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June 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
- Strategic Communications
- Update Council Member Details on SARM Website RM Directory
- 2027 Lieutenant Governor's Award Nominations
- 2026 Midterm & 2027 Annual Convention Accommodations
- SARM Online Calendar - July 2026
- #RuralMatters
- Insurance & Benefits
- Cleveland Clinic Canada Express Care Online App Update
- Saskatchewan Blue Cross EFAP Coverage for SARM Members
- Legal Services
- Programs
- Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership
- Leafy Spurge Beetle Collection Days
- Gopher Control Program Claim Deadline
- RIRG Project 2026 Intake
- New Headversity Courses Available
- Member Purchasing
- Supplier Highlight: Adventure Printing
- Community Planning
- Finance & Administration
- SARM Classifieds
- Member Services
- HR Services for SARM Members
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- Stray Livestock in Saskatchewan
- Strychnine Training Now Available
- Targeted Sector Support (TSS) Initiative
- Municipalities Today - June 2026
- Announcements
- Don't Miss the Cut: Free Hay Available as Ditch Mowing Season Starts
- Check the Highway Hotline for Construction Underway Across Saskatchewan
- Crop Report for the Period June 16 to 22, 2026
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- Saskatchewan Municipal Peer Network
- Climate Adaptation Webinars for Municipal Staff
- Communities Across Saskatchewan Invited to Support Youth Safety Education Day
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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’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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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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Lieutenant Governor's Award for
Outstanding Service to Rural Saskatchewan
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Do you know a reeve, councillor, or administrator with an inspiring story?
Nominations for the Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Outstanding Service to Rural Saskatchewan are now open!
The 2027 nomination period runs until December 31, 2026.
To submit a nomination or request a nomination form, please contact:
Kathleen Israel,
Selection Committee Secretary
executivecoordinator@sarm.ca or 306.761.3731
2301 Windsor Park Road,
Regina, Saskatchewan S4V 3A4
To learn more about this award and how to submit a nomination, refer to the LGA Guidelines Document linked below or visit the SARM website.
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2026 Midterm & 2027 Annual Convention Accommodations
Be sure to book your hotel stays in advance to take advantage of the hotel blocks that have been set aside for delegates during SARM's annual and midterm conventions. Hotel blocks are limited, so once they have been filled there is no guaranteed space/pricing.
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Saskatoon Hotel Blocks:
- Best Western Plus East Side
- Best Western Airport
- Delta Bassborough (only available for 2027 annual - under construction for 2026 midterm)
- Delta Hotels Saskatoon Downtown
- TownPlace Suites by Marriott Saskatoon
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SARM Online Calendar - July 2026
View the SARM Online Calendar to access the full year on the SARM website. This version is updated regularly as new dates of interest and deadlines are identified and should be viewed as the most current.
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Deadlines
July 1:
- To submit previous year’s financial statement and auditors report to the Ministry of GR
July 10:
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To remit taxes to SMHI, C&D, and regional parks
- To submit & return monthly EPT funds
July 15:
- To submit CRA source deductions
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Meetings
- Committee Meetings: July 9
- Board Meeting: July 14-16
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
- Canada Day: July 1
- Ag in Motion: July 21-23
| | | | That’s a wrap on the SARM June Division Meetings for 2026! Thank you to today’s presenters, the Division 1 members who joined us, and everyone who contributed to the success of this week’s meetings. | | Read the Summer 2026 Rural Councillor: | Sign up to receive our digital publications: | | | | | SARM had a productive meeting today with Premier Scott Moe to discuss key priorities for rural Saskatchewan, including federal–provincial relations, trade and export opportunities, port access, CUSMA and Mercosur agreements, and critical highway infrastructure. We appreciate the continued dialogue and focus on advancing rural priorities. | | |
SARM’s Insurance & Benefits Team administers and
facilitates various SARM and external partner insurance and
benefit products, including SARM’s fidelity bond, liability, and
property insurance plans, the SARM Benefits Plan, and external
group benefits plans.
