February 2023

Note: certain email platforms distort the Rural Sheaf (RS) formatting. It is viewed best as a webpage through your internet browser.

View as Webpage

SARM Elections 2023

With the nomination period for President, Vice President, and Division Directors for Divisions 2, 4, and 6 ending on February 16, 2023, at 5:00 PM, SARM would like to announce:

The following individuals have been acclaimed to the SARM Board of Directors:

• President: Ray Orb, RM of Cupar No. 218
• Vice President: Bill Huber, RM of Lipton No. 217
• Division 4: Myron Kopec, RM of Buchanan No. 304
• Division 6: Darwin Whitfield, RM of Oakdale No. 320

There will be an election at the SARM Annual Convention on Thursday, March 16, 2023 in Division 2. The elections will take place at the Division 2 Division Meeting.

The candidates include:

• Norm Nordgulen: RM of Lake of the Rivers No. 72
• Tim Brodt: RM of Edenwold No. 158
• Cody Jordison: RM of Lumsden No. 189
• Susan Oakley-Paul: RM of Sherwood No. 159

2023 Annual Convention Resolutions

The SARM Resolutions Committee met over the last number of weeks to review the resolutions submitted to the annual convention and provide guidance to improve the resolution process.

There are two resolution documents linked below. One document consists of only the resolutions and the other includes the resolutions submitted with the background.

NOTE: 

1. The submitted background is what each sponsor has provided.
2. Please share with your council prior to the convention.

The resolutions for convention will also be available as part of the SARM Convention App and printed in the SARM Convention Guide.

The Networking Breakfast, sponsored by Calcium Incorporated / Kortech / Triple S Transport / Green Earth Road Spraying / MG30 / Ward Chemical, will be held on March 16th from 8-9 am.

Attendees can mix and mingle with fellow local leaders and enjoy a free breakfast before heading into convention.

This event is only open to RM administrators and council members and does not require registration to attend. All RM administrators and council members will receive a ticket for the breakfast when they check in onsite at convention.

Join us for breakfast before convention on Wednesday March 15th from 8-9am. Be ready to network and participate in a roundtable discussion lead by Judy Harwood, SARM Division 5 Director. Registration is required and space is limited.

Date: March 15, 2023

Time: 8:00 to 9:00 a.m.

Location: Hall C, Prairieland Park, Saskatoon

The deadline to register is February 28, 2023.

Applications open for Grey Cup Festival Legacy Grant Program – February 27 deadline



The Grey Cup Festival Legacy Grant Program is designed to establish and support legacy projects across Saskatchewan that focus on youth, healthy lifestyles and mental health.

The maximum grant per application is $50,000. Funding can be used for infrastructure projects and programming costs. Saskatchewan municipalities, Indigenous communities and registered charitable organizations are eligible to apply. 

The application deadline is February 27, 2023.

Eligibility Expanded for Rural and Remote Recruitment Incentive

Eligibility has been expanded for Saskatchewan's Rural and Remote Recruitment Incentive of up to $50,000 to provide more opportunities for health care professionals. This incentive is available to new employees in nine high-priority positions in rural and remote areas. 

Applications are now open and will close on March 1, 2023 or while funds last.

Consultations on Proposed Amendments to The Building Code Regulations, The Energy Code Regulations and The Plumbing Code Regulations

The Ministry of Government Relations is proposing amendments to the three regulations made pursuant to The Construction Codes, specifically The Building Code Regulations, The Energy Code Regulations and The Plumbing Code Regulations.

In addition to the adoption of the 2020 editions of the construction codes, amendments have been proposed to address Saskatchewan-specific concerns. This includes:

• adding several new definitions and revising a number of existing definitions to provide clarity and a more common understanding;
• identifying the energy efficiency tiers and climate zone ratings listed in the NBC and NECB that will apply in Saskatchewan;
• requiring inspections by engineers or architects of certain types of large buildings;
• allowing child care centers to be classified as Group A, Division 2 assembly occupancies to harmonize the application of codes;
• clarifying the requirements for carbon monoxide and smoke detectors in existing buildings constructed between 1988 and 2009; and
• allowing homeowners to obtain a permit from their relevant local authority for plumbing work on their own primary residences.

Apply now for a 2023 Education for Sustainable Development Recognition Award

Are you involved in educational work that supports the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (2015-2030) or the Earth Charter Principles? Would wider recognition of your work help strengthen your ability to continue it?  Consider applying for a 2023 Recognition Award! 

