January 2025
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Lieutenant Governor's Award
For Outstanding Service to Rural Saskatchewan
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Awarded to Reeves, Councillors, or Administrators (active or retired)
for their lifetime contribution to rural Saskatchewan.
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2025 Lieutenant Governor's Award Nomination Period:
NOV 1, 2024 - JAN 31, 2025
The nomination period for the 2025 Lieutenant Governor's Award will open on November 1, 2024. Candidates must be nominated by an RM, with council’s approval, and administrator’s sign-off.
The selection committee reviews all nominations and selects one individual who has not yet been formally recognized and includes representatives from:
- Lieutenant’s Governor’s Office of Saskatchewan
- Ministry of Government Relations
- Rural Municipal Administrators’ Association
- Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities
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The award will be presented to the successful candidate at the Opening Ceremonies of the SARM Annual Convention. This forum provides an excellent opportunity to publicly recognize the recipient of this prestigious award.
Visit the SARM website for more information and to access the nomination form.
For questions or to submit nominations, contact:
Kathleen Israel, Committee Secretary
executivecoordinator@sarm.ca or 306.761.3731
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Call for Nominations
SARM Elections
The deadline for nominations to be received for SARM President, SARM Vice President, and Division Directors in Divisions 2, 4, 6 is 5:00 PM, February 13, 2025 – this date is 28 days prior to the date of the election. The date for elections is March 13, 2025.
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SARM HR Services Pilot Program
SARM is now offering Human Resources consulting services to members as part of a pilot project. We understand that this is a need for many RMs and we look forward to being able to offer advice and support on a wide range of HR issues. RM’s in the pilot divisions(Division 2 and Division 5) are able to access services including advice on people issues, hiring, terminations, performance management, compensation, recruitment, retention, change management, conflict resolution, training and many other HR related issues.
This pilot HR service is being offered through our partner MCQUEEN, who has a long-standing relationship with SARM and understands the unique needs and challenges facing rural municipalities. Together with MCQUEEN, SARM will work through this pilot to determine the optimal structure and scope for a permanent HR Service open to all SARM members. Feedback we receive through this pilot project from participating RM’s will be crucial to this study.
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HR Services principally provide rural municipalities with advice on people issues. Our HR Services team also works in collaboration with our Legal Services team to provide holistic advice and opinions on employment matters impacting RMs.
MCQUEEN is a boutique national professional advisory firm, committed to helping exceptional employers do exceptional work. Founded in 2007, MCQUEEN began as an HR consultancy and still offers many of those services today. Driven by a passion for people and building strong relationships MCQUEEN is proud to partner with SARM to offer HR services to rural municipalities in Saskatchewan.
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SARM Calendar for Outlook
Similar to last year, in conjunction with the online calendar on our website, we have created an email calendar through Outlook for SARM members looking for an easier and more efficient way to keep track of important municipal deadlines and reminders. Please note this calendar is only compatible with Outlook.
If you are an Outlook user and wish to gain access to the '2025 SARM Member Calendar’, please click the link below to download the file. Once the calendar has finished downloading, double click the file in your Downloads folder to import the contents into your Outlook calendar.
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Update New Council Member Details on SARM Website RM Directory
Don't forget to update the RM Directory on the SARM website. This will ensure that SARM and the public are kept up to date with current RM council details.
The RM Directory is also where we pull the information for SARM's convention name badges.
To access your RM Directory profile on the SARM website, please log in here and click on the “Manage your RM Directory Listing” link that is located under the Administrator’s Access for Updates heading on the Members Only homepage.
If you require any assistance, please contact coordinator@sarm.ca.
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Awards/Nominations/Scholarships | |
Saskatchewan Waste Reduction Awards
The SK Waste Reduction Awards recognize excellence in waste reduction in Saskatchewan. They are intended to promote leadership and inspire all sectors to undertake waste reduction projects. The SWRC hopes not only to provide well-deserved recognition to the winners, but also to highlight success stories for others to follow.
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Categories
- Lifetime Achievement
- Individual
- Youth/School/Youth Service Organization
- Corporation
- Small Business
- Non-profit Organization
- Municipality (<500)
- Municipality (>5000)
- Partnerships
- Festival lor Event
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Judging Criteria
Awards will be judged on:
- Environmental impacts (i.e., quantified reductions in waste, contributions to circular economy)
- Innovation and progressiveness
- Leadership
- History and track record
- Overall environmental commitment
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The deadline to submit nominations is February 10, 2025.
