The Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM) is the principal advocate in representing RMs before all levels of senior government. As the voice of rural Saskatchewan for more than a century, SARM has spoken strongly and clearly to represent rural Saskatchewan interests. With the announcement of a federal election, SARM is taking this opportunity to outline its members’ needs from the next federal government.
Bill Huber, SARM’s President, says the impending federal election is an opportunity to speak with federal policymakers to establish priorities that align with the realities of rural communities. As Huber explains, the issues that dominate urban centres are often very different from the challenges faced by rural communities.
“Rural voices have often felt sidelined over the last decade,” says Huber. “But effective leadership in federal politics requires a vision that includes all Canadians, down to the smallest rural municipalities. Parliament Hill must be reminded that these communities are not only home to the nation’s agricultural backbone but also critical to ensuring that Canada meets its national and international trade obligations.”
As Huber is quick to point out, “rural Saskatchewan feeds not only the country but the world.” That reality is something that SARM believes requires the respect and support of federal candidates and policymakers.
SARM is working daily to outline what that support must look like, including better access to healthcare, infrastructure investments, agricultural support, broadband access, policing resources, and a total repeal of the carbon tax.
Historically, rural municipalities are left competing for federal funding with much larger centres, despite programs specifically carved out for rural Canada. SARM has long advocated that when considering the definition of “rural,” the federal government needs to consider factors like geographical spread and contributions to Canada’s gross domestic product (GDP), rather than relying so heavily on population numbers.
“As election campaigns get underway, the importance of rural voices in shaping Canada’s future cannot be overstated,” says Huber. “For Saskatchewan, in particular, the stakes are high. Federal leaders must demonstrate their understanding of rural and agriculture producers’ needs and commit to crafting policies that bridge those divides, ensuring that our rural priorities are not just heard but acted upon.”
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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.
