Rural Dart

January 30, 2024

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Awards/Nominations/Scholarships

This award recognizes individuals with outstanding contributions to rural life in various aspects. Nominate anyone who you have seen exemplify one or more of the following, those who have:

shown outstanding agricultural stewardship through a commitment to sustainable agriculture, responsible land use, and environmental stewardship.
introduced innovative practices or technologies in agriculture, contributing to the growth and sustainability of rural communities.
made significant contributions to education and knowledge dissemination in rural communities.
played a crucial role in improving healthcare access, services, or awareness in rural areas.
dedicated their time and efforts to volunteer work that enhances the quality of life in rural communities.
made outstanding efforts in community development, infrastructure improvement, or the implementation of programs that positively impact rural life.
have made significant contributions to the economic development of rural areas through business entrepreneurship.

Nominations for the 2024 Lieutenant Governor's Award must be submitted to the SARM office by January 31, 2024.

Learn More / Submit Nomination

Information & Resources

Provincial Legislative Amendment

Preventing Violence in the Workplace Policy Statement and Prevention Plan

The Saskatchewan Employment Act (the Act) protects workers against workplace violence. Section 3-21 of the Act outlines the employer's responsibility for developing and implementing a written policy statement and prevention plan (PSPP). In May 2023, an amendment was made to the Act that required all workplaces in Saskatchewan to have a PSPP by May 17, 2024.

Lifelong Learning: What's the DIG Deal?

Presented by: Saskatchewan Common Ground Alliance (SCGA)

Did you know, that digging can be carried out by just about anyone, including homeowners, farmers, contractors, home builders, equipment operators, landscapers, land surveyors, and developers? It occurs every day all around us. From installing fence posts and sprinklers to pipelines and fibre optic cables, everyone and anyone that is involved in excavation or digging needs to be aware of the risks that could be associated and the best practices for safe ground disturbance.

Throughout our province, there are thousands of kilometres of underground infrastructure. These utilities may carry natural gas or oil, electricity, communication lines, or water. Any one of these utilities struck during digging can cause dangerous consequences for you, your family, and your community.

The Saskatchewan Common Ground Alliance (SCGA) works with industry stakeholders and the digging community to promote effective damage prevention and safe excavation/digging practices, with the goal of reducing damages to buried utilities.

In this presentation, we will review why safe digging practices are important and also provide you with an overview of Sask 1st Call, the change that has occurred, and why your RMs could benefit from subscribing.

Date: February 22, 2024

Time: 10-11:00 a.m.

Cost: Free

Municipal Tax Policy for Agricultural Crown Lands

With municipal taxes coming due December 31, now is a good time to become familiar with the Ministry of Agriculture’s Municipal Tax Policy for agricultural Crown lands. This policy outlines how the ministry and the Rural Municipality (RM) can work together to ensure that any outstanding taxes levied on leased agricultural Crown land are paid in a timely fashion.

RMs can request payment for taxes owing on leased agricultural Crown land if there are any unpaid amounts five business days after December 31st of the year in which the taxes were levied. The first step is for the RM to complete and submit the Agreement Cancellation Request Form to Corporate Services. Corporate Services will not be sending out this form, it has been linked below for your convenience. This form needs to be submitted no later than February 5, 2024. Due to the strict payment terms, we cannot process late applications. If you have questions, please contact Corporate Services at billinginquiryag@gov.sk.ca or 306-787-7191.

Once this form is received by the ministry, a Notice of Cancellation will be sent to the lessee if the amount owing is $200 or more. If taxes are not paid by the lessee within 21 business days after the issuance of the Notice of Cancellation, the lease will be cancelled. The ministry will only pay up to one year of tax arrears (the 2023 tax year) to the RM directly and the ministry will take the necessary actions to recover the debt from the former lessee. If the RM receives payment for taxes, after the ministry provides a grant in lieu, from the former lessee on a cancelled lease, the RM will refund all taxes paid by the ministry.

For more information on the municipal tax policy please visit www.saskatchewan.ca.

Agreement Cancellation Request Form

Disclaimer: The following RMs have requested the information below to be distributed and will be billed for using this service.

Looking to Hire:

RM of Maryfield No. 91, Summer Student Employment Opportunity, APR 10 - Close

RM of Waverley No. 44, Seasonal Grader/Equipment Operator, MAR 8 - Close

RM of Maryfield No. 91, Seasonal Operator, MAR 6 - Close

RM of Barrier Valley No. 97, General Maintenance Personnel, FEB 29 - Close

Town of Whitecourt, Director or Infrastructure, FEB 23 - Close

RM of Caledonia No. 99, Seasonal Mower & General Labourer, FEB 21 - Close

RM of Caledonia No. 99, Seasonal Grader Operator, FEB 21 - Close

RM of Langenburg No. 181, Administrator, FEB 15 - Close

RM of Langenburg No. 181, Working Foreman, FEB 15 - Close

RM of McCraney No. 282, Seasonal Equipment Operator, FEB 14 - Close

RM of Progress No. 351, Grader Operator, FEB 14 - Close

Town of St. Walburg, Chief Administrative Officer, FEB 14 - Close

RM of Waverley No. 44, Administrator, FEB 14 - Close

RM of Rosemount No. 378, Grader Operator, FEB 11 - Close

RM of Marquis No. 191, Office Assistant, FEB 11 - Close

RM of Newcombe No. 260, Heavy Equipment Operator, FEB 11 - Close

RM of Arlington No. 79, Utility Person, FEB 11 - Close

RM of Montmartre No. 126, Seasonal Equipment Operator, FEB 9 - Close

RM of Glen McPherson No. 46, Seasonal Equipment Operator, FEB 7 - Close

RM of Glen McPherson No. 46, Seasonal Utility Operator, FEB 7 - Close

RM of Sasman No. 336, Administrator, FEB 3 - Close

RM of Val Marie No. 17, Seasonal Utility Operator, JAN 31 - Close

RM of Val Marie No. 17, Seasonal Maintenance Operator, JAN 31 - Close

Looking to Buy/Sell:

RM of Frenchman Butte No. 501, For Sale: 2018 John Deere 872G Grader, FEB 11 - Close

If you have questions or would like to post in the SARM Classifieds contact: 306.757.3577 or sarm@sarm.ca

Please send your advertisement in a Word Document.

SARM Classifieds

Three Public Safety Agencies Team Up For New Emergency Response Vehicle

The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA), the Regina Police Service (RPS), and Regina Fire and Protective Services (RFPS) unveiled a new emergency vehicle as well as a new partnership between the three agencies.

Crown Land Grazing Rates Frozen for 2024

The Government of Saskatchewan is freezing the 2024 Crown land grazing rate at 2022 levels, as the industry continues to deal with the effects of several years of dry conditions. Producers who must reduce their stocking rates on leased Crown land due to drought will also again be eligible for a rent reduction.

Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan Invest Over $6 Million in Livestock and Forage Research

A total of $6.8 million in funding was announced by Canada's Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Lawrence MacAulay and Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister David Marit for livestock and forage research activities.

Provided through the Agriculture Development Fund (ADF) under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), this investment will support a total of 30 new research projects for 2024. This year’s funding is a nearly 14 per cent increase compared to last year.

To view past issues of the Rural Dart, visit the Publications page on the SARM website.

Rural Dart Archive