Winners will be announced at the awards banquet held during our ReForum Conference on May 29, 2025 in Regina, SK.
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Vacancy for Saskatchewan Representative on the FCM Board of Directors
Call for Nominations
At this moment, there are three (3) vacant seats in the Prairies and Territories Caucus. These roles must be filled by Saskatchewan representatives, who will serve until the end of the current board term in June 2025. The positions are as follows:
- at least one (1) seat for three (3) largest (by population) Municipal Members.
- one (1) or two (2) at-large seats, depending on the number of seats filled by the largest cities.
Eligibility criteria
Eligible elected municipal representatives are invited to run for these Board positions. In accordance with FCM’s bylaws, those who are eligible to serve as directors on FCM’s Board must meet the following criteria:
- Be an elected official of an FCM member municipality from Saskatchewan.
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Complete and submit the Consent and Board Profile Form.
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Submit an official resolution (see this example) endorsed by their member municipality authorizing them to seek a position on FCM’s Board of Directors and agreeing to cover the costs of their attendance at meetings.
Additional details, including information for submitting a bio and video, are available on the FCM elections page.
The deadline for submitting all nomination materials to FCM is Monday, February 17th at 5:00 pm EST.
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Agriculture Student
Scholarship
Applications Now Open
The Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan are pleased to announce that applications are now being accepted for the 2025 Agriculture Student Scholarship. There are four awards available: a grand prize scholarship valued at $6,000 and three runner up scholarships at $3,000 each.
This year's theme is solutions to challenges in agriculture. Scholarship applicants are encouraged to explore innovative farming practices, new technologies and creative ways industry can communicate with the public. The scholarship encourages applicants to share their personal perspectives on the future of agriculture in Saskatchewan.
Students are invited to submit a creative three-minute video or 1,000-word essay discussing solutions to challenges in agriculture. Scholarships will be awarded to Saskatchewan students in Grade 12 and/or recent high school/GED graduates entering agriculture-related post-secondary studies in fall 2025.
The deadline for applications is March 1, 2025.
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Beaver Control Program
Claim Deadline: February 15, 2025
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RIRG 2023 Capital Project
Upcoming Deadline
RMs with a RIRG 2023 Capital Project
This is a reminder that in accordance with your RM’s funding agreement for your 2023 RIRG Road Construction Project, all of the work that was to be completed on or before December 31, 2024 and is to be submitted to SARM before February 28, 2025.
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RIRG 2024 Clearing the Path (CTP) Statutory Declaration Reminder
RMs with a CTP Corridor
Reminder to submit your 2024 RIRG Clearing the Path Incremental Maintenance Statutory Declaration by March 30, 2025 using the online Statutory Declaration Form.
This form requires completion annually to confirm that the Road Authority has maintained the Corridor(s) to a safe and suitable level as described in their CTP Incremental Maintenance Funding Agreement.
For all following CTP programs beginning in the 2025-26 program year, the Statutory Declaration shall only be accepted from January 1st to March 30th of each year.
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The deadline for submission of the declaration is January 31, 2025. Please ensure the declaration is submitted by the deadline, even if the municipality does not meet all eligibility requirements. | |
Youth Employment and Skills Program (YESP)
2025-2026 Intake Period Open
The intake for the 2025-2026 Youth Employment and Skills Program (YESP), delivered by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, is now open. Applications will be accepted until February 24, 2025.
The Youth Employment and Skills Program helps support employers who hire youth (between the age of 15 and 30 inclusive) for agricultural related jobs by providing funding for 50% of wages to a maximum of $14,000 to employ one (1) employee.
In addition, the following employers, if approved, are eligible to receive 80% of total eligible costs, up to a maximum of $14,000:
- Indigenous individuals or organizations
- Employers who hire a youth facing barriers
Applications from Indigenous individuals and organizations will be prioritized for the 2025-2026 program year. The program will also continue to encourage applicants to hire youth facing employment barriers, however, it is not a requirement for eligibility. The program can provide up to $5,000 in additional support to offset employment barriers faced by the employee hired.
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Active Transportation Fund
The Active Transportation Fund supports the development and enhancement of active transportation networks to provide Canadians with the opportunity to safely and affordably reach destinations by active modes of transportation. A minimum of 10% of the Active Transportation Fund’s funding will be allocated to projects that benefit Indigenous populations and communities.
Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada understands the importance of shortening commute times for families, creating employment opportunities and promoting healthier lifestyles. To this end, funding will be provided to capital projects that involve new construction or enhancement of existing infrastructure that encourage travel by active methods, including sidewalks, multi-use paths and bike lanes.