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Cleveland Clinic Canada Express Care Online App Update
Cleveland Clinic Canada is making some updates! Cleveland Clinic Canada launched a new version of its virtual care app, Express Care Online as part of ongoing improvements to its digital experience.
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Updates and enhancements include:
- Greater flexibility for scheduling appointments, including the option to pre-book a visit or access the next available appointment
- Enhanced connectivity with integrated care tools such as TytoCare, enabling more coordinated and streamlined virtual visits
- More French-language capabilities
What this means for your members
- Members will need to download the new Express Care Online app.
- There is no change to usernames or passwords.
- Once the new app is downloaded, members can continue to access services as usual.
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Please use the templated email linked below to share this information with your members so they know to download the new app. NOTE: You will need to update/provide your Plan Access Code where the red text is located.
If you have any questions or require assistance, please contact Jodi Hughes, Employee Benefits Administrator, SARM, at jhughes@sarm.ca or 306.761.3727.
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Saskatchewan Blue Cross EFAP Coverage for SARM Members
The Saskatchewan Blue Cross group benefits plan for SARM members includes enhanced support through Homewood Health and Cleveland Clinic Canada, giving you and your family access to tailored, on-demand support for your mental and physical health.
Homewood Health’s EFAP program connects you to confidential, professional mental health and wellness services. Whether it’s counselling for anxiety, stress, or grief or coaching for work-life balance, parenting, or financial planning, Homewood is here to help. Their Enhanced Mental Health Care program even offers longer-term support for more complex needs, including up to 20 specialized counselling sessions. Register at homeweb.ca to access these resources today.
Cleveland Clinic Canada’s Express Care Online (ECO) service offers on-demand virtual medical consultations for your physical health. Available 24/7 across Canada, ECO lets you connect with a nurse practitioner for diagnoses, prescriptions, specialist referrals, and more—all from the comfort of your home. Simply download the Cleveland Clinic Express Care Online app to get started!
For more information, click the links below.
| | SARM’s Legal Services Team principally represents rural municipalities in legal proceedings where a SARM insurance plan (e.g. Liability Self-Insurance Plan) provides coverage. The team also provides in-house legal services to SARM’s other departments and Board of Directors. In addition, the team provides legal services to individual RMs, which can include researching legal issues, drafting opinions, and drafting agreements, on a fee-for-service basis and as time permits. | | |
| SARM’s Programs Team engages with provincial and federal governments, industry leaders, and program partners, as well as other stakeholders, to effectively deliver SARM programs. | | |
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Bio-Control Leafy Spruce Beetle Collection Days
July 6-9, 2026
The SARM Plant Technical Advisors will be back at Besant Campground from July 6 to 9 for leafy spurge beetle collection. Everyone is welcome to come and collect leafy spurge beetles for release on their property to help control leafy spurge infestations.
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Gopher Control Program Claim Deadline
July 31, 2026
| | To learn more about the Gopher Control Program, scan the QR code or visit the SARM website. | | | | |
RIRG Project 2026 Intake
The RIRG program application intake for road, bridge, and large diameter culvert projects will be opening in September 2026.
For more information, please visit the RIRG website, scan the QR code, or email info@rirg.ca with any questions or concerns.
| | | New Headversity Courses Available | | | Respect in the Workplace CERT is a quick, interactive training program to help you navigate challenges and create a culture you love. You'll gain practical skills to recognize, prevent, and respond to harmful behaviours like bullying, abuse, harassment, and discrimination - all while strengthening connections within your team. | | | Mental Health Foundations CERT provides the essential knowledge and strategies you need to manage stress, prevent burnout, and foster resilience in the workplace. The program will equip you with actionable tools to maintain your energy, purpose, and wellbeing - so you can show up as your best self personally and professionally! | | | |
Each course is only 40 minutes in length and will be followed up with mini lessons to reinforce the learning you’ve gained.
