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September 2024
Note: Some email platforms distort the Rural Sheaf (RS) formatting. The RS looks best when viewed as a webpage through your internet browser.
View as Webpage
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Acting SARM Vice President
Darren Steinley
During SARM's September Board of Directors meeting last week, a vote was held to fill the role of Acting Vice President. SARM is excited to share that Division 3 Director Darren Steinley was appointed Acting Vice President.
We extend our gratitude to each SARM director who ran. It is encouraging to see such interest in the role. The SARM Board continues to demonstrate its strength and openness to change, and we look forward to moving ahead with this strong leadership.
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2024 SARM Midterm Convention
Registration Now Open
Registration for the 2024 SARM Midterm Convention is now open! RM offices received an email from SARM on September 5th outlining the registration process as well as the applicable fees for attendance.
Please note lunches will no longer be included in the convention registration fee. You must indicate that you would like to purchase lunches through your registration form for each applicable attendee.
The deadline to register/revise your registration is Friday, November 8, 2024.
SARM members can request to change the names listed on their registration forms following the municipal election until November 15th but will not be able to change the total number of delegates registered as attending after November 8th.
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Name badges for RM councils and administrators were mailed out to RM offices earlier this month, 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. Also, if a name badge requires updating or correcting, it will be done onsite.
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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Fraudulent Convention Emails
It has come to our attention that a fraudulent email scam has been circulating to members regarding the acquisition of SARM convention visitor/attendee lists. SARM is in no way affiliated with these companies sending out these emails and does not release convention attendee information to outside parties.
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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.
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 @eventdatarxinc.com, @dataseccentric.com, @e1businessdata.services domains, or any other unknown email addresses, please disregard it, block it, and delete it.
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RM Directory on SARM's Website
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. This 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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Awards/Nominations/Scholarships | | |
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2024 Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal
Nominations are now being accepted for the 2024 Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal.
The Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal was established in 1995 to formally recognize the selfless devotion of the province's volunteers, and as a way to present role models to Saskatchewan citizens.
Nominations will be received until October 31, 2024. Online nominations are encouraged, but nominations will also be accepted by mail, courier or in-person.
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Awarded to Reeves, Councillors, or Administrators (active or retired)
for their lifetime contribution to rural Saskatchewan.
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2025 Lieutenant Governor's Award Nomination Period:
NOV 1, 2024 - JAN 31, 2025
The nomination period for the 2025 Lieutenant Governor's Award will open on November 1, 2024. Candidates must be nominated by an RM, with council’s approval, and administrator’s sign-off.
The selection committee reviews all nominations and selects one individual who has not yet been formally recognized and includes representatives from:
- Lieutenant’s Governor’s Office of Saskatchewan
- Ministry of Government Relations
- Rural Municipal Administrators’ Association
- Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities
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The award will be presented to the successful candidate at the Opening Ceremonies of the SARM Annual Convention. This forum provides an excellent opportunity to publicly recognize the recipient of this prestigious award.
Visit the SARM website for more information and to access the nomination form.
For questions or to submit nominations, contact:
Kathleen Israel, Committee Secretary
executivecoordinator@sarm.ca or 306.761.3731
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Invasive Plant Control Program
Claim Deadline: October 31, 2024
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SARM Interactive Online Calendar - October 2024
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
October 1:
- For submission of annual maintenance list to SAMA
- For railway company statements
October 9:
- To submit Public Disclosure Statements with Nomination Forms prior to 4:00pm
October 10:
- To remit and return monthly EPT funds
- To remit taxes to SMHI, C&D and regional parks
- To withdrawal nomination before 4pm
- To publish/post "Abandonment of Poll", "Call for Further Nomination" and "Notice of Advance Poll"
October 15:
- For applications for the SARM Rural Municipal Administration Scholarship
- For CRA source deductions remittance
October 23:
- To post "Notice of Poll" if further call is not required
- Second Nomination Day (if required)
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October 29
- First possible day for advance poll: October 29
October 31
- Last day of hail and fire insurance coverage
Meetings
- Committee Meeting: October 10
- Committee Meeting: October 15
- Board Meeting: October 16-17
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
- Thanksgiving Day: October 14
- Saskatchewan Provincial Election: October 28
- Halloween: October 31
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Power Talks - Hosting Renewable Projects
Large-Scale Wind and Solar in our Communities
As more wind and solar projects are being explored in Saskatchewan, there’s been an increase in developers reaching out to our RM members. Municipalities play a vital role in the development of new power generation projects.
That’s why SARM and SaskPower are working together to provide RMs with more information and resources to guide your understanding of and decision-making in this process.
