For Immediate Release
SARM June Division 6 Meeting addresses key regional issues
Carbon tax, drainage and rural crime were three key topics addressed at the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM) Division 6 meeting on June 11, 2018, in North Battleford. Every June meetings are held throughout the province to provide an opportunity for members to get a more in depth look at key issues affecting their division.
Carbon Tax
SARM remains firmly opposed to the federal government’s threat of imposing a carbon tax in Saskatchewan. A carbon tax would have a detrimental effect to our province’s agricultural sector and rural Saskatchewan.
“SARM does not believe a federal carbon tax is the most effective policy tool for reducing greenhouse gas emissions or mitigating climate change,” stated Ray Orb, SARM President. SARM continues to support the province’s made-in-Saskatchewan plan to address the critical issue of climate change.
Todd MacKay, Prairie Director, Canadian Taxpayers Federation reiterated to the membership their concerns about the negative impacts a carbon tax would have on the economy and the average income earner.
Drainage
SARM members have passed a number of resolutions throughout the years on issues related to drainage and flooding. Most recently, In 2017, two resolutions were passed in opposition to Bill 44, the Water Security Agency Amendment Act. SARM has a representative on an advisory committee to the Water Security Agency to help guide policy work.
Clinton Molde, Executive Director, Integrated Water Services, Water Security Agency and Al Keller, Supervisor Northeast Regional Services, Water Security Agency, were in attendance to speak about drainage issues in the province.
Rural Crime Watch
Rural crime is an issue throughout Canada. Cpl. Mel Zurevinsky, Crime Prevention/Crime Reduction, RCMP presented further details about the Rural Crime Watch program to the membership.
“We applaud the RCMP in this effort and encourage RMs to participate in the Rural Crime Watch program,” said Orb. The program is regaining relevance and nearly 90 municipalities are now participating.
The division meeting opened with an update on SARM programs and concluded with a bear-pit session with SARM Board members.
For more information please contact:
Jay Meyer
Executive Director
(306) 761-3721
