The SARM Board of Directors was in Ottawa last week to speak with federal decision-makers on issues including agriculture, public safety, trade and transportation infrastructure, rural development, and the technologies that can strengthen Saskatchewan communities. News Release: sarm.ca/2026/10/26/sarm-brin…

Yesterday was the final day of SARM’s trip to Ottawa. Over the week, the SARM Board of Directors and Advocacy team had many important discussions with key federal representatives across Parliament Hill. This annual trip is an integral part of SARM’s advocacy strategy to voice the concerns of our member rural municipalities. It provides opportunities to address the challenges facing rural Saskatchewan and shape practical solutions that will make a meaningful difference. Pictured below: Shadow Minister for Prairie Economic Development Pat Kelly, Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Agri-Food, and Food Security John Barlow, and Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Lawrence Hanson. Thank you to everyone who met with our team this week. We will continue to build on the progress made in Ottawa to advance the priorities of rural communities in Saskatchewan. #RuralMatters #CDNPoli

Day two of SARM’s Ottawa lobbying trip was productive yesterday. It included meetings around federal AI strategy and AI development in agriculture, Treaty Land Entitlement compensation funding, rural municipal-Indigenous relations and community partnership, as well as irrigation management and economic development. Pictured below: CropLife Canada Vice President of Government Affairs Gregory Kolz, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada Director General Katherine Burke, Secretary of State John Zerucelli, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Regional Advisor (Prairies & North) Richard Davies, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations Rebecca Alty, Secretary of State Buckley Belanger, and Deputy Minister of Environment and Climate Change Mollie Johnson. Today is the final day of SARM’s visit to Ottawa, and the team is seizing the opportunity to bring the voice of rural Saskatchewan to Parliament Hill. #RuralMatters #CDNPoli

Yesterday was a busy first day in Ottawa for the SARM Board of Directors and Advocacy team. Throughout the day, the team met with several federal leaders on rural issues, including combatting crime, Bill C-14, transportation and trade infrastructure, and rural development. Pictured below: Senator Tracy Muggli, Shadow Minister for Rural Development Dave Epp, Secretary of State Ruby Sahota, Deputy Minister of Transport Michael Vandergrift, and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Safety Jacques Ramsay. The team looks forward to continuing these important conversations today and bringing further awareness to the needs of rural Saskatchewan. #RuralMatters #CDNPoli

SARM’s Board of Directors and Advocacy team are in Ottawa this week, meeting with federal representatives to advance the priorities of rural Saskatchewan. From advocating for the needs of rural municipalities to strengthening relationships with federal decision-makers, these conversations are an important part of ensuring rural Saskatchewan’s voice is heard on Parliament Hill. And you never know who you might run into while walking around Parliament Hill! The team had an unexpected opportunity to connect with Prime Minister Mark Carney for an impromptu conversation. SARM remains committed to advocating for policies, programs, and investments that support strong, sustainable rural communities across Saskatchewan. Stay tuned for updates on SARM's advocacy efforts throughout the week.

SARM encourages rural municipalities to participate in The Saskatchewan Farm Security Act consultation and share their input on how the legislative framework could better meet Saskatchewan’s current needs. The survey deadline is November 30, 2026. Learn more: saskatchewan.ca/government/p…

On November 2-3, 2026, Saskatoon will host Canada’s Rural and Remote Broadband Community Conference (CRRBC), Western Canada. The Conference, titled The Infinite Build: Navigating the Perpetual Horizon of Connectivity, will bring together stakeholders committed to strengthening Canada’s rural and remote infrastructure and access to connectivity. Broadband connectivity has a direct correlation to community growth and well-being. Improved connectivity has far-reaching positive impacts, from increasing opportunities for healthcare through virtual care services to creating jobs and improving education. Cellular Connectivity and Broadband remain one of SARM’s advocacy priorities, with SARM Executive Director Laurel Feltin co-chairing the Saskatchewan Broadband Action Committee (SBAC). SBAC proudly supports CRRBC Western Canada and looks forward to the ongoing conversations around broadband connectivity and access for all areas of the province. For more information and tickets to CRRBC, visit: crrbc.ca/western-canada-2026 Tickets are on sale until October 23, 2026. SBAC News Release: sarm.ca/resources/saskatchew…

The SARM office will be closed on Monday, October 12th, for Thanksgiving and will reopen on Tuesday, October 13th. This Thanksgiving, we’re thankful for all the people who grow, raise, and harvest the food that brings us together. From all of us at SARM, we wish you a happy Thanksgiving!

