Rural Dart

March 18, 2025

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Saskatchewan Blue Cross Cards and EFAP Coverage for SARM Members

The Saskatchewan Blue Cross group benefits plan for SARM members now includes enhanced support through Homewood Health and Cleveland Clinic Canada, giving you and your family access to tailored, on-demand support for your mental and physical health.

Homewood Health’s EFAP program connects you to confidential, professional mental health and wellness services. Whether it’s counselling for anxiety, stress, or grief or coaching for work-life balance, parenting, or financial planning, Homewood is here to help. Their Enhanced Mental Health Care program even offers longer-term support for more complex needs, including up to 20 specialized counselling sessions. Register at homeweb.ca to access these resources today.

Cleveland Clinic Canada’s Express Care Online (ECO) service offers on-demand virtual medical consultations for your physical health. Available 24/7 across Canada, ECO lets you connect with a nurse practitioner for diagnoses, prescriptions, specialist referrals, and more—all from the comfort of your home. Simply download the Cleveland Clinic Express Care Online app to get started! (Apple | Android)

With these changes, there will be new ID cards mailed out with new ID numbers on them. Here are the things that will be required once your cards are received:

Effective March 4, 2025, update your pharmacy and your dentist with your new ID number.
Download the new app “SK Blue Cross Member App” and re-register. (Apple | Android [coming soon!])
If you use the online portal, visit www.sk.bluecross.ca/portal, click register, and follow the prompts.
Save your new digital ID card to your Apple or Google Wallet.

Linked below is more information on the enhancements that are being made. Please share this information with all employees. The code to register online is now listed in the EFAP & Virtual Care Registration Guide linked below.

EFAP Counselling Overview

EFAP & Virtual Care Registration Guide

EFAP & Virtual Care Brochure

Deadlines

SGI Public Grants Announcement

SARM has been in contact with SGI regarding the availability of grants to improve traffic safety within RMs. SGI offers a Provincial Traffic Safety Fund Grant program. Its goal is to stimulate and support local, collaborative action that will increase traffic safety awareness.

The deadline for submissions for the spring intake is March 31, 2025.

If you are interested in additional information regarding the grant, please click here for an outline of the grant guidelines and additional information on how to apply for the grant.

SARM encourages its members to look at the program. In 2024, 28 RMs took advantage of the program with $310,828 in grants being provided. This program is a great initiative by SGI to try and reduce traffic accidents and make our roadways safer.

If you have any questions, please contact Colin Warnecke, Manager of Risk Management, at cwarnecke@sarm.ca.

Learn More / Apply

Information & Resources

Webinar

Managing Mycotoxins & Ergot: Agronomics, Limits, and Feeding Strategies

In response to an increased incidence of fusarium mycotoxins seen in 2024 cereal crops, namely standing and corn silage, and an anticipated increase in ergot given expected improved moisture conditions for the 2025 growing year, the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture is hosting a free webinar that may be of interest to you or someone you know.

Session Agenda:

Agronomic Practices to Manage Fusarium and Ergot Before and After an Infection in Corn and Other Cereals - Matt Struthers, Acting Provincial Cereals Specialist, Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture
Updated Mycotoxin and Ergot Feeding Limits - Dr. Vanessa Cowan, Veterinary Toxicologist, Western College of Veterinary Medicine
Livestock Feeding Strategies to Manage Mycotoxins and Ergot - Alexis DeCorby, Livestock and Feed Extension Specialist, Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture

Date: March 26, 2025

Time: 1:30-3:00 p.m.

Location: Microsoft Teams

Note: 1.5 CCA credits (1.0 Nutrient Management & 0.5 Crop Management) have been approved for this event for those who attend the webinar live.

FCC Trade Disruption Customer Support Program

To support the Canadian agriculture and food industry as U.S. tariffs are implemented, Farm Credit Canada is providing $1 billion in new lending to help alleviate financial challenges.

