(Image Credit: ID10006521 © Vladimir Voronin Dreamstime.com)

By Alice McFarlane

Rural Safety

Emergency response and rural safety needs more support

Mar 4, 2026 | 12:09 PM

The Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM) is calling on the provincial and federal governments to strengthen funding and partnership commitments for Emergency Response Services that support healthcare, safety, and disaster preparedness across rural Saskatchewan. 

SARM President Bill Huber said rural municipalities are the backbone of community safety, ensuring that rural residents are protected before, during, and after emergencies and RMs carry significant responsibility but often face resource and personnel challenges in delivering these vital services. 

“Rural municipalities are on the front lines when disaster strikes,” Huber said. “Every day, our local responders are called upon to protect lives and property, yet they often work with outdated equipment and limited financial support. Strengthened and predictable provincial and federal investment would give our communities the tools they need to stay resilient.” 

Rural safety and related funding will be discussed at the SARM Annual Convention from March 10 to 12 in Regina, Sask.  

SARM priorities include predictable and flexible funding to support local emergency preparedness efforts, including equipment, operations, and workforce development; support for civic addressing and NextGen 911 implementation, ensuring accurate emergency response across Saskatchewan’s rural regions; and lower radio licensing fees to make critical communication systems affordable and effective during times of crisis. 

File photo of an irrigation system on a farm in southern Alberta.

Water supplies in southern Alberta strong in early 2026

Feb 19, 2026

Excite Lethbridge

Cultivating Community: How Excite Lethbridge Is Growing Agriculture in Southern Alberta

Feb 13, 2026

Rocky Ag Society takes the E.A.T tour on the road

Feb 12, 2026

SARM is also calling for increased investment in wildfire prevention, disaster readiness, and proactive infrastructure improvements; and expanded funding for volunteer fire departments, including training, fire halls, and equipment. 

Huber said as extreme weather events and natural disasters continue to intensify, SARM wants proactive investment now to save lives and reduce costs in the future. 

“Rural communities want to do their part, but they need fair cost-sharing frameworks and reliable funding to make that possible,” Huber added. “We’re asking our provincial and federal partners to step up and recognize the critical role of rural emergency services and ensure they’re equipped to respond when our people need them most.” 

–

alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com