SARM Convention Highlights 2021
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Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities 116th Annual Convention & Tradeshow March 9-10, 2021 SARM.ca For the first time in SARM's 116-year history, a global pandemic brought us together in a digital format which allowed us to ensure the health and safety of our members. 2020 was a challenging year, and it’s all the more reason we needed the opportunity to re-unite at our annual convention. We built this year’s convention rooted in tradition with the understanding the importance of being grounded while growing. Opening Ceremonies & Addresses SARM’s 2021 Digital Annual Convention was kicked off by our convention host, Rustie Dean. You may have recognized her from her time with Global News Regina on the morning show or on Morning Radio on Play 92 FM. She now resides on a grain farm near Lang with her husband Brendon Sobchuk and two young boys Porter and Boden. Rustie’s personality brought humour and fun to our convention and her experience was a welcome touch to tradition. Our digital format allowed us to showcase talent from throughout Saskatchewan. Our national anthem was performed by RJC High School Choir from Rosthern, SK, and was followed by a moment of silence to honour RM council members and employees who passed away over the last year. The Lieutenant Governor presented the award for outstanding service to rural Saskatchewan, SARM recognized the contributions of both Carmen Sterling and Wendy Gowda and addresses were given by the following dignitaries: • The Honourable Don McMorris, Minister of Government Relations • Guy Lagrandeur, RMAA President • Ray Orb, SARM President 1 President’s Address SARM’s 2020 Annual Convention began with opening ceremonies and an address from SARM President Ray Orb. His address touched on several issues important to rural Saskatchewan. He expressed the need for capacity building with the RMs and announced a new capacity building program, in partnership with Southeast College, for RMs that will make tools available to promote a safety culture and reduction of injuries in the municipal workplace. He also highlighted the need for a “Made In Canada” solution for vaccine supplies for COVID-19 as well future vaccine needs. He spoke to the role that SARM is playing in the provincial vaccine rollout. SARM will take on the roll of notifying RMs of vaccine rollouts in their areas. The onset of the pandemic has highlighted the need for improved rural broadband. President Orb assured delegates that SARM would continue to lobby all levels of government for improvement in this area. 2 The Lieutenant Governor’s Award The Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Aside from Alan’s involvement at the municipal Outstanding Service to Rural Saskatchewan was level, he has served in many other capacities. Alan established in 1995. The award honours a retired has dedicated 30 years to the health and well reeve, councillor, or administrator for his or her being of the community during which time he was contribution to rural Saskatchewan. involved in the construction of the Redvers Health Centre and Redvers Long Term Care home, was a Alan was born and raised on the family farm in the R.M. founding member of the Redvers and District Health of Reciprocity No. 32. After graduating high school, Foundation, and served on many health boards at the Alan attended the University of Saskatchewan where local and regional level. Some of Alan’s community he completed a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in involvement includes sitting on the Redvers Co-op 1968, followed by a Masters of Science in Agriculture Association board, the Dannevirke Lutheran Church in 1972. After convocation from University, Alan Board, and the Agri-Food Appeals Committee. worked for the Alberta Department of Agriculture and Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture before Alan’s lifelong commitment to rural Saskatchewan returning home in 1974 to farm with his family, in is admirable and was previously recognized in 2012 which he is still engaged in today. with a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. Alan and wife Kathleen were blessed with three Alan was epitomized well by a previous Administrator daughters and seven grandchildren. Alan was quick who said, “Whatever Alan did, whatever roll he to point out during his acceptance of this award that played, three things were clear: no one was going he could not have done all that he has without the to out work him, no one would go into any job or support and understanding of his family. meeting more prepared and possessing a clearer vision of the goals to be accomplished that day, Alan began his municipal tenure as Councillor and perhaps most importantly, no one had the best for Division 4 for the R.M. of Reciprocity No. 32 interest of rural Saskatchewan at heart.” beginning January 1986. He served as Division 4 councillor until January 2001, at which point he Congratulations Alan, you are most deserving began serving as Reeve of the municipality, the of this recognition! seat