Earlier this year, SARM participated in an online learning event hosted by SaskPower. The event brought together a panel of experts to discuss what’s involved in hosting large-scale renewable power projects.
You can watch the session here. For more information and resources about SaskPower’s approach to developing more wind and solar power projects, visit saskpower.com/IPP.
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Save the Date!
Women on the Ballot: Celebrating Saskatchewan’s 2024 Trailblazers
Join the Equal Voice Saskatchewan Chapter (EV SK Chapter) as we celebrate the courageous women who are running for public office in 2024.
You're invited to a fun, free reception in Regina, SK, on the evening of Monday, November 25, 2024, during Canadian Western Agribition (CWA). This event aims to recognize and thank all the women who took the step to stand for elected office, whether for a school board, municipal or rural municipal position, or a seat in the provincial legislature.
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Mark your calendars to celebrate these remarkable individuals and their supporters. RSVP today to receive further details as the event approaches.
Want to be part of the celebration? Consider volunteering with EV SK Chapter or sponsoring this reception. Contact Equal Voice at equalvoicesask@gmail.com for more information.
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Nutrien Building Stronger Communities Together Grant
The Nutrien Building Stronger Communities Together Grant was created to celebrate Nutrien’s 65 year legacy in the province of Saskatchewan. Nutrien is excited to offer 65 organizations across the province a $2,500 grant each, aimed at supporting community resilience and growth.
The deadline for organizations to submit their applications is September 30, 2024.
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SCIC Program Deadlines
September 2024
The following are upcoming important deadlines for the SCIC's AgriStability and Crop Insurance programs in the month of September. Please see further details below.
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AgriStability
AgriStability is designed to provide financial support for farm operations facing large margin declines caused by production loss, increased costs and/or declining market conditions. Coverage is for the whole farm and is personalized based on each farm’s history.
The deadline to submit your AgriStability previous year's program forms without penalty is September 30, 2024. Learn more through the link below.
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Crop Insurance
Crop Insurance provides insurance for crops that experience a loss in yield, whether due to an insurable cause of loss in the quality or quantity of the insured crop.
The deadline to file your Forage Declarations, register forage yield-loss claims or request an extension of insurance on unharvested forage acres, and seed fall rye and winter wheat and be eligible for winterkill insurance is September 30, 2024. Learn more through the link below.
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Rural Integrated Roads for Growth (RIRG) Program
The Rural Integrated Roads for Growth (RIRG) program is a Ministry of Highways funded program, administered by SARM, and governed by a Program Management Board, which is made up of voting representatives of both organizations.
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SARM’s administration of the RIRG program is governed by a service agreement between SARM and the Ministry of Highways. The RIRG service agreement was recently signed to extend SARM’s administration of the program for five years to March 31, 2029. Both SARM and the Ministry of Highways are delighted with the opportunity to continue supporting the construction and maintenance of rural roads that empower Saskatchewan’s thriving resource economy. | | | |
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After hearing from SARM members and studying the impact of inflation on maintaining roads at primary weights, the Ministry increased the funding for the Rural Integrated Roads for Growth program in the 2024-25 Provincial Budget. Based on the funding received, the Program Management Board was able to increase the Clearing the Path assistance amount by $300 per kilometer. This increase makes payment for standard corridors $1300 per kilometer and premium corridors $1500 per kilometer. CTP applications are accepted on an ongoing basis here: https://fs4.formsite.com/SARM/CTP-New-App/index. | |
Based on feedback from SARM members on the significant increases to the cost of building rural bridges, the Program Management Board has increased the maximum amount of assistance for bridge capital projects from $500,000 to $1,000,000. The assistance rate continues to be up to 50%. | | | |
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With the return of program funding to pre-stimulus levels, the roads eligible for funding will once again be limited to Class 5, 4, and 3 rural roads. This and additional policy updates will be available in the upcoming edition of the RIRG Policy Manual to be released on the SARM website at the announcement of the next intake for project applications. | |
The next intake for capital projects in the road and bridge and large diameter culvert construction programs will take place this fall (2024) with project approvals anticipated in January 2025. Start planning now for your application! | | |
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RIRG Program 2024 Intake
Call for Applications
The Rural Integrated Roads for Growth (RIRG) program application intake for road, bridge, and large diameter culvert projects has now opened!
The deadline to apply is November 15, 2024. The application forms are linked below.
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For more information, please visit the RIRG website at sarm.ca/programs/rirg/ or scan the QR code.
If you have any further questions or concerns, please email info@rirg.ca.
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RIRG 2024 Clearing the Path (CTP) Statutory Declaration Reminder
RMs with a CTP Corridor
Reminder to submit your 2024 RIRG Clearing the Path Incremental Maintenance Statutory Declaration starting on October 1, 2024 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.
