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August 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
- 2025 SARM Midterm Resolution Deadline
- Strategic Communications
- Fraudulent Convention Emails
- 2026 SARM Calendars
- SARM Online Calendar
- 2025 Midterm & 2026 Annual Convention Accommodations
- Lieutenant Governor's Award Nominations
- #RuralMatters
- Risk Management
- Process Claims Faster with the Member Portal & Apps
- Programs
- MLDP Fall Registrations Open Shortly
- Respect in the Workplace Training
- Rural Integrated Roads for Growth Program
- RIRG Project 2025 Intake
- Changes to RIRG Road Design Requirements
- Invasive Plant Control Program Claim Deadline
- Rural Municipal Administrator Internship Program (MAIP)
- Member Purchasing
- Supplier Highlight: Grounds Maintenance Program
- Community Planning
- Finance & Administration
- SARM Classifieds
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- Help Shape Accessibility at the SPSA - Survey Now Open
- Reserved One Day Online Auction - Ministry of Ag Crown Land Sale
- Targeted Sector Support (TSS) Initiative
- Municipalities Today - August 2025
- Announcements
- Saskatchewan Wildfire Update August 25
- Communities Can Now Apply for Joint Infrastructure Funding Program
- Government of Canada and Saskatchewan Meet with Canola Industry Leaders
- Crop Report for the Period August 12 to August 18, 2025
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- Call for Projects: Wildfire-Resilient Infrastructure
- OTC Needs Assessment Survey
- OTC Seeking Examples of Cooperation, Collaboration, and Partnership
- SCSA Awards Nominations
- 2025 Farm Safety Drawing Contest
- Student Scholarship in Agricultural Safety and Rural Health
- Prairies Turn Challenges into Climate Solutions with GMF Funding
- Firefighter Grain Rescue Training Course
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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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2025 SARM Midterm
Resolution Deadline
The deadline to submit resolutions for the 2025 SARM Midterm Convention is Sunday, September 21, 2025, 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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Fraudulent Convention Emails
It has come to our attention that fraudulent email scams have been circulating to members regarding the acquisition of SARM convention visitor/attendee lists as well as coordinating hotel accommodations. SARM is in no way affiliated with these companies sending out these emails and does not release convention attendee information to outside parties. Please use the hotel directory listing that is linked on our website to book your convention accommodations.
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.
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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. | |
2026 SARM Calendars
The SARM Calendars will be provided in the following formats for 2026:
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Online Calendar: Access the SARM website calendar at sarm.ca/resources/calendar/
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Outlook Calendar: Once the 2026 calendar has been finalized, SARM will distribute a link to download a digital copy that can be imported directly into your Outlook account.
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Rural Sheaf: Each month we will outline important dates in the Rural Sheaf electronic newsletter.
The dates for 2026 will be added to these electronic formats this fall, so watch for further details in the coming months.
Note: The printed desktop, wall, and pocket calendars will no longer be available.
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SARM Interactive Online Calendar - September 2025
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
September 1:
September 10:
September 15:
- For CRA source deductions
September 21:
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September 30:
- Earliest cut-off for supplementary assessments
Meetings
- Committee Meetings: September 16
- Board Meeting: September 17-18
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
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2025 Midterm & 2026 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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SARM has booked blocks at the following hotels in Regina:
- Comfort Suites Regina
- Courtyard by Marriott
- DoubleTree by Hilton
- Home Inn & Suites Regina Airport
- The Atlas
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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.
| | | | | | China’s tariff announcement yesterday is a severe blow to Saskatchewan’s producers — threatening the livelihoods of thousands of farm families, rural businesses, and municipalities. Our ag producers and rural communities should not pay the price for international trade disputes. We stand united with our members, producers, and partners in demanding rapid action and a fair resolution. | | Last week, SARM President Bill Huber met with the Honourable Buckley Belanger, Secretary of State for Rural Development, to discuss issues affecting rural communities, including tariffs, infrastructure, and drought. | | | | | Food Day Canada recognizes Canadian food from farm to table, and those who produce and prepare it. Join in on the celebration by shopping, cooking, and dining Canadian. | | 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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Process Claims Faster with the Member Portal & Apps
Submit your claims the fast and easy way!
Ensure your health benefits are processed quickly and conveniently. Skip the paperwork and wait times. The quickest way to get your claim processed is to submit it online at portal.sk.bluecross.ca or using the SK Blue Cross App, available for iOS and Android.
