There was a common thread during the first day of the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM) Annual Convention & Trade Show on Wednesday: getting connected to ensure everyone’s needs are met.
Elements of that seemed to be incorporated into each speech given to SARM delegates at the Queensbury Convention Centre.
During her opening speech Wednesday morning, Regina Mayor Sandra Masters called rural Saskatchewan a connector to urban areas. “There’s not a city in this province or a town in this province that doesn’t rely upon you and your residents for our own vibrancy.” Masters told delegates. She went on to say when the City was on the verge of losing its Air Traffic Control Tower, SARM was there to advocate the importance of a major airport in southern Saskatchewan. Another example she gave was support for events such as Canada’s Farm Show and Canadian Western Agribition. “You’re representing our collective interests in agri-business, in oil and gas, in renewable energy, in life and vibrancy and all the things we have to do.” she said. “We are deeply grateful for you.”
Provincial Minister of Government Relations Don McMorris commended delegates for serving on town and R.M. Councils as it’s not an easy job. “They say each level of government is closer to the voter and I truly believe in that. You are representing your neighbours and your friends and it isn’t always easy; certainly I know a lot of people in the constituency of Indian Head-Milestone, but not to the extent you do on councils,” McMorris said. “That job is immensely important for the betterment of our province and the growth of our province.”
SARM President Ray Orb says with this year being an election year for the province – as well as for municipalities – now is the time to speak louder than ever “about meeting the needs of our R.M.s.”
“Every family in this province is feeling the pinch in their household budgets. The cost of food and fuel have been hit hard with inflation; producers are hurting and in turn consumers are too. Saskatchewan has long been a self-sustainable province – we utilize everything we produce and see it on our kitchen tables,” said Orb, adding in order to keep communities healthy, sustainable, and safe, provincial and federal support is needed.
Leader of the Opposition NDP Carla Beck was another who referenced working together in her speech. While talking about the goal of forming government in this year’s election, Beck says in order to do that they first need to build trust among voters by putting forward “common sense solutions” made with input from residents across the province. “And I want to continue to not only say but to demonstrate the shared values and the shared goals that we all have for this beautiful province that we’re lucky enough to call home.” Beck added.
The convention heads into Day 2 Thursday with a number of items on the agenda, including resolutions from 9 to 11:30 a.m., an address from Premier Scott Moe at 1 p.m. , and the bear pit session at 1:30 p.m. Multiple presentations follow the bear pit session. They feature FCM President Scott Pearce, Municipal Hail Insurance President Wayne Black, Jared Table with McQueen Creative on how R.M.s can make the most of social media, and Lloyd Lewis from OurSask on transparency, trust, and leadership.