Advocacy
At the direction of the SARM Board, the Policy & Research team meets and speaks with members and outside agencies on issues important to RMs, including bringing concerns forth at the provincial and federal levels.
Fall 2024 Priorities
Ag Labour Shortages
On-farm labour shortages have become a growing concern for Saskatchewan farmers, who are facing significant challenges in securing a reliable workforce.
Broadband & Cellular Coverage
Reliable broadband and cellular services are essential to unlocking the full potential of Saskatchewan’s rural areas. The current federal funding model, based on population density, fails to address prairie-specific challenges like vast rural areas and remote Indigenous communities.
Capital Gains Inclusion Rate & Lifetime Exemption
SARM is concerned about the June 25, 2024, changes to the capital gains inclusion rate and Lifetime Capital Gains Exemption (LCGE). Many Saskatchewan agricultural operations are incorporated to aid succession planning and asset transfer, ensuring income for retiring generations while enabling younger generations to continue family farms.
Opportunities for Rural Growth & Development
SARM seeks to find ways to grow Saskatchewan’s rural workforce, explore ideas that foster innovation, strengthen global food security, unite the country through infrastructure investment, and create consistent broadband uniformity.
Energy
Reliable, affordable energy is crucial for Saskatchewan’s agriculture, livestock, and critical minerals sectors. Canada’s food security, economic growth, and the global clean energy transition. Addressing rising energy costs, infrastructure investments, and technological readiness is essential for the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of rural Saskatchewan.
Global Food Security
In June 2022, Prime Minister Trudeau highlighted the urgent global crisis of food insecurity, which fuels hunger, instability, and conflict. With global grain stocks dwindling and rising costs impacting agricultural productivity, Canadians are facing unprecedented food prices.
Soil Health
In April 2022, the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Forestry emphasized the urgent need to combat soil degradation caused by climate impacts, urbanization, and mismanagement.
Policing & Public Safety
Rural Saskatchewan is facing rising crime, slow emergency response times, and significant gaps in firefighting and paramedic services, endangering public safety.
Rural Infrastructure
RMs in Saskatchewan have relatively small populations spread across a large geographical distance, and yet, they remain a major contributor to ensuring that our nation’s export market remains active and strong. Local infrastructure is often required to support more extensive investments in the provincial and federal economies.
Supply Chain Management
Agriculture relies heavily on stable global supply chains. Disruptions, especially for a landlocked province like Saskatchewan, pose significant risks. Interruptions in rail or port services can create a ripple effect that impacts rural municipalities, local farmers, and Canada’s economy.
Treaty Land Entitlement
The Government of Saskatchewan is working with Canada and First Nations to resolve outstanding Treaty land obligations. Rural municipalities (RMs) are concerned about shortfalls in the Rural Municipal Tax Loss Compensation Trust Fund (TLE Trust Fund), which originally covered 99 RMs.
Water Infrastructure
Investing in water infrastructure is essential for the long-term viability of rural Saskatchewan. Improved water storage, conservation, and distribution systems will enhance drought resilience, support sustainable agriculture, and protect natural resources.
Water Management & Wetland Policy
The Water Security Agency’s (WSA) Water Management Strategy and wetland policy are key to sustaining agricultural productivity and preserving wetlands. With 86% of wetlands undrained, these areas enhance water quality, reduce flood risks, and recharge groundwater. A balanced Water Stewardship Policy is needed to promote sustainable agriculture, protect resources, and drive economic growth.
