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January 2026
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
- SARM Resolution Responses
- Strategic Communications
- SARM Website Maintenance
- Call for Nominations - SARM Elections
- 2026 SARM Annual Convention & Trade Show Registration
- 2026 SARM Outlook Calendar
- 2026 Annual & Midterm Convention Accommodations
- SARM Online Calendar - February 2026
- #RuralMatters
- Risk Management
- Programs
- Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership
- Weed Inspector and Pest Control Officer Webinars
- Beaver Control Program Claim Deadline
- Rural Municipal Administrator Internship Program (MAIP)
- RIRG 2025 Clearing the Path (CTP) Statutory Declaration Reminder
- MLDP Winter Modules - Registration Now Open
- Member Purchasing
- Supplier Highlight: ATS Traffic
- Community Planning
- Finance & Administration
- SARM Classifieds
- Classifieds Ad Rates for 2026
- Member Services
- Introduction to SARM's HR Service
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- Public Survey Open for Independent Review of 2025 Saskatchewan Wildfire Season
- Derelict Building Pilot Project
- Agriculture Student Scholarship
- Contacts for Highway Weed Spraying
- Did You Know? Submitting a Notice of Minister
- Targeted Sector Support (TSS) Initiative
- Municipalities Today - January 2026
- Announcements
- Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan Announce Satellite Based Insurance Available Under the 2026 Crop Insurance Program
- Premier Returns to Saskatchewan with China-Canada Trade Deal
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- Tools to Manage Farm Risk and Finance
- Help Shape the Future of Rural Canada
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SARM’s Advocacy Team, at the direction of the SARM Board of Directors, meets and speaks with members and outside agencies on issues important to RMs, including bringing concerns forth at the provincial and federal levels.
SARM, through its Act of Incorporation, is mandated to work on files of importance to rural municipalities (RM) and agriculture producers.
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SARM Resolution Responses
SARM has received response from the Saskatchewan Ministry of Justice and Attorney General and the Saskatchewan Ministry of Community Safety pertaining to resolutions passed at the 2025 SARM Midterm Convention. Click the links below to review the responses.
| | 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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SARM Website Maintenance
On Thursday, January 29th, the SARM website will be offline for system maintenance. The website will be back online on Friday, January 30th. Please reach out to coordinator@sarm.ca if you require any assistance during this time.
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Call for Nominations
SARM Elections
The deadline for SARM Board Election nominations to be received for SARM Division Directors in Divisions 1, 3, and 5 is 5:00 PM, February 12th, 2026. This date is 28 days prior to the election date of March 12th, 2026.
- All elected positions are two-year terms.
- The two-year term of office for the six Directors are staggered, with the two-year term for the Directors of Divisions 1, 3, and 5 from the election at the annual convention in an even year and continuing until the completion of the election for those positions at the annual convention two years henceforth.
- The two-year term of office for the Directors of Divisions 2, 4, and 6 are from the election at the annual convention in an odd year and continuing until the completion of the election for those positions at the annual convention two years henceforth.
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Nominations may be submitted by mail, by fax (306.565.2141), or by email. If sent by email, a scanned copy of the nomination is to be submitted to lfeltin@sarm.ca. The candidate’s acceptance form must be filed by the same deadline in the same manner.
YOU MUST CALL THE SARM OFFICE AT 306.757.3577 TO CONFIRM WE HAVE RECEIVED YOUR FORMS.
Please see the SARM Governance Bylaw as well as the Board Election Nomination and Acceptance Form linked below.
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2026 SARM Annual Convention & Trade Show Registration
Registration for the 2026 SARM Annual Convention & Trade Show is now open. The deadline to register and/or make any revisions to your registration is February 27, 2026.
Please ensure that all members from your RM who wish to attend convention are registered by the deadline. Registration is not required for any RM employees who will only be attending the trade show.
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Name badges for RM councils and administrators will be mailed out early next week, 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 which 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 convention.
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2026 SARM Outlook Calendar
Similar to last year, in conjunction with the online calendar on our website, we have created an email calendar through Outlook for SARM members looking for an easier and more efficient way to keep track of important municipal deadlines and reminders. Please note this calendar is only compatible with Outlook.
If you are an Outlook user and wish to gain access to the '2026 SARM Member Calendar’, please click the link below to download the file. Once the calendar has finished downloading, right click the file in your Downloads folder and select "Open with Outlook" to import the contents into your Outlook calendar.
