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Rural issues discussed with elected officials

SARM brings Saskatchewan’s priorities to Ottawa

Oct 29, 2026 | 3:38 PM

Representatives from the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM) travelled to Parliament Hill to speak with federal decision-makers on issues of concern for rural residents. 

Discussions centred around agriculture, public safety, trade and transportation infrastructure, rural development, and the technologies that can strengthen Saskatchewan communities. 

SARM President Bill Huber said the group met with ministers, parliamentarians, senators, and senior federal officials to promote the priorities of rural municipalities (RMs), producers, families, and businesses. 

Throughout the week, the discussions focused on food security; value-added ag; transportation infrastructure; rising costs of diesel and other inputs; trade relations; rural development; combatting rural crime; broadband; and the responsible use of artificial intelligence in agriculture and rural healthcare. 

Huber said rural Saskatchewan feeds Canada and the world, moves products to market, and fuels a significant share of the national economy, but communities cannot carry that load alone. 

“Federal action is needed to improve rural public safety, support agriculture producers, strengthen the roads, bridges, trade corridors, and international relationships our producers rely on, and ensure rural communities can benefit from new technologies in agriculture and healthcare,” Huber said. “It was about building the partnerships needed to keep rural Saskatchewan safe, competitive, and connected.” 

Rural residents continue to face unique public safety challenges, including long police response times and repeat offending. SARM emphasized that the new bail and sentencing reforms will only make a difference in rural communities if they are backed by effective implementation and adequate policing resources. 

SARM also highlighted the need for continued federal investment in rural transportation and trade infrastructure, timely and transparent agriculture programs that get Saskatchewan products to market, and federal programs that reflect the realities of rural development. 

Reliable broadband is the foundation for rural Saskatchewan to benefit from new technologies. SARM is encouraging Ottawa to accelerate rural connectivity and support the responsible use of tools such as artificial intelligence to improve efficiency on the farm and expand access to rural healthcare. 

Huber said the delegation also had an unexpected opportunity for an impromptu conversation with Prime Minister Mark Carney while in Ottawa. He said every conversation helps put a face to rural Saskatchewan. 

“We appreciate the time federal leaders have taken to meet with us, and we look forward to continuing to work with them on policies, programs, and investments that support strong, sustainable rural communities,” he said. 

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

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