozer Blade, Jan 8 - Close
RM of Biggar No. 347, Equipment For Sale, Jan 16 - Close
RM of Tecumseh No. 65, 2013 Schulte SDX-117 Snowblower, Feb 6 – Close
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SARM Classifieds 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 will begin offering Human Resources consulting services to members across Saskatchewan on January 5, 2026. We understand that this is a need for many RMs and we look forward to being able to offer advice and support on a wide range of HR issues. RM’s will be able to 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 will principally provide rural municipalities with advice on people issues. Our HR Service will also work 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:
Beginning on January 5th, if you have a human resources inquiry or require HR services you can contact: hr@sarm.ca.
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Feedback on the Renewal of Saskatchewan's Solid Waste
Management Strategy
In 2020, the Ministry of Environment released the Solid Waste Management Strategy to address the ongoing challenges in waste management, identify potential new economic opportunities for industry, and outline the government’s commitments for action. The strategy sets goals and priorities, establishing the government’s direction and commitment to solid waste management.
The strategy is now up for its five-year renewal. A renewed strategy will build on our achievements and identify new opportunities to enhance waste management in Saskatchewan.
The ministry invites you to review the discussion paper and provide your valuable feedback by January 15, 2026. The discussion paper, a survey, and contact information can be found through the link below.
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Public Survey Open for Independent Review of
2025 Saskatchewan Wildfire Season
MNP, the vendor chosen to perform an independent review of the devastating 2025 wildfire season, has opened a public survey for anyone impacted by the wildfires in Saskatchewan.
The survey is available for individuals to provide their experiences as an opportunity to strengthen future responses. Responses will be anonymous and will only be seen by MNP.
A link to MNP's survey is available on their website at www.mnp.ca/en/clients/public-sector/spsa-2025-wildfire-season-review. Residents can also email SaskWildfire2025@mnp.ca to provide additional feedback.
The survey will run from December 19, 2025 to January 30, 2026.
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Agriculture Student Scholarship
For students who want to tell the exciting story of agriculture, the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture offers the Agriculture Student Scholarship. This award is funded through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a five-year, $3.5-billion investment by Canada's federal, provincial, and territorial governments that supports Canada's agri-food and agri-products sectors. The winning scholarship is valued at $6,000 and the three runner-up scholarships are valued at $3,000 each.
Eligibility:
To be eligible for this scholarship, you must be a Grade 12 student or recent high school/GED graduate (within the past two school years) residing in Saskatchewan who is planning to take agriculture-related post-secondary education beginning in the fall of 2026.
How to Apply:
Applicants must complete the Application Form and:
- Produce a creative three-minute video or 1,000-word essay (criteria below);
- Provide a letter of conditional acceptance to a post-secondary institution; and
- Provide a letter of recommendation from either a teacher/professor, agriculture industry leader or community leader.
The deadline to apply is March 1, 2026.
| | 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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The Canadian Agricultural Loans Act (CALA) Program
What is it?
The CALA Program offers Government of Canada-backed loans for farmers and agricultural co-operatives.
What are the benefits?
- Up to $500,000 per farm operation
- $500,000 for purchasing land, and constructing or improving buildings
- $350,000 for all other eligible loan purchases, such as farm equipment or livestock
- Up to $3 million per agricultural co-operative
- Low down payments
- 10% for beginning farmers
- 20% for existing farmers
- Low interest rates
- Flexible repayment options
How to apply?
The CALA Program loans are administered through your financial institutions. Don’t let financing hold you back. Learn more about the CALA Program and how to apply through the link below.
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Student Scholarship in Agricultural
Safety and Rural Health
Are you...
- enrolled in grade 12 for the 2025-2026 school year?
- planning on studying at a Saskatchewan post secondary school in the fall of 2026? You can be studying outside of Saskatchewan if the course you're enrolling in is not offered in Saskatchewan.
Have you...
- completed the last two years of high school in Saskatchewan?
Do you...
- have a farming background?
- have parents or guardians who own/rent land and pay taxes to a rural municipality?
- live in a rural area?
If you answered "YES!" to all of the above questions and wish to apply for the scholarship...
- Complete the fillable PDF application form; when completed "save as" (applicant's name must be the file name);
- Write a 1,000 word essay (MS Word) on one of the topics (The Importance of Health & Safety on Our Farm or Health & Safety Hazards on Our Farm) and, also save it under your name;
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Send attachments: (1) application form; and (2) essay by email to sueli.bizetto@usask.ca on or before January 16, 2026
| | SARM is now on Bluesky! Follow us here: @sarm.ca | | | | |
