WHEREAS the provincial government receives royalties from resources; and

WHEREAS the provincial government receives revenue from the taxation of petroleum product sales; and

WHEREAS highways, roads and infrastructure in the areas of the province from which these resources are taken are severely stressed and damaged;

BE IT RESOLVED that SARM lobby the Provincial government to develop a viable solution(s) to help RMs deal with the deteriorating infrastructure that industry needs to contribute to our economy.

Response from Honourable Jim Reiter, Minister of Government Relations

The Government of Saskatchewan recognizes the infrastructure challenges facing rural municipalities.   The Ministry of Government Relations has helped support infrastructure priorities identified by municipalities by providing significant funding over the past six years.  The government has shown commitment to supporting investment in rural municipal roads in resource areas through the Municipal Roads for the Economy Program, which is administered by SARM.

Saskatchewan's approach towards a long-term infrastructure strategy is intended to be more than just about money. The overall approach to how municipal infrastructure matters are addressed needs to be based on advance planning, making appropriate and strategic funding decisions, and managing for the full life-cycle of assets.

The Federal 2013 budget tabled on March 21, 2013, contains provisions for several infrastructure grant structures. The Govermnent of Saskatchewan is committed to being a partner in federal-provincial  funding programs that support municipal infrastructure. Over the coming months as more information becomes available, the Ministry of Government Relations will be in contact with SARM and our other municipal partners to provide more detail regarding these programs.

Updated response from the Ministry of Government Relations dated July 4, 2017