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Community Rink Affordability Grant
Application Period
Applications for the 2024-25 Community Rink Affordability Grant will open on January 6, 2025.
Communities, First Nations, schools and non-profits are eligible and encouraged to register for the annual grant of $2,500 per indoor ice surface. The grant helps offset the costs of operating indoor skating and curling rinks in Saskatchewan.
The Saskatchewan government will double the program funding to $3.2 million starting in 2025-26, increasing the grant to $5,000 per rink.
The application period will run until February 28, 2025, and the grant is set to be paid out by March 2025.
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Additionally, over the coming months Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada will be hosting a series of webinars for potential applicants. Dates for english sessions are:
- January 28, 2025, 1-2:00 p.m. (EST)
- February 13, 2025, 1-2:00 p.m. (EST)
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Targeted Sector Support Initiative | |
The Targeted Sector Support (TSS) Initiative is a cost-shared grant program that uses a portion of Municipal Revenue Sharing ($1.5 million per fiscal year) to support projects that strengthen municipalities’ core operational capabilities through increased regional cooperation.
Projects under this program are intended to assist in supporting more efficient and effective municipal service delivery, and enhanced governance and administrative capacity in Saskatchewan. Partnering municipalities can apply for up to 75 per cent on eligible project costs to strengthen their core municipal responsibilities.
The TSS Steering Committee will be accepting applications for funding until April 30, 2025.
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SARM Interactive Online Calendar - February 2025
View the SARM Interactive Online Calendar to access the full year on the SARM website. This version is updated regularly as new dates of interest and deadlines are identified and should be viewed as the most current.
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Deadlines
February 1:
- To submit written notification on properties exempted from assessment for the purpose of economic development start tax enforcement list.
February 10:
- To remit and return monthly EPT funds
- To remit taxes to SMHI, Conservation & Development (C&D) and regional parks
February 15:
- For pay SARM membership fees and insurance premiums CRA source deductions remittance
- For CRA source deductions
February 28:
- To issue T4 slips
- To submit Workers’ Compensation Statement of Earnings
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Meetings
- Committee Meeting: February 5
- Committee Meeting: February 11
- Board Meeting: February 12-13
Monthly Reminder(s)
- MEPP employee and employer contributions through PLANet, as well as submitting payment is due within 15 days from the end of the pay period
Special Days
- Valentine's Day: February 14
- Family Day: February 17
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52nd Saskatchewan Safety Seminar
Saskatchewan Safety Council
The 52nd Saskatchewan Safety Seminar takes place at the World Trade Center at Prairieland Park, Saskatoon, SK on February 4-6, 2025.
This event is an excellent opportunity for those on an Occupational Health Safety Committee, or involved in any way with workplace safety, to attend professional development sessions lead by experts on a variety of current safety-related topics.
Don't miss out on this year's great lineup of keynote presentations and a trade show showcasing all the latest in safety and injury prevention products and services.
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Enhance Your Community's Climate Resilience with Free Expert Support
The Climate Ready Infrastructure Service (CRIS) is now accepting applications from local governments and communities! This new capacity-building program delivered by the Canadian Urban Institute connects municipalities with top climate and infrastructure experts at no cost.
Through this service, local governments can learn from leading subject matter experts on how to build climate-resilient approaches into infrastructure planning and projects. Participants gain access to specialized expertise, decision-making support, and capacity-building opportunities tailored to their needs.
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Join the upcoming Info Session on January 28th to learn how the CRIS can transform your infrastructure planning. Sign up for the session and learn more about the CRIS here: | The Roster of Climate and Infrastructure Experts is facilitated by the Canadian Urban Institute and funded by the Government of Canada. | |
SGI Policy Updates
Fire Suppression & Vehicle Extrication Services
As of January 1, 2025, the SGI rates for fire suppression/extrication for motor vehicles in Saskatchewan, as well as other policy updates and limitations, will be as outlined in the document linked below.
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Saskatchewan Municipal Peer Network
The Saskatchewan Municipal Peer Network is a free and confidential resource available to help municipal leaders navigate diverse challenges. Elected municipal officials and administrators can connect with highly experienced peer mentors for one-on-one guidance.
Receive assistance with:
- Interpersonal conflict
- Governance practices
- Service provisions
- Public issues
- Roles and responsibilities
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Packaging and Paper Recycling in Saskatchewan: A New Era Begins
SK Recycles is the new provincial household packaging and paper recycling program, creating a dynamic recycling network with a common goal.