Certain benefits are eligible for Real-Time Adjudication (RTA), which is the immediate processing and payment of an eligible claim. Benefits available for RTA include:
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- Acupuncturist
- Athletic Therapist
- Audiologist
- Chiropractor
- Clinical Psychologist
- Counsellor
- Dietitian
- Foot Care Nurse
- Massage Therapist
- Naturopath
- Occupational Therapist
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- Osteopath
- Physiotherapist
- Podiatrist
- Reflexologist
- Social Worker
- Speech Therapist
- Prescription Drugs
- Vision
- Orthodontic Treatment (where Prior Authorization present)
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Need help with an existing claim?
If you’ve already sent in a claim and are facing longer than anticipated time for reimbursement, and financial assistance is required to bridge the gap, please call our Member Experience Centre at 1.800.667.6853. Let us know you need your claim prioritized and we’ll do everything we can to help. No judgment – just support.
| | 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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Municipal Leadership Development
Program (MLDP)
Fall Registrations Open Shortly!
Check Back Soon for Updates!
The Municipal Leadership Development Program (MLDP) is a series of modules or workshops developed exclusively for elected and appointed municipal leaders in Saskatchewan. The modules target specific issues of importance to urban, rural and northern municipalities. 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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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.
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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.
For more information about the MLDP program and the currently available modules, visit the Municipal Leadership Development Program website.
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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.
Linked below are the registration and access 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 support.respectgroupinc.com.
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RIRG Project 2025 Intake
The RIRG Program Application Intake for Road, Bridge, and Large Diameter Culvert Projects will be opening on September 1, 2025. Deadline to apply is November 15, 2025.
| | | For more information, please visit the RIRG website, scan the QR code, or email info@rirg.ca with any questions or concerns. | | | |
Changes to RIRG Road Design Requirements
In the spring of 2025, the Ministry of Highways undertook a review of the minimum geometric design criteria for road projects to be eligible for Rural Integrated Roads for Growth (RIRG) funding. This review was initiated to address concerns from municipalities over the standard right-of-way (ROW) width, including a resolution made at the SARM convention.
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As a result, it recommended revising the policy to allow for more flexibility in the minimum purchased ROW required and updating other design requirements.
Revisions included:
- The required ROW will be subject to meeting all of the geometric design requirements, with the minimum ROW width being 30 m.
- The backslope may be within the purchased ROW or covered by a suitable landowner agreement.
Allowing the ROW to be less than 42 m where the terrain still allows the design to meet all other geometric requirements balances safety with real world limitations municipalities encounter. The requirement also differentiates high volume roads from low volume roads for the purpose of setting the minimum road width. This update brings the policy more in alignment with other standards used on the municipal system, as well as the existing widths of most higher volume roads.
The proposed revisions ensure safety is maintained in the road design which is being cost shared (50/50) through a ministry program.
These design requirement changes will be applicable to the next intake.
Please visit the RIRG Policy Manual, Road Design Requirements, for more information.
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Invasive Plant Control Program
Claim Deadline: October 31, 2025
| | | To learn more about the Invasive Plant Control Program, scan the QR code or visit the SARM website. | | | | | | |
Rural Municipal Administrator
Internship Program (MAIP)
Step into the role of internship supervision and shape the future one-on-one! The Rural Municipal Administrator Internship Program (MAIP) offers a unique opportunity for Class A or Superior A Rural Administrators to provide individualized training and foster professional competency in future rural municipal administrators by helping them attain the necessary competencies and required hours for their “Rural Class C certification” throughout the 52-week internship period.
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Why Choose to be a MAIP Internship Supervisor?
- Legacy Building: By investing in aspiring rural municipal administrators, you leave a lasting legacy of healthy local government in rural communities.
- Tailored Development: Customize the internship experience to address specific skills and goals, ensuring maximum impact, offering practical guidance, feedback, and real-world insights that go beyond academic learning.
- Leadership and Strategic Skill Building: Hone your leadership skills by actively participating in the growth and development of a future Administrator.
- Financial Benefit: Upon approval, SARM will provide the selected host rural municipalities with a $17,000 grant intended to cost share the intern’s salary. The supervising administrator of record will also receive a $3,000 honorarium upon successfully completing the internship supervision.