There is a new cost associated with the course registration. Pricing will be $15 per person for the first course taken and $7.50 per person for the second course taken.
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To get started:
- Scan the QR code found on the one-pager to access on the web or mobile app. Or use the following link: apps.headversity.com/login
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Register with your e-mail address and invite code SARMCERT
- Both courses will be available once registered.
| | | SARM's Member Purchasing Team provides group purchasing and procurement advising services to save member municipalities money and time through the buying and procuring processes with the goal of being the first stop for all municipalities’ purchasing and procurement needs. | | |
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Adventure Printing
Adventure Printing, a local printing company based in Regina, continues to serve as an approved supplier for SARM Member Purchasing Printing Services. SARM members can access exceptional pricing, a wide range of products and custom options, and the convenience of an online ordering portal through Adventure Printing. Visit SARM's website for more details.
| | | 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 Corman Park No. 344, Police Constable, June 30 - Close
RM of Leask No. 464, Chief Administrative Officer, July 3 - Close
RM of The Gap No. 39 & Village of Ceylon, Administrative Assistant - Joint Office Position, July 6 - Close
Town of Milestone & RM of Caledonia No. 99, Office Clerk/Administrative Assistant, Jul 17 - Close
RM of Sasman No. 336, Pub Works, July 24 - Close
RM of Bayne No. 371, Foreman, July 30 - Close
RM of Bayne No. 371, Operator, July 30 - Close
RM of Corman Park No. 344, Planner 2, July 31 - Close
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Looking to Buy/Sell:
RM of Sliding Hills No. 273, Grader Mount Mulcher, July 25 - Close
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Ad Submissions
Ad postings for the SARM Classifieds can be submitted
through our online submission forms. For questions, contact 306.757.3577 or sarm@sarm.ca.
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| SARM’s Member Services Team is dedicated to providing valuable services that meet the specific needs of SARM's member rural municipalities. | | |
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HR Services for SARM Members
SARM now offers Human Resources consulting services to members across Saskatchewan. We understand that this is a need for many RMs, and we are excited to offer advice and support on a wide range of HR issues. RM’s can access services including advice on people issues, hiring, terminations, performance management, compensation, recruitment, retention, change management, conflict resolution, training and many other HR related issues.
Our new HR service is being offered through our partner Knibbs HR Consulting. Knibbs HR is a Métis-owned Saskatchewan firm that has been supporting organizations since 2002 with practical, people-first HR solutions rooted in respect, clarity, and partnership. Their work helps organizations bring strategy, culture, and people systems into alignment while strengthening the internal confidence and capability of leaders and teams. Known for their objectivity, compassion, and actionability, Knibbs HR explains the “why,” shares knowledge generously, and leaves workplaces more equipped than when they arrived. Whether developing HR tools, guiding difficult conversations, shaping culture, or coaching leaders through change, they remain grounded in practical professionalism. Learn more at www.knibbs.ca.
This HR Service principally provides rural municipalities with advice on people issues. Our HR Service also works in collaboration with our Legal Services team, or your usual legal counsel, to provide holistic advice and opinions when employment matters necessitate.
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Fees:
- $230 per hour for HR Consulting
- $95 per hour for Administrative and Support Services
How to Access Services:
If you have a human resources inquiry or require HR services, you can contact: hr@sarm.ca.
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Stray Livestock in Saskatchewan
As a reminder, municipalities have the authority to take action to deal with strays in Saskatchewan, and the Ministry of Agriculture is available to support through guidance, not legal advice. Additional information can be found in the following links or by contacting our office directly at 306.787.2150.
Linked below is a Stray Livestock poster for municipalities to use as a resource in their offices. Please print out a copy and hang it up in your RM office for reference.