Through the Trade Disruption Customer Support program, FCC will provide relief for viable customers and non-customers who meet the necessary lending criteria. This includes access to an additional credit line up to $500,000 and new term loans. Current FCC customers have the option to defer principal payments for up to 12 months on existing loans.

FCC customers and non-customers should contact their local FCC office or call 1-800-387-3232 to discuss their individual situations and available options. Lending due diligence will be carried out on all applications.

Learn More

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 Sarnia No. 221, Administrator, Mar 18 - Close

RM of Meadow Lake No. 588, Manager Public Works, Mar 21 - Close

RM of LeRoy No. 339, Equipment Operators, Mar 25 - Close

RM of Meota No. 468, Development Coordinator, Mar 27 - Close

RM of Sarnia No. 221, Maintenance/Equipment Operator, Mar 28 - Close

RM of Whiska Creek No. 106, Administrator, Mar 28 - Close

RM of Humboldt No. 370, Administrator Assistant, Mar 28 - Close

RM of Livingston No 331, Administrator, Mar 31 - Close

Prince Albert Rural Water Utility, General Manager, Mar 31 - Close

RM of Prairie Rose No. 309, Equipment Operator, Mar 31 - Close

Town of Pense, Public Works Foreperson, April 6 - Close

RM of Fish Creek No. 402, Operating Foreman, Apr 11 - Close

RM of Ituna Bon Accord No. 246, Equipment Operator, Apr 11 - Close

RM of Fertile Valley No. 285, Grader Operator, April 11 - Close

RM of Torch River No. 488, Equipment Operators, April 11 - Close

RM of Lacadena No. 228, Heavy Equipment Operator, Apr 12 - Close

RM of Lacadena No. 228, Laborer, Apr 12 - Close

RM of Redburn No. 130, Equipment Mower, Apr 14 - Close

RM of Redburn No. 130, Mower Operator, April 14 - Close

Looking to Buy/Sell:

RM of Maryfield No. 91, 2017 Midland Crossgate Trailer, Mar 18 - Close

RM of Mervin No. 499, 2022 Mandako Hitch, Mar 25 - Close

RM of Mervin No. 499, Tenco Sander, Mar 25 - Close

RM of Enfield No. 194, 2013 John Deere Tractor with Loader, Mar 31 - Close

SARM Classifieds

SARM Classifieds Submissions

Ad postings for the SARM Classifieds can be submitted through the online submission forms. For questions, contact 306.757.3577 or sarm@sarm.ca.

Submit a Classifieds Ad

Saskatchewan Supports Farm Safety During Agricultural Safety Week

To reinforce its commitment to farm safety, the Government of Saskatchewan has proclaimed March 16 - 22, 2025, as Agricultural Safety Week, with a focus on protecting agricultural workers and strengthening safety practices across the province.

Municipalities, Communities Receiving Record-Setting Municipal Revenue Sharing

Communities throughout Saskatchewan will receive record-setting Municipal Revenue Sharing (MRS) in the upcoming 2025-26 Provincial Budget with $361.8 million, an increase of $21.5 million or 6.3 per cent from last year.

Saskatchewan to Support Municipalities in Addressing Derelict Buildings

The Government of Saskatchewan is developing a pilot framework that would allow participating municipalities to work with volunteer fire departments to safely dispose of problem, municipal-owned structures for fire fighter training exercises.

Rural Roads to Have More Than $34.4 Million of Improvements

The Government of Saskatchewan and SARM announced more than $34.4 million for 32 road, bridge and culvert projects, which supports the export of goods and resources originating in rural municipalities.

Grazing Lease Rate Formula Amended to Support Livestock Producers

The Ministry of Agriculture has amended the Crown land grazing lease rate formula, effective for 2025.

Saskatchewan Ice Shelter Removal Deadlines Approaching

Shelters must be taken off the ice by March 15 in all areas south of Highway 16 and by March 31 in northern regions of Saskatchewan.