The Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM), alongside its member rural municipalities (RMs), highlights both the positive aspects and concerns regarding rural communities across the province in this year’s provincial budget.
“Today’s budget includes several priorities that our members have been advocating for, although there is still room for improvement. We believe that these initiatives will significantly support our RMs and the people living in rural Saskatchewan,” says Bill Huber, SARM President.
Budget Highlights
Municipal Revenue Sharing
SARM is pleased with the increase, recognizing that RMs are a key component in driving our economy.
“The increase of 6.3 per cent from last year is always welcome; RMs have a major responsibility to provide the infrastructure that drives the major sectors of Saskatchewan’s economy,” says Huber.
The municipal revenue sharing model is unique to Saskatchewan. The model provides a more consistent flow of dollars to rural municipalities, which is greatly appreciated by our members. Recognizing that RMs are a key component in driving our economy will be imperative as the province works towards achieving its 2030 growth plan goals. RMs will need continued and increased support going forward.
Agriculture
Agriculture is the backbone of rural Saskatchewan and SARM is pleased with the investment in the Ministry of Agriculture this year. SARM supports the direction the province is taking, with SCAP receiving a $89.4M investment this year. The program is in its third year; it has been a strong program to date.
Changes to the grazing formula will provide relief for producers renting crown land. The calculation will be more straightforward, and there will be a 20% cap on rental fees. There will also be a $37M investment in agricultural research to help producers stay competitive in other markets. These are all positives to note for this year.
Rural Integrated Roads for Growth (RIRG)
Funding for rural road and bridge infrastructure is imperative for RMs to continue to provide key economic sectors with a strategic transportation network that is effective and well maintained.
While SARM appreciates the increase in RIRG funding, the rising costs and challenges of maintaining rural infrastructure remain a pressing concern. SARM will continue to advocate for additional funding to ensure that RMs can adequately maintain and upgrade rural roads and bridges.
“While we recognize the challenges in balancing various priorities within budget constraints, we urge the government to ensure RMs have sufficient funding to maintain critical rural infrastructure across the province,” Huber remarked.
Health Care
The need for increased support of rural health care is increasingly apparent. Ensuring that all residents have access to quality health care is not just a matter of convenience but a fundamental necessity that impacts the well-being and future of these communities. The virtual ER physician program and increases to EMS will improve response times and stabilize services across the province. The announced supports for 65 new and enhanced permanent full-time nursing positions in 30 rural and northern locations is also a welcomed opportunity for rural healthcare providers and our members.
The health care file is always a top priority for SARM, and our members see these as positive changes in improving rural health care in the province.
Policing and Public Safety
The bylaw court hub model announcement is a positive step towards our members being able to enforce local bylaws. SARM has been asking the province for increased measures to aid in bylaw enforcement, and the increase in courts will go a long way to providing that.
Increases to the Sask. Marshals program and the RCMP are welcome sights. SARM will continue to advocate for larger investment in rural policing and safety and supports all policing options available to rural Saskatchewan.
Moreover, SARM emphasizes the need for continued collaboration between the provincial government and RMs to address ongoing issues such as agricultural sustainability, health care, rural policing, and rural infrastructure investments.
As Saskatchewan’s association of rural municipalities, SARM remains committed to advocating for the interests and concerns of its members, working alongside the government to foster the development and prosperity of rural Saskatchewan.
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For interview requests please contact:
Amy Roettger, Manager, Strategic Communications, SARM
aroettger@sarm.ca or 306.761.3730
Background: SARM is the independent association representing rural municipalities in Saskatchewan, serving as the primary advocate for its members before senior governments.
Since 1905, SARM has been working to address the concerns of rural municipalities and ensure that their voices are heard by senior levels of government. We provide support to our members in dealing with the provincial and federal governments. We advocate on behalf of our members and help ensure their compliance with legislation and regulations.
SARM also has been mandated and plays an important role in the advocacy of Saskatchewan’s agricultural sector. SARM believes that Agriculture is more than just an industry — it is the very foundation of our rural communities.
In compliance with the Act of Incorporation, SARM directly and lawfully engages in activities that tend to advance the interests of agriculture, including the handling, transportation, processing, and marketing of grain and grain products. Furthermore, the Act instructs that SARM be an actively engaged participant and member of the Canada Grains Council, as well as other organizations, associations, councils, congresses, and bodies advancing the interests of those who produce agricultural products.