The deadline for applications is March 31. Apply for an Award

Projects that meet eligibility criteria will be recognized at RCE Saskatchewan’s 15^th Annual Education for Sustainable Development Recognition Event on the morning of Wednesday, May 3, 2023, at the E.A. Rawlinson Centre for the Arts in Prince Albert. 

During the afternoon our event co-host, the Prince Albert Historical Society, will provide a historical tour of downtown Prince Albert ending at the Historical Museum where participants will visit the Kistapinanihk/ Omanicye Makoca/ Tl’ogh tele The Gathering Place exhibit which features Prince Albert’s Indigenous history from 10,000 years ago to 1905. The exhibit was created under the guidance of Indigenous Knowledge Keepers from the Prince Albert Grand Council tribal groups and the Metis Nation and involved local schools and community members. RCE Saskatchewan’s patron, the Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan, His Honour the Honorable Russ Mirasty will join us for the awards ceremony. 

SARM Interactive Online Calendar - March

Respect in the Workplace Training

Since 2019, SARM has been fortunate to offer the Respect in the Workplace Training at half the cost due to SARM’s partnership with the Respect Group. This program is designed to empower your team with the skills to prevent bullying, abuse, harassment, and discrimination. Our goal is to have our members, both council and staff, certify themselves through the training. The program takes approximately 90 minutes and is done online in one sitting, but we recommend you break it up. You can come and go from the modules. The focus of the training is on culture change but of equal importance is the legal risk and liability avoidance it affords. 

The certification costs $20.00 per person. Councils and staff simply register for the training. SARM will invoice the members on a quarterly basis based on your activity. It’s as simple as that. 

Linked below, in both English and French, are the registration and access instructions for Respect in the Workplace. You will also see the “Respect in the Workplace One pager”. Providing these instructions to your users simplifies the registration process for end-users and reduces possible confusion or challenges.

For helpdesk support, please go to:

https://support.respectgroupinc.com

Let’s have a goal of all our members to become Respect Certified.  

The following RM’s have requested the information below to be distributed and will be billed for using this service.

Looking to Hire:

RM of Rodgers No. 133, Equipment Operator, MAR 9 - Close

RM of Pleasantdale No. 398, Administrator, MAR 17 - Close

RM of Dundurn No. 314, Superintendent of Public Works, MAR 15 - Close

RM of Eagle Creek No. 376, Grader Operator and Seasonal Mower Operator, MAR 17 - Close

RM of Calder No. 241, Seasonal Utility Operator, MAR 13 - Close

RM of Tecumseh No. 65, Seasonal Mower/ General Operator, MAR 3 - Close

Town of Birch Hills, Chief Administrative Officer/Administrator, MAR 12 - Close

RM of Prairie Rose No. 309, Municipal Maintenance Foreman, MAR 7 - Close

Resort Village of Aquadeo, Urban Municipal Administrator, MAR 8 - Close

RM of Aberdeen No. 373, Seasonal Grader Operator, MAR 8 - Close

RM of Glen McPherson No. 46, Summer Student, FEB 27 - Close

RM of Glen McPherson No. 46, Utility Operator, FEB 27 - Close

RM of Mankota No. 45, Temporary Administrative Assistant, FEB 27 - Close

RM of Grant No. 372, Seasonal Tractor/ Mower Operator, FEB 28 - Close

RM of Rosemount No. 378, Grader Operator, MAR 1 - Close

RM of Saskatchewan Landing No. 167, Equipment/Grader Operator and/or Truck Driver/Equipment Operator, FEB 26 - Close

RM of Montmartre No. 126, Seasonal Fulltime Equipment Operator, FEB 25 - Close

RM of Meadow Lake No. 588, CAO/Administrator, APR 30 - Close

RM of Enterprise No. 142, Administrator, FEB 24 - Close

RM of Wellington No. 97, Seasonal Maintenance Employee, FEB 24 - Close

RM of Waverely No. 44, Seasonal Grader/Equipment Operator, MAR 10 - Close

Looking to Buy/Sell:

RM of Coulee No. 136, For Sale By Tender: Deere Backhoe, FEB 24 - Close

The Municipal Leadership Development Program (MLDP) is a series of modules developed exclusively for elected and appointed municipal leaders in Saskatchewan. Mayors, reeves, councillors and municipal staff are able to benefit from this program that is designed to strengthen local government leadership.