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As of December 1, 2024, the SK Recycles program is accepting flexible plastics, foam packaging, and non-deposit glass bottles and jars for recycling at any SARCAN depot.
For more information on what to recycle, visit SKRecycles.ca/material.
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Rural Municipal Administrator Internship Program (MAIP)
Step into the role of internship supervision and shape the future one-on-one! The Rural Municipal Administrator Internship Program (MAIP) offers a unique opportunity for Class A or Superior A Rural Administrators to provide individualized training and foster professional competency in future rural municipal administrators by helping them attain the necessary competencies and required hours for their “Rural Class C certification” throughout the 52-week internship period.
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Why Choose to be a MAIP Internship Supervisor?
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Legacy Building: By investing in aspiring rural municipal administrators, you leave a lasting legacy of healthy local government in rural communities.
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Tailored Development: Customize the internship experience to address specific skills and goals, ensuring maximum impact, offering practical guidance, feedback, and real-world insights that go beyond academic learning.
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Leadership and Strategic Skill Building: Hone your leadership skills by actively participating in the growth and development of a future Administrator.
- Financial Benefit: Upon approval, SARM will provide the selected host rural municipalities with a $17,000 grant intended to cost share the intern’s salary. The supervising administrator of record will also receive a $3,000 honorarium upon successfully completing the internship supervision.
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If you would like to learn more about becoming a supervising administrator for a MAIP intern, please check out the information on the SARM website or call Dustin Resch, Director of Capacity Building & Programs, at 306.761.3945. | |
Dedicated Focus on Rural Municipal Needs is Vital to Face 2025’s Challenges
By: Rebecca Bligh, President, Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM)
At FCM, we’re acutely aware of the load that rural communities in Saskatchewan are carrying. Despite being home to 17 percent of our population, Canada’s rural municipalities are responsible for the upkeep of over 30 percent of our municipal infrastructure. That aging infrastructure is vital for farmers, truckers, and ranchers, not to mention everyday people who need to get from A to B.
Saskatchewan’s rural communities are facing the replacement cost of that infrastructure, as well as the impact of extreme weather, flooding, and wildfires.
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The following RMs have requested the information below to be distributed and will be billed for using this service. |
Looking to Hire:
RM of Pleasantdale No. 398, Chief Administrative Officer, Jan 31 - Close
RM of Francis No. 127, Foreman, Jan 31 - Close
RM of Turtle River No. 469, Maintenance/Operator, Full-time, Jan 31 - Close
RM of Fertile Valley No. 285, Grader Operator, Feb 6 - Close
RM of Fertile Valley No. 285 & RM of Rudy No. 284, Pest Control Officer, Feb 7 - Close
RM of Baildon No. 131 & RM of Moose Jaw No. 161, Pest Control Officer, Feb 7 - Close
RM of Morris No. 312, Grader Operator, Feb 7 - Close
RM of Moose Creek No. 33, Grader Operator, Feb 7 - Close
RM of Duck Lake No. 463, Outside Operator/Labourer, Feb 10 - Close
RM of Duck Lake No. 463, Seasonal Mower Operator, Feb 10 - Close
RM of Grandview No. 349, Equipment Operator, Feb 11 - Close
RM of Marriott No. 317, Equipment Operator, Feb 11 - Close
RM of Sarnia No. 221, Administrator, Feb 13 - Close
RM of Turtle River No. 469, Maintenance/Operator, Seasonal, Feb 14 - Close
RM of Kindersley No. 290, Administrator, Feb 15 - Close
RM of McCraney No. 282, Mower Operator, Feb 16 - Close
RM of McCraney No. 282, Equipment Operator, Feb 16 - Clos
RM of Buchanan No. 304, Maintenance Utility Operator, Feb 19 - Close
RM of Heart’s Hill No. 352, Heavy Equipment Operator, Feb 20 - Close
RM of Heart’s Hill No. 352, Equipment Operator/Labourer, Feb 20 - Close
RM of Val Marie No. 17, Equipment Operator, Feb 21 - Close
RM of Meeting Lake No. 466, Maintenance/Equipment Operator, Feb 28 - Close
RM of Prairie Rose No. 309, Equipment Operator, Feb 28 - Close
RM of Biggar No. 347, Equipment Operator, Mar 30 - Close
Looking to Buy/Sell:
RM of Moose Creek No. 33, 2016 Neustar Pony Pup Trailer, Feb 10 - Close
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SARM Classifieds Submissions
Ad postings for the SARM Classifieds can be submitted through our online submission forms. For questions, contact 306.757.3577 or sarm@sarm.ca.