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Strychnine Training Now Available
Producers in the 208 RMs eligible for Emergency Use of strychnine can register for online training through Saskatchewan’s Strychnine Stewardship Program.
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The 90-minute course is mandatory to access two per cent liquid strychnine for targeted RGS control. Early completion of training is recommended to allow sufficient time for records to be shared with RM offices and for users to be registered when product becomes available.
Training can be accessed on the SARM website.
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While initial strychnine supplies will be limited this spring, those interested are encouraged to complete training ahead of the recommended late summer application window, July 15 to Sept. 1.
For more on the program, including a list of participating RMs and information on product distribution, see Saskatchewan.ca/RGS-Control.
| | 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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Saskatchewan Municipal
Peer Network
Municipal leaders may face diverse challenges and sometimes need extra support. The Saskatchewan Municipal Peer Network is available to assist. Elected municipal officials and administrators can connect with highly experienced peer mentors who have proven successful in resolving inter-municipal challenges and disputes.
As veteran municipal administrators and elected officials, mentors provide one-on-one guidance, share information, and options to help resolve issues at a local level. Coaching and advice are provided on:
- Interpersonal conflict
- Governance practices
- Service provisions
- Public issues
- Roles and responsibilities
Any conversation between a mentor and peer is confidential, and there is no cost to the service.
| | | Saskatchewan's Municipal Peer Network is a partnership between the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM), Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA), Rural Municipalities Association of Administrators (RMAA), Urban Municipal Administrators Association of Saskatchewan (UMAAS), and the Government of Saskatchewan. | | |
Climate Adaptation Webinars for Municipal Staff
The University of Waterloo’s Climate Institute is hosting two free webinars next month for municipal staff. Each webinar will feature three course instructors from the specialty courses in our Municipal Climate Adaptation Certificate — a forward-thinking initiative tailored for municipal staff and elected officials across Canada.
Join us on July 15th from 1 p.m. - 2 p.m. (EST) as we explore accounting and finance, health and well-being, and nature-based solutions course topics. Our second webinar, on July 21st from 1 p.m. - 2 p.m. (EST), will explore engineering, governance, and planning course topics.
Designed for professionals working in municipalities across Canada, these webinars will provide practical skills and knowledge to strengthen local climate resilience.
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Communities Across Saskatchewan Invited to Support Youth Safety
Education Day
For many young people in Saskatchewan, a first job starts close to home — at a local restaurant, rink, retail store, campground, golf course, farm, or community facility. These early experiences help shape a young person’s understanding of workplace safety for years to come.
Unfortunately, young workers are injured on the job every day in Saskatchewan. In fact, more than 3,200 youth each year — and, tragically, an average of two lives lost annually due to workplace incidents.
That’s why Service Hospitality is inviting municipalities across Saskatchewan to participate in Youth Safety Education Day (YSED) on September 10, 2026.
Youth Safety Education Day is a province-wide initiative focused on helping young people learn about workplace rights, responsibilities, and hazard recognition before entering the workforce. Through community partners, YSED encourages conversations about safety and helps equip youth with the knowledge and confidence to speak up and stay safe on the job.
This year also marks the 15th consecutive year the Government of Saskatchewan has officially proclaimed September 10 as Youth Safety Education Day!
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Participation is intentionally simple and flexible. It could include:
- Sharing a few pre-made social media posts
- Promoting the initiative to local employers or community spaces
- Encouraging local schools or youth programs to take part
- Recognizing the day through a proclamation or council mention
To make participation easy, YSED2026 partners receive an exclusive digital Youth Safety Toolkit, including ready-to-use graphics, posters, messaging, activity ideas, access to exciting contests, and recognition as a participating community in a province-wide initiative.
Our goal is to partner with 200 communities and organizations across Saskatchewan. We would love to see your community be part of the movement to help ensure every young worker comes home safe.
Learn more or sign up today!
| | | SARM is now on Bluesky! Follow us here: @sarm.ca | | | | |