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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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SARM Interactive Online Calendar - February 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
February 1:
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To submit written notification on properties exempt from assessment for the purpose of economic development
February 10:
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To remit taxes to SMHI, Conservation & Development (C&D) and regional parks
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To submit & return monthly EPT funds
February 12:
- To submit nominations for SARM Division 1, 3, & 5 Director elections
February 15:
- To submit CRA source deductions
February 16:
- To pay SARM membership fees and insurance premiums
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February 27:
February 28:
- To submit Workers’ Compensation Statement of Earnings
Meetings
- Committee Meetings: February 10
- Board Meeting: February 11-12
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
- Valentine's Day: February 14
- Family Day: February 16
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News Release:
SARM Welcomes Pause on Federal Livestock Traceability Regulations, Calls for Practical,
Producer-Informed Approach
January 15, 2026
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| | This week, SARM visited the AGT Foods Head Office for a tour of their Regina Main plant. With concerns over trade and export markets in the agriculture industry, SARM and the AGT team discussed what they produce and how they export pulses and consumer products worldwide, as well as frustrations with grain transportation issues and trade agreements. | | | | | |
SARM has been strongly advocating for clear, timely, and feasible changes to support producers during drought. The introduction of Satellite Forage Insurance is a welcome change that will provide near-real-time data and certainty for livestock producers.
| | 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. | | |
| 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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Weed Inspector and Pest Control Officer Webinars
SARM Plant Health Technical Advisors and Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture have partnered to deliver free webinars once again in 2026. The event details for each session are listed below.
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Weed Inspector & Land Manager Webinar – Weed Control and Organic
Agriculture
February 5, 2026 at 12:00 pm
This webinar will cover organic weed control methods and explore how weed inspectors can work with organic producers under The Weed Control Act.
Presented by: Cory Jacob, MSc, PAg, CCA, Provincial Specialist, Weed Control. Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture
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Pest Control Officer Webinar – Biosecurity in Livestock Operations
February 17, 2026 at 12:00 pm
In this presentation, we will address key principles of biosecurity and protocols for entering livestock premises. The presenters will also discuss diseases of concern and disease transmission, PPE and barriers for implementing biosecurity.
Presented by: Mikayla Waller, MSc, PAg, Animal Health and Welfare Specialist, Livestock Branch, Ministry of Agriculture and Dr. Tyra Dickson, DVM, Animal Health and Welfare Veterinarian, Livestock Branch, Ministry of Agriculture
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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. | | | | | | |
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. | | |
RIRG 2025 Clearing the Path (CTP) Statutory
Declaration Reminder
RMs with a CTP Corridor
Reminder to submit your 2025-26 RIRG Clearing the Path Incremental Maintenance Statutory Declaration using the online Statutory Declaration Form.
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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Municipal Leadership Development
Program (MLDP)
Winter 2026 Modules - Registration Now Open!
| | 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. | | |
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.
Date: Monday, March 9th
Time: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: University of Regina, College Ave Campus, Regina
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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.
Date: Monday, March 9th
Time: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: University of Regina, College Ave Campus, Regina
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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.
Date: Monday, March 9th
Time: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Location: University of Regina, College Ave Campus, Regina
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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.
Date: Monday, March 9th
Time: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: University of Regina, College Ave Campus, Regina
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*Dates and location are subject to change.
For more information or to register for a module, click the link below.
| | | 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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ATS Traffic
Take advantage of the exclusive fall deals for SARM members offered by ATS Traffic until January 31, 2026. Click the link below to learn more.
| | | 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 Frontier No. 19, Maintenance Operator, Jan 31 - Close
RM of Enterprise No. 142, Maintenance/Utility, Jan 31 - Close
Town of Arborfield & RM of Arborfield No. 456, Joint-Office Administrator, Jan 31 - Close
RM of Langenburg No. 181, Administrator, Feb 4 - Close
RM of Langenburg No. 181, Administrative Assistant, Feb 4 - Close
RM of Wheatlands No. 163, Seasonal Operator, Feb 6 - Close
RM of Blaine Lake No. 434, Maintenance/Equipment Operator, Feb 6 - Close
RM of Willowdale No. 153, Grader Operator, Feb 6 - Close
RM of Garry No. 245, Administrator, Feb 10 - Close
RM of Pense No. 160, Administrative Assistant, Feb 13 - Close
RM of Lipton No. 217, Administrator, Feb 13 - Close
RM of Edenwold No. 158, Finance Clerk, Feb 13 - Close
RM of Buffalo No. 409, Maintenance Operator, Feb 14 - Close
RM of Buffalo No. 409, Grader Operator, Feb 14 - Close
RM of Whiska Creek No. 106, Administrator, Feb 14 - Close
RM of Blucher No. 343, 1A Truck driver, Feb 15 - Close
RM of Blucher No. 343, Mower Operator, Feb 15 - Close
RM of Willow Creek No. 458, Administrator, Feb 15 - Close
RM of Willow Creek No. 458, Heavy Equipment Operator, Feb 15 - Close
RM of Progress No. 351, Assistant Administrator, Feb 16 - Close
RM of Sask Landing No. 167, Maintenance/Equipment Operator, Feb 17 - Close
RM of Corman Park No. 344, Human Resources Coordinator, Feb 20 - Close
RM of Chaplin No. 164, Administrator, Feb 20 - Close
RM of Cote No. 271, Administrator, Feb 20 - Close
RM of Marquis No. 191, Gravel Truck and Trailer Driver, Feb 22 - Close
RM of Moose Jaw No. 161, Seasonal Public Works, Feb 27 - Close
RM of Lone Tree No. 18, Senior Grader Operator, Feb 27 - Close
RM of Poplar Valley No. 12, Seasonal Grader Operator, Feb 27 - Close
RM of Whiska Creek No. 106, Administrator, Feb 27 - Close
RM of Rosthern No. 403, Equipment Operator, Mar 1 - Close
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Looking to Buy/Sell:
RM of Tecumseh No. 65, 2013 Schulte SDX-117 Snowblower, Feb 22 - 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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Classifieds Ad Rates for 2026
The 2026 rates for advertising employment and buy/sell postings through SARM's Classifieds webpage and weekly digital newsletter, the Rural Dart, are $175 (+ tax) for SARM members and $400 (+ tax) for non-members. Please submit your ad requests through SARM's online submission forms linked above.