Well-being in Saskatchewan Communities

Policy and community life: summary of province-wide survey results

SaskWellbeing and the Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy partnered to undertake a survey of Saskatchewan municipalities to better understand how well-being impacts policy & community planning. Individuals representing municipalities across Saskatchewan were invited to share their understanding of well-being in their communities.

The next step is to meet with municipalities for 30-45 min interviews. Some RMs have already expressed interest in participating in the interview process. If you haven't had a chance to advise of your interest, please email: Iryna.Khovrenkov@uregina.ca

The preliminary results of the survey conducted last summer explores the quality-of-life approach to community planning. Survey respondents suggested several ideas on how municipalities can adopt and promote well-being in their communities.

Sign up for free webinars in February and March

Register now for free webinars hosted by Tourism Saskatchewan, beginning on February 1. These one-hour sessions will offer knowledge and advice on marketing, social media, worker recruitment, customer service and other topics of interest to tourism and hospitality businesses.

Sign up for the following:



• Online Reputation Management, March 1, 12 p.m.
• Traditional Marketing and the Growth of Digital, March 7, 7 p.m.
• Recruiting with Diversity in Mind, March 15, 2 p.m.
• Handling Difficult Conversations, March 21, 12 p.m.
• Building an Online Presence, March 28, 11 a.m.
• Top Tips to Market your Business on Social Media in 2023, March 30, 2 p.m.

New webinars will be added monthly. Check out the full list of upcoming Courses and Workshops on Tourism Saskatchewan’s Business Hub. 

Governing Sustainable Municipalities Project - Public Talks

Saskatchewan’s municipalities are well-positioned to lead Saskatchewan into a more sustainable future. The Governing Sustainable Municipalities project’s objective is to support Saskatchewan municipalities’ efforts to advance their sustainability goals. This research and engagement project pays particular attention to the skills training and labour market dimensions of sustainability, to issues of equity, diversity and inclusion, and the engagement of underserved groups.

Activities and Deliverables (All events will follow a hybrid model allowing participants to attend in-person or remotely)

In order for the Ministry of Agriculture to collect the data they need to produce pest forecasts, direct research and detect emerging problems. The Ministry of Agriculture needs to access fields. Your consent will allow them to monitor pests on your property and will contribute greatly to the health of the agriculture industry in Saskatchewan.

The Ministry of Agriculture is asking that rural property owners sign up to be part of upcoming pest monitoring work.

Insurance &

Benefits

In partnership with your employer, Homeweb is introducing the Homewood Pathfinder Suite. Homewood Pathfinder is designed to enhance Homeweb - your current online mental health and wellness portal. It will assess the reason for accessing the program, determine how serious your concern is, your level of risk and your care preferences and offer you the right Employee Assistance Program service or resource at the right time. Where clinically appropriate you are able to book services or connect with a professional immediately, and through Pathfinder you can also manage service scheduling.

Member Purchasing exists to serve SARM’s members and their communities by facilitating the efficient and economic purchase of goods and services.

It is our goal for all SARM’s member RMs to make Member Purchasing their first stop when they seek to procure what they need.

Reach out to:

Amanda Kozak,

Member Purchasing Advisor

akozak@sarm.ca or 306.761.3722

SARM Webinars

SARM offers webinars for members. Not only can you participate in these live, but you can also have them as a resource to view again when it’s convenient. Past topics have included:

• Fire Bans and Emergency Preparedness
• Municipal Safety Manual
• Civic Addressing
• Municipal Leaders' Roles and Responsibilities
• Tendering and Procurement Best Practices
• Mental Wellness in Agriculture – Fostering Resiliency
• Nuclear Power in Saskatchewan
• Principles for Positive Employment Relations
• And more

SARM News Releases (NR)

SARM President, Ray Orb, and the Minister of Environment Dana Skoropad catching up on environmental issues that matter to rural Saskatchewan.

#wildlife #landfills #ruralmatters

SARM meeting with RCMP Assistant Commissioner Rhonda Blackmore discussing the importance of working together when it comes to the challenges that come with policing rural Saskatchewan. #RuralMatters #RuralCrime

SBAC focus:

-Assist with addressing long-standing issues affecting broadband connectivity; and,

-Advise and direct actions leading to a shared strategy, investment, and vision.

Learn more: https://sarm.ca/resources/saskatchewan-broadband-action-committee/