(file photo/farmnewsNOW Staff)

By Alice McFarlane

Federal Election 2025

SARM shares rural perspective and federal election priorities

Apr 3, 2025 | 3:38 PM

The group that advocates for rural municipalities has outlined its members’ needs for the next federal government.

The Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM) President Bill Huber said the impending federal election is an opportunity to speak with federal policymakers to establish priorities that align with the realities of rural communities.

Huber said the issues that dominate urban centres are often very different from the challenges faced by rural communities.

“Rural voices have often felt sidelined over the last decade,” Huber said. “But effective leadership in federal politics requires a vision that includes all Canadians, down to the smallest rural municipalities.

Huber went on to say Ottawa must be reminded that these communities are not only home to the nation’s agricultural backbone but also critical to ensuring that Canada meets its national and international trade obligations.

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SARM is working to outline what that support must look like, including better access to healthcare, infrastructure investments, agricultural support, broadband access, policing resources, and a total repeal of the carbon tax.

Rural municipalities are competing for federal funding with much larger centres, despite programs specifically carved out for rural Canada.

SARM has long advocated that when considering the definition of “rural,” the federal government needs to consider factors like geographical spread and contributions to Canada’s gross domestic product (GDP), rather than relying so heavily on population numbers.

“As election campaigns get underway, the importance of rural voices in shaping Canada’s future cannot be overstated,” Huber added. “For Saskatchewan, in particular, the stakes are high. Federal leaders must demonstrate their understanding of rural and agriculture producers’ needs and commit to crafting policies that bridge those divides, ensuring that our rural priorities are not just heard but acted upon.”

Huber said SARM believes rural areas require the respect and support of federal candidates and policymakers.

“Rural Saskatchewan feeds not only the country but the world,” he said.

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

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