he still holds today. During Alan’s 35 years on Council he has served on many committees and several sizeable, time consuming projects have been accomplished. Notable projects include the procurement of land for and the construction of a new municipal office and shop, the updating and expansion of the municipalities fire fighting trucks and equipment, and multiple road construction projects including partnering with the Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure for the reconstruction, asphalt surfacing, and jurisdictional transfer of a portion of Highway 318 and the rehabilitation of 10 miles of Highway 361. During the opening ceremonies of the 116th SARM Annual Convention, the first ever virtual convention, His Honour, the Honourable Russ Some of the many committees Alan served on Mirasty, Lieutenant-Governor of Saskatchewan presented the Lieutenant-Governor’s Award for Outstanding Service to Rural include the Lower Souris Watershed Committee, Saskatchewan to Alan Arthur. the Antler River Watershed Advisory Committee, the Redvers and District Health Foundation, and Redvers Veterinary Services Boards. 3 Dialogue Sessions with Provincial Cabinet Ministers Dialogue sessions were held with five provincial cabinet ministers, including: Hon. David Marit, Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Fred Bradshaw, Minister of Highways and Minister Responsible for Saskatchewan Water Security Agency, Hon. Don McMorris, Minister of Government Relations, Hon. Warren Kaeding, Minister of the Environment, Hon. Paul Merriman, Minister of Health and the Hon. Everett Hindley, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, Seniors and Rural and Remote Health. This year’s dialogue sessions were moderated by Executive-in-Residences through the Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy. The dialogue sessions provided members with the opportunity to voice their concerns and ask questions of each minister in a smaller group setting. 4 Premier’s Address The Honourable Scott Moe, Premier of Saskatchewan addressed the delegates and provided an update on the province’s pandemic and economic recovery plan, focusing on how RMs and the province can work together to build a strong Saskatchewan. The premier announced an additional $11M in funding for the Rural Integrated Roads for Growth (RIRG) program. This money will be used to construct and repair roads and bridges in RMs throughout the province. He also announced that $2M over the next 2 years will be allocated to support Channel Clearing activities in RMs. He revealed that additional funding would be providing in the upcoming budget to build additional long term care capacity in rural areas. As well, they will be following through on their campaign promise to hire an additional 300 caregivers to work in long term care facilities and home care across the province. This includes 57 new aids that will be hired to support an expanded home care program in very rural and remote areas of Saskatchewan. With respect to rural broadband, the premier advised that by this summer SaskTel plans to install 74 new cell towers, which is part of a major investment to improve rural cell coverage. 5 Bear Pit - Question Period SARM hosted its usual Bear Pit with the Government of Saskatchewan, including The Honourable Scott Moe, Premier of Saskatchewan as well as the following provincial cabinet ministers: Honourable Fred Bradshaw Honourable David Marit Honourable Lori Carr Honourable Don McMorris Honourable Dustin Duncan Honourable Paul Merriman Honourable Bronwyn Eyre Honourable Don Morgan Honourable Donna Harpauer Honourable Jim Reiter Honourable Jeremy Harrison Honourable Laura Ross Honourable Everett Hindley Honourable Christine Tell Honourable Warren Kaeding Honourable Randy Weeks Honourable Gene Makowsky Honourable Gordon Wyant The ministers addressed questions on several topics, including: • Pandemic restrictions • Carbon tax • Trespass law, when will it be proclaimed • Crown corporations, keeping jobs within Saskatchewan • Land surface rights • Trade barriers • Plan to move forward on building pipelines • Support on geo thermal drilling and carbon capture projects in Saskatchewan • Alternative energy sources • Support for cattle farmers in Saskatchewan • Mental health and addictions funding 6 Resolutions The resolutions session allows members to vote on resolutions brought forward by member municipalities. The following were passed by the membership: 1-21A Weed Control Expenses Incurred on Ministry of Highways Land: RM of Duck Lake No. 463 2-21A Beaver Control Issues: RM of Meadow Lake. 588 3-21A Compensation for Damage by Black Tailed Prairie Dogs: RM of Val Marie No. 17, RM of Auvergne No. 76, RM of Lone Tree No. 18, and RM of Arlington No. 79 4-21A Water Management: RM of Elfros No. 307 5-21A Fire Ban: RM of Duck Lake No. 463, RM of Prince Albert No. 461 and RM of Buckland No. 491 6-21A Tire Recycling: RM of Montrose No. 315 8-21A Elk Population Management: RM of Insinger No. 275 and RM of Lake Lenore No. 399 9-21A Management of Overpopulation of Mule and White Tail Deer: RM of Blaine Lake No.