The SARM 101st Annual Convention is underway at the Conexus Arts Centre in Regina. 1700 people were in attendance.
During the opening ceremonies, Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan Dr. Lynda Haverstock presented the Award for Outstanding Service to Rural Saskatchewan to William Welter of Viscount. Mr. Welter spent nearly 40 years on the council of the RM of Viscount No. 341, and showed a high level of dedication and commitment to his community. The award was sponsored by SaskPower.
In the afternoon, Minister of Government Relations Harry Van Mulligen addressed delegates. Mr. Van Mulligen expressed support for SARM’s Clearing the Path initiative on economic development in rural Saskatchewan. He reiterated the Premier’s announcement of long-term, sustainable reduction of education property tax on farmland worth $52.8 million.
“Delegates are appreciative of the 30 per cent reduction in education property taxes on farmland,” says SARM President Neal Hardy.
Leader of the Opposition, Brad Wall also spoke to delegates.
Premier Lorne Calvert will give an address at 9:45 a.m. to be followed by the bear pit session with cabinet. Federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Chuck Strahl has also been added to the agenda at 1:00 p.m., which will mark Minister Strahl’s first official visit to Saskatchewan. Elections for association president will take place on the morning of March 9th.
For an agenda of the convention, see the Events section of the SARM website at www.sarm.ca.
For more information contact:
Arita McPherson
SARM Director of Agriculture Policy & Communications
Cell Phone: (306) 527-6613