| | | SARM’s Member Services Team is dedicated to providing valuable services that meet the specific needs of SARM's member rural municipalities. | | |
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Introduction to SARM’s HR Service
SARM now offers Human Resources consulting services to members across Saskatchewan. We understand that this is a need for many RMs and we are excited to offer advice and support on a wide range of HR issues. RM’s can access services including advice on people issues, hiring, terminations, performance management, compensation, recruitment, retention, change management, conflict resolution, training and many other HR related issues.
Our new HR service is being offered through our partner Knibbs HR Consulting. Knibbs HR is a Métis-owned Saskatchewan firm that has been supporting organizations since 2002 with practical, people-first HR solutions rooted in respect, clarity, and partnership. Their work helps organizations bring strategy, culture, and people systems into alignment while strengthening the internal confidence and capability of leaders and teams. Known for their objectivity, compassion, and actionability, Knibbs HR explains the “why,” shares knowledge generously, and leaves workplaces more equipped than when they arrived. Whether developing HR tools, guiding difficult conversations, shaping culture, or coaching leaders through change, they remain grounded in practical professionalism. Learn more at www.knibbs.ca.
This HR Service principally provides rural municipalities with advice on people issues. Our HR Service also works in collaboration with our Legal Services team, or your usual legal counsel to provide holistic advice and opinions when employment matters necessitate.
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Fee: $230 per hour for HR Consulting
$95 per hour for Administrative and Support Services
How to Access Services:
If you have a human resources inquiry or require HR services you can contact: hr@sarm.ca.
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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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Derelict Building Pilot Project
The Ministry of Environment is running a voluntary pilot project that permits municipalities to conduct controlled burns of derelict buildings. The purpose of this pilot is to evaluate the feasibility of using controlled burns as a tool for managing derelict structures, while also providing a potential training opportunity for volunteer fire departments. The pilot began on November 1, 2025.
Derelict buildings present safety concerns and environmental risks. Controlled burns, when properly planned and executed, can serve as a method for addressing these structures. This pilot aims to assess the effectiveness, safety and environmental implications of such activities within a defined framework.
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The pilot project requires that:
- The municipality has a joint-use fire agreement with a volunteer fire department;
- The volunteer fire department will oversee the burning activity as a training exercise; and
- The municipality will assume all costs and liability.
For more information, click here or contact derelict.buildings@gov.sk.ca.
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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.
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Did You Know? Submitting a Notice of Minister
Did you know that the Minister’s Office does not actually issue or process the Notice of Minister for a municipal road closure?
Your municipality’s request for a Notice of Minister must be sent to: municipalroads@gov.sk.ca
This is the official inbox used by the branch responsible for reviewing road‑closure submissions and preparing the Notice of Minister. Sending your request directly to this address ensures it reaches the right team without delay.
| | 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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Tools to Manage Farm Risk and Finance
Explore programs and services designed to support your farming needs.
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Access money when you need it, with interest relief, better rates, and flexible repayment with the Advance Payments Program and the Canadian Agricultural Loans Act (CALA) Program.
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Protect your farm against production losses, rising costs, and market risks beyond your control with the AgriInsurance, AgriStability, and AgriInvest programs.
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Get free and confidential support to help manage your debt with the Farm Debt Mediation Service.
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Learn how to protect your farming business from cyber threats with our cyber security resources and strategies.
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Quickly find and connect to federal, provincial, and territorial programs - all in one place with the AgPal Program and Service Finder.
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Help Shape the Future of Rural Canada
The Government of Canada has launched public consultations to gather input to develop a new Rural Development Action Plan. Have your say on the programs, policies and priorities that matter most to rural communities. Your insights will help shape a stronger, more resilient future for rural Canada.
| | SARM is now on Bluesky! Follow us here: @sarm.ca | | | | |