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Culvert Program
Building and maintaining safe, accessible road infrastructure requires access to sound products. The Canoe Culvert Program provides access to a range of drainage, bridge, and road construction products, enabling you to focus on building infrastructure networks that connect residents and economic activity.
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Weed Inspector and Pest Control Officer Webinars
SARM Plant Health Technical Advisors and Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture have partnered to deliver free webinars once again in 2025. The event details for each session are listed below.
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Weed Inspector & Land Manager Webinar – Enforcement of The Weed Control Act
February 19, 2025, at 12:00 pm
The webinar will explore the enforcement processes for Weed Inspectors, including issuing agreements and orders, under The Weed Control Act.
Presented by Cory Jacob, Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture.
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Pest Control Officer Webinar – Integrated Pest Management for Rodent Control
February 20, 2025, at 12:00 pm
The presentation will address major issues with small animals, burrowing rodents, mice, and rats with discussions that cover biology, damage, hazards and means to control them.
Presented by James Tansey, Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture.
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MLDP Winter 2025 Modules
Registration Now Open
The Municipal Leadership Development Program (MLDP) is a series of modules or workshops developed exclusively for elected and appointed municipal leaders in Saskatchewan. The modules target specific issues of importance to urban, rural and northern municipalities. Mayors, reeves, councillors and municipal staff are able to benefit from this program that is designed to strengthen local government leadership.
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Strategic and Financial Planning for Municipalities
Get to know how Council and staff plan for municipal success. Everything from setting strategic priorities and community engagement to developing action plans and the financial framework to achieve the desired outcomes.
This interactive and engaging session will see participants gaining insight into how to move from Thought to Action with tips and tools to make sure everyone is aligned and committed to common goals. This module will provide attendees with an overview of financial planning – the budget process, with a focus on where the money comes from. Learn about the relationship between assessment and taxation, tax tools, municipal borrowing and investments and an intro to asset management.
Monday, March 10th
Prairieland Park, Saskatoon
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday, April 12th
Location TBA – Saskatoon
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
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Municipal Economic Development Fundamentals
This module helps find answers to key questions about economic development – what is economic development, who are the players, what role can the municipality play and what are the returns? The course objectives will assist participants to: develop an understanding of economic development principles & theories; review the context for economic development; discuss concerns and problems common to economic development in Western Canada; and introduce processes and skills applied in economic development.
Monday, March 10th
Prairieland Park, Saskatoon
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday, April 12th
Location TBA – Saskatoon
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
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Human Resources in the Municipal Workplace
As employers, Councils need to know: what are your responsibilities to your employees who carry out your directions and deliver municipal services? This highly interactive session gives participants an overview of the labour market, the role of Council and administration, the legislative framework, how to deal with conflict, the hiring and dismissal processes, the importance of orientation and motivation, and how to manage performance.
Monday, March 10th
Prairieland Park, Saskatoon
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday, April 12th
Location TBA – Saskatoon
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
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Strategic Communications for Municipalities
Formerly known as Public Relations and Communications for Municipalities, this module teaches how to effectively communicate with your ratepayers as well as the media. Learn how to become proactive. Special tips will be given on public speaking and techniques used by print, radio, television, and other media.
Monday, March 10th
Prairieland Park, Saskatoon
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday, April 12th
Location TBA – Saskatoon
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
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*Dates and location are subject to change.
For more information or to register for a module, visit MLDP.ca.
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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:
- Tax Enforcement
- Municipal Investment Solutions
- Drainage Products and Solutions
- Saskatchewan's Property Assessment System
- Combating Crime in Saskatchewan
- Pest Control Product Compliance
- Municipal Leaders' Roles and Responsibilities
- And more
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SARM is encouraged by the launch of added health care services offered through select pharmacies across the province. This will provide more rural communities, where the local pharmacist may be the only resident health care provider for miles, access to additional services, which will help alleviate long wait times at urban health centres as well as extensive travel. | |
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The SARM Board of Directors met with MP Warren Steinley yesterday at their January board meeting. During their discussion, the Bunge-Viterra merger, capital gains, gun control, carbon tax, and international trade were among the topics of conversation. | |
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Showcase your company to rural Saskatchewan by becoming a #SARMAnnual2025 sponsor! Opportunities are limited; secure your sponsorship by contacting convention@sarm.ca. | | | | |