For all following CTP programs beginning in the 2025-26 rogram year, the Statutory Declaration shall only be accepted from January 1st to March 30th of each year.
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WorkSafe Regional Workshop 2024
Join WorkSafe in Estevan for their regional workshop, an unparalleled opportunity for employers to gain cutting-edge insights and practical solutions for workplace health and safety. This year's lineup is especially powerful, featuring:
- Industrial ergonomics
- Insights into workplace disability prevention mitigation and the return-to-work process
- Update from the Ministry of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety
- Safety association updates
- Impact of the Fatalities and Serious Injuries Strategy in the province
- Help with planning your psychological health and safety strategy
Don't miss this chance to elevate your company's safety protocols and ensure a healthier, more productive workplace. Join WorkSafe on November 14th to shape the future of workplace safety in Saskatchewan!
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CleanFarms Fall Collection Days 2024
Attention farmers: Do you have unwanted pesticides or livestock/equine medications? Safely dispose of unwanted or obsolete agricultural pesticides and livestock/equine medications – no charge! Please see attached poster or follow the links below for more information, dates, locations and for what’s in and what’s out.
Did you know?
Herbicides account for about 50% of all pesticide use globally. Pesticides are used to control all types of pests and they include herbicides, insecticides, rodenticides, nematicides, fungicides, and others.
All of these unwanted, old or obsolete pesticides can be brought into one of the collection days this fall!
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Canadian Safety Train Express
Saskatchewan Key Insights YTD
The Canadian Safety Train Express has compiled a report with the current railway crossing and trespassing incidents trends and statistics throughout Saskatchewan.
There were 14 total incidents from January 1 to August 31, 2024.
Southeast Saskatchewan accounts for 43% of the overall incidents in the province.
Saskatoon is the city with the highest incident rate in Saskatchewan.
Monday is the day when most incidents occur. Over 43% of incidents happen on a Monday.
Most incidents occur between the hours of 1-6:00 a.m.
Read the full report through the link below and visit canadiansafetytrain.ca for more information.
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New CCBF Municipal Funding Agreement
The Ministry of Government Relations is pleased to be administering the Canada Community-Building Fund (CCBF), formerly Gas Tax Fund, on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada for another 10 years! The joint federal-provincial announcement was made on August 22, 2024.
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This 10-year agreement follows the Municipal Gas Tax Fund Agreement that expired on March 31, 2024, and is effective from April 1, 2024, until March 31, 2034.
Similar to previous agreements, this conditional grant funding is calculated on a per capita basis for eligible municipalities.
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With the renewal of the CCBF program, the most significant changes are:
- Municipalities with a per capita calculation of less, will receive a minimum of $2,000 annually;
- Municipalities with 2021 census populations of 30,000 and greater will have additional mandatory housing-related reporting requirements; and
- The associated Municipal Compliance Strategy has been revised. Information can be found on saskatchewan.ca
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If your municipality is agreeable to the terms and conditions, you are encouraged to sign and return your agreement to ccbfprogram@gov.sk.ca no later than November 1, 2024. | |
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Big Game Management Extended Hunt Pilot
The Ministry of Environment and Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation (SCIC) have been receiving a higher volume of concerns and compensation requests from agricultural producers regarding damage from deer and elk congregating on their property, ruining their feedstock and products.
To address this issue, the Ministry of Environment, SCIC, Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM), Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation (SWF) and the Ministry of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety (CPPS) developed the Big Game Management Extended Hunt (BGMEH) pilot. This pilot will allow hunting tags to be issued in rural municipalities (RM) with high levels of wildlife damage to agricultural products.
From November 1 to 10, the Ministry of Environment has initiated the BGMEH pilot in the following RMs:
- Livingstone (331)
- Hazel Dell (335)
- Kelvington (366)
- Bjorkdale (426)
- Leask (464)
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Each RM will be allocated an additional 50 antlerless elk licences above what was allocated through the Big Game Draw.
Starting October 15 at 9 a.m., licences for the BGMEH will be available through HAL on a first come – first serve basis and are available to Saskatchewan residents only.
RMs selected for the BGMEH are defined as hotspots. These RMs were selected based on SCIC inspections since 2021 and areas with a history of extensive damage to producer crops and feed. Only official damage claims to SCIC are used when assessing the requirement for implementing a BGMEH.
Producers operating within these hotspots will be encouraged to allow hunting on their land. SCIC will require producers to allow hunters reasonable access to farmlands as a condition of receiving payment from the Wildlife Damage Compensation and Prevention Program. Hunters are still required to request access to hunt on private land.
