Wednesday, March 12 – Highlights
Over 1700 reeves, councillors, administrators, visitors and guests, from over 270 RMs have registered at the 2008 SARM Annual Convention.
Bear-Pit Session with Provincial Cabinet
Cabinet members in attendance at the bear pit session were Deputy Premier and Minister of Education, Ken Krawetz; Dan D’Autremont, Minister of Government Services, SLGA and Information Technology Office; Don Morgan, Minister of Justice, Ken Cheveldayoff, Minister of Crown Corporations; Rob Norris, Minister of Advanced Education, Employment and Labour; Wayne Elhard, Minister of Highways and Infrastructure; Bill Hutchinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and the Saskatchewan Gaming Corporation; Donna Harpauer, Minister of Social Services; Bob Bjornerud, Minister of Agriculture; Don McMorris Minister of Health; Rob Gantefoer, Minister of Finance; Nancy Heppner, Environment Minister; June Draude, Minister of First Nations and Metis Relations and Northern Affairs; Darryl Hicke, Minister of Corrections, Public Safety and Policing; Christine Tell, Minister Minister of Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport and Minister Responsible for the Capital City Commission and Lyle Stewart Minister of Enterprise and Innovation. Some of the questions asked by delegates were on education tax, infrastructure, crop insurance, irrigation, economic development, and school closures.
Resolutions Session
The following resolutions were debated and voted on as follows:
1 08A Tax Loss Compensation Statements carried
2 08A Road Maintenance Agreements (1) carried
3 08A Road Maintenance Agreements (2) carried
4 08A Rural Municipal Signing System carried
5 08A Tax Assessment carried
6 08A Taxation of Mineral Rights lost
7 08A Emergency Services Signage carried
8 08A Standard Rural Addressing System carried
9 08A Control Of Predators carried
10 08A Littering Along Highways carried
11 08A Control of Big Game Animals carried
12 08A Penalty for Destruction of Traffic Signs carried
13 08A Moratorium on School Closures carried
14 08A Removal of Demand Meters carried
15 08A New Agricultural Operations Utility Costs carried
16 08A Utility Rates for Recreational Facilities carried
17 08A Sask 1st Call carried
18 08A High Speed Internet Service carried
19 08A RUD Program carried
Workshops
There were four workshops held. Brad Korbo and Steve Suchan provided an overview of the agricultural land assessment changes being implemented. Bob Cormier provided delegates with information on severe weather climatology and statistics, severe weather forecasting and Environment Canada’s watch/warning program. The third workshop was Sustainable Infrastructure and the Green Municipal Fund. Russ McPherson explained the process, advantages and opportunities of promoting the value of the Saskatchewan River.
Saskatchewan Municipal Hail Insurance Association Report
President Wayne Black introduced the SMHI board of directors. He also highlighted the association’s years activities. Mr. Black also announced some program changes for 2008.
Regulatory Issues Facing the Livestock Industry
The current state of the livestock industry has shifted some of SARMs focus towards issues impacting livestock producers directly. Dr. George Luterbach, program manager from the west, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, spoke about some of the regulatory changes and outline the process the CFIA undertakes when changing and implementing such regulations. Al Patau, Director at Large with the Saskatchewan Stockgrowers brought the producer perspective on how these regulatory issues can positively or negatively impact a livestock producer.
SARM Banquet and Entertainment
Over 500 tickets were sold for the SARM Wednesday night Banquet, featuring entertainment by comedian Derek Edwards. CIBC Wood Gundy sponsored the banquet and the entertainment was sponsored by New Holland.
