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Local government is often said to be the form of government closest to the people. In Saskatchewan there are distinct but similar forms of local governments: the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN), Métis Nation – Saskatchewan (MN-S), Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM), Saskatchewan School Boards Association (SSBA,) and the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA) all represent local governments. 

These partner organizations identified a need to increase understanding and engagement in the systems of local democracy. Local Government Week was established to increase public awareness about the role local government plays in our communities. The official proclamation from the province designated Local Government Week November 14-20, 2022 – note, this is the fifth year that Local Government Week has been proclaimed. Local Government Week is meant to acknowledge, educate, and celebrate the operation and importance of local civic institutions.

Rural Municipality Facts

  • 296 rural municipalities (RMs) in Saskatchewan today
  • RMs are governed by elected councils – reeves and councillors
  • Approximately 2,000 elected councillors and reeves
  • Approximately 20 per cent of Saskatchewan residents live within the boundaries of an RM
  • RMs maintain 1478 bridges in the province
  • RMs are responsible for maintaining over 165,000 kilometers of rural municipal roads the most per capita of any jurisdiction in the world.
  • There are more than 2,100 people employed by RMs in Saskatchewan