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Building and Technical Standards Fall Workshops
The Ministry of Government Relations Building and Technical Standards Branch (BTS) will be hosting workshops this fall on legislative framework and integrated systems training. The deadline to register for these workshops is November 1, 2024. Please see further details below:
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Legislative Framework Training Workshop and Challenge Exam
The objective of this workshop is to provide a better understanding of Saskatchewan’s construction legislation and regulations for the successful application of the National Building Code of Canada 2020 and the National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings 2020.
Date: November 6 and 7, 2024
Times: 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., 12:45 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on both days.
Location: Royal Hotel Regina, 4025 Albert Street, Regina
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CAN/ULC S1001 'Integrated Systems Testing of Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems' Workshop
The purpose of this workshop is intended to equip participants with an understanding of the requirements of CAN/ULC-S1001 ‘Integrated Systems Testing of Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems’ and the requirements of its application as required by the National Building Code of Canada 2020 and the National Fire Code of Canada 2020.
Saskatoon
Date: November 4, 2024,
Time: 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Location: Saskatoon Inn, 2002 Airport Drive
Regina
Date: November 5, 2024
Time: 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Location: Royal Hotel Regina, 4025 Albert Street
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If you are interested in additional training, you can find more information on the BTS course page linked below. If you have any questions about the workshops, please contact us at 306-787-4113 or btstandards@gov.sk.ca. | |
The following RMs have requested the information below to be distributed and will be billed for using this service. | |
Looking to Hire:
RM of Britannia No. 502, Office Support Assistant, Sept 25 - Close
RM of Dufferin No. 190, Administrator, Sept 25 - Close
RM of Touchwood No. 248, Administrator, Sept 30 - Close
RM of Eyebrow No. 193, Administrator, Oct 11 - Close
RM of Montrose No. 315, Administrator, Oct 20 - Close
RM of Wolseley No. 155, Administrator, Oct 25 - Close
Looking to Buy/Sell:
There are no active buy/sell ads.
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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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Michelin Tire Program
Did you know that the Canoe Procurement Group of Canada Partner Program lowers maintenance costs by providing products with exceptional mileage performance at competitive prices? Check out Canoe Procurement's Michelin Tire Program flyer for more information.
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Election Supplies
With the upcoming election, please remember that ballot and envelope orders are placed through Adventure Printing directly, using the online ordering portal.
All other election supplies can be obtained through SUMA at suma@suma.org.
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New SARM Procurement Advising Service Available!
Do you find it difficult to navigate the regulations of public sector purchasing, trade regulations, tenders, RFPs, etc.?
SARM’s Member Purchasing department has expanded its services to provide dedicated guidance, coaching, support, and education to rural municipalities on their procurements. The goal of procurement advising is to support rural municipalities to get the best value possible for the goods and services they need in the most efficient way.
SARM’s procurement advising services are provided to SARM members free of charge as added value with their SARM membership. To access SARM’s procurement advising services, simply reach out to the Procurement Advisor and complete and return the Service Agreement. Procurement advising services can be provided by telephone, email, video call, or in person (akozak@sarm.ca; 306-761-3722).
SARM also remains in close partnership with Canoe Procurement Group of Canada so that SARM members can continue to access the exceptional array of supplier programs they offer.
Learn more about SARM Member Purchasing on our website.
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Tire Highlights for Fall
Canoe Member Offers
Kal Tire offers a wide variety of grader, light duty, and commercial tires to cover your needs this fall and all year round. Check out the flyers linked below for more information. Contact your Kal Tire representative joel_rockwoord@kaltire.com or kara_hiebert@kaltire.com for additional details and pricing.
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Municipal Leadership Development
Program (MLDP)
Fall Registrations Open Shortly!
Check Back Soon for Updates!
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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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SARM Webinars
SARM offers webinars for members. Not only can you participate in these live, but you can also have them as a resource to view again when it’s convenient. Past topics have included:
- Tax Enforcement
- Municipal Investment Solutions
- Drainage Products and Solutions
- Saskatchewan's Property Assessment System
- Combating Crime in Saskatchewan
- Pest Control Product Compliance
- Municipal Leaders' Roles and Responsibilities
- And more
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At this month’s board meeting, SARM welcomed discussions with the Minister of Highways Lori Carr, connecting on priority matters related to rural infrastructure needs and development in Saskatchewan. | | |
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SARM is pleased to see the provincial government’s investment through the RIRG program in 13 rural road projects. This funding assistance will support crucial infrastructure upgrades, allowing RMs to continue exporting goods to global markets. | | |
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SARM supports the concerns raised by SaskCanola over the anti-dumping investigation by China’s Ministry of Commerce. China is an important market for canola trade, and this could have a detrimental impact on the entire Canadian canola industry. | | | | |