Strong rural communities start with healthy people, and mental health is a part of that. On #WorldMentalHealthDay, we recognize that distance, isolation, and limited access to services can make reaching out for support harder in rural Saskatchewan. Checking in on a neighbour, asking someone how they’re really doing, or making the time to listen can help people feel less alone. Professional support matters too, and rural residents deserve access to care close to home. To those who may be navigating a difficult season: you matter, and you deserve support.

The Hon. Warren Kaeding, Minister of Trade and Export Development, visited the SARM office today for a discussion on trade and exports. The conversation focused on Canada–U.S. relations, market access, agriculture, the cattle industry, fuel costs, and what it means for Saskatchewan producers and rural communities. During Agriculture Week in Saskatchewan, we appreciate the opportunity to bring rural priorities to the table. Thank you to Minister Kaeding for his time and continued dialogue. #CelebrateAg #SaskAg #RuralMatters @SKGov

SARM representatives were proud to join Team Saskatchewan this week in Ottawa in a joint effort to lobby for improved federal infrastructure investment programs. The delegation, which included key leaders in municipal government representing all areas of Saskatchewan, met with representatives from @FCM_Online and @buildcanhomes, as well as several federal leaders. SARM also had the honour of co-hosting a reception with @SUMAConnect. Thank you to the @SKGov and Minister Schmalz for assembling this delegation, and to Team Saskatchewan, who share SARM’s commitment to bringing more accessible infrastructure programs to our province. We are proud to be the voice of rural Saskatchewan and look forward to continuing our advocacy work when the SARM Board of Directors returns to Ottawa in a few short weeks. Pictured below: Team Saskatchewan meeting with FCM, Build Canada Homes, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister Kody Blois, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Jennifer McKelvie, Senators Tracy Muggli and David Arnot, Secretary of State Buckley Belanger, and Minister of Emergency Management and PrairiesCan Eleanor Olszewki.

It’s Agriculture Week in Saskatchewan, and SARM joins the province in recognizing all the hardworking producers who help drive Canada’s agriculture sector, including SARM Division 5 Director Blair Cummins. In addition to his contributions to the economic sector, Blair has demonstrated a commitment to passing down agricultural knowledge to the next generation through his participation in the Agriculture in the Classroom program. #CelebrateAg @aitcsk

SARM was saddened to learn of the passing of former Deputy Premier Ken Krawetz. Ken served Saskatchewan throughout his life—as a municipal leader, school board trustee, and through his work with the provincial government. He was a strong advocate for rural Saskatchewan, and his passion for the province was evident in his booming voice, warm laugh, and thoughtful, measured approach. Our thoughts are with the Krawetz family during this difficult time.

Read the article on infrastructure through history by the SARM Division 5 Director in the latest edition of the Rural Councillor. Learn more: sarm.ca/wp-content/uploads/2… Fall 2026 RC: sarm.ca/2026/09/04/rc-fall-2… Sign up to receive our digital publications: conta.cc/49ZAbb5

SARM President Bill Huber attended this week’s provincial announcement on expanding nuclear power in Saskatchewan. SARM welcomes this long-term energy security strategy and looks forward to ensuring rural infrastructure, capacity, and perspectives are considered in the planning process.

Today marks National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day, a day to honour Residential School Survivors, their families, and those who did not return home. As people and communities across Saskatchewan reflect on the lasting impacts of the residential school system, SARM joins all Canadians in the ongoing commitment to learning, listening, and meaningful steps towards reconciliation. #EveryChildMatters #NDTR

SARM President Bill Huber appeared on CTV News to discuss the challenges Saskatchewan producers faced this farming season and the ag sector’s impact on both the provincial and national economies. Learn more about what SARM is doing to advocate on behalf of our members: Clip 1: youtu.be/UdQqILNk5Pg Clip 2: youtu.be/J134_F9XNCQ

It’s Saskatchewan Transportation Week, highlighting those who help connect communities, transport goods, and support key transportation infrastructure throughout our province. Rural municipalities are among them, managing 164,000km of Saskatchewan roads and over 1,200 bridges, serving as vital links between urban centres and driving economic growth.

Read the article on flooding, infrastructure, and municipal decision-making by SARM’s Legal Counsel in the latest edition of the Rural Councillor. Learn more: sarm.ca/wp-content/uploads/2… Fall 2026 RC: sarm.ca/2026/09/04/rc-fall-2… Sign up to receive our digital publications: conta.cc/49ZAbb5