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| If you would like to learn more about becoming a supervising administrator for a MAIP intern, please check out the information on the SARM website or call Dustin Resch, Director of Capacity Building & Programs, at 306.761.3945. | | 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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Grounds Maintenance Program
From highway ditch care to greenspace maintenance, the Canoe Grounds Maintenance Program has partnered with industry leaders to bring both tried-and-true and innovative solutions to your landscaping challenges.
| | | 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 Lacadena No. 228, Foreman, Aug 29 - Close
RM of Blaine Lake No. 434, Maintenance/Equipment Operator, Aug 29 - Close
RM of Battle River No. 438, Administrator, Aug 30 - Close
RM of Prairiedale No. 321, Working Foreman, Aug 31 - Close
RM of Sarnia No. 221, Administrator, Sept 1 - Close
Town of Grenfell, Office Clerk, Sept 5 - Close
RM of Turtle River No. 469, Administrative Assistant, Sept 5 - Close
RM of Eagle Creek No. 376, Administrator, Sept 5 - Close
RM of Usborne No. 310, Administrator, Sept 10 - Close
RM of Caledonia No. 99, Chief Administrative Officer, Sept 30 - Close
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Looking to Buy/Sell:
RM of Hillsdale No. 440, 2014 - 6150R John Deere Tractor, Aug 31 - Close
RM of Caron No. 162, 2009 Volvo Heavy Duty Truck, Sept 12 - 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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Help Shape Accessibility at the SPSA
- Survey is Now Open
The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) is currently developing its Accessibility Plan, and is seeking input from residents and organizations across the province to ensure the plan is meaningful, inclusive, and impactful. The SPSA invites all rural municipalities to participate in the Accessibility Survey, which is open until August 29, 2025. The survey takes less than 15 minutes to complete and can be accessed through the link below.
If you have any questions about the survey or the SPSA’s accessibility work, please contact
spsaaccessibility@gov.sk.ca.
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Reserved One Day Online Auction
Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture Crown Land Sale
4480 Acres of Cultivation and Grazing Farmland Split across 18 Lots will be offered up for sale by the Ministry of Agriculture. The auction is scheduled to open on October 7, 2025, and close on October 28, 2025.
Contact Cory Hall for more details at 306.271.1505 or realestate@mcdauction.com.
| | 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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Call for Projects: Wildfire-Resilient Infrastructure
Climate Ready Infrastructure Service
With wildfire risks on the rise across Canada, the Climate Ready Infrastructure Service (CRIS) has launched a new stream of support to help local governments and Indigenous communities make public buildings safer and more resilient.
- Communities under 30,000 can now access up to $20,000 in expert support, fully funded and coordinated by the CRIS team.
- Support includes tailored advice on fire-resilient design, materials, and indoor air quality for design or retrofit projects approved in a capital or work plan
- Eligible buildings include community centres, libraries, civic centres, water/wastewater facilities, fire halls, and more - submit your public infrastructure project!
The program output is a customized Technical Options Report with strategies and high-level cost estimates to help you determine the best-fitting solutions to incorporate wildfire resilience into the design or retrofit your infrastructure.
Submit your project in as little as 10-15 minutes before August 31, 2025.
The CRIS is facilitated by the Canadian Urban Institute and funded by the government of Canada.
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2025 SCSA Awards
Nominate Someone by Sept 7
Each year, the SCSA awards celebrate individuals and companies who show leadership in the industry and work hard to create safe, healthy workplaces. Eligible nominees are employed by SCSA members in residential, commercial, and industrial and construction trades.
Criteria for individual categories:
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Safety Practitioner
- Identifies and shares new safety topics, issues or suggestions with their organization.
- Actively contributes to the promotion of a safer and healthier work environment.
- Shows dedication to pursuing continuous education.
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Safety Leader
- Champions safety in their organization and positively influences others.
- Provides health & safety training, mentoring and coaching.
- Demonstrates leadership in the construction community beyond their organization.
- Uses SCSA services, resources and/or tools to enhance company safety practices.
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2025 Farm Safety Drawing Contest
Agricultural Health and Safety Network
Show us what farm safety means to you!
The Agricultural Health and Safety Network's Farm Safety Drawing Contest is back!
Draw a picture about safety on the farm for a chance to win a new iPad! include a safety message/slogan on your picture and make sure your picture shows one of these farm safety themes:
- ATV Safety
- Sun Safety
- PTO/Machinery Safety
- Animal Safety
To learn the rules, regulations, and how to enter, click the link below. The contest ends December 15, 2025.
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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
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Firefighter Grain Rescue Training Course
Canadian Agricultural Safety Association
Grain entrapment is extremely dangerous for the victim and the rescuers. Firefighters must use specific safety and rescue procedures to increase their chances of a successful rescue, while keeping members of their department safe. That’s why CASA has developed the Firefighter Grain Rescue Training Course.
This in-person training program (approximately 8-16 hours) incorporates both classroom theory and practical training. It is intended to prepare firefighters to respond to a grain entrapment incident on-farm or at a grain handling facility.
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