By Alice McFarlane

Saskatchewan farm group wants rural connectivity on election agenda

Aug 24, 2021 | 3:15 PM

MELFORT, Sask. – Canadian voters will head to the polls in less than a month.

The Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM) has a list of priorities they would like addressed by party candidates.

SARM President Ray Orb said agriculture continues to be a major contributor to the provincial economy and rural ratepayers need to ask questions about topics of interest to them.

“The 2021 federal election is an opportunity to ask about rural broadband infrastructure, carbon tax and offsets, infrastructure funding for rural municipalities, and better ag safety nets,” Orb said.

Broadband is an essential service, not unlike electricity and water. Orb said it is fundamental to the economic and social wellbeing of rural municipalities. He added it is critical in the delivery of healthcare, education, and other key supports during COVID-19.

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The introduction of carbon pricing in Saskatchewan has increased costs for agriculture and is threatening the competitiveness of Saskatchewan producers in their ability to provide a reliable source of high-quality food, according to Orb.

He said it is necessary a federal carbon offset system be developed however, he wants the work of the past and ongoing efforts of the technologies that agriculture producers already use to reduce greenhouse gas emissions be acknowledged.

Orb said RM’s need access to funding that is dedicated to rural and small communities.

“Rural roads and bridges are vital for the sustainability of rural communities and municipal governments do not have the resources to fund essential infrastructure projects on their own,” he said.

Orb said farmers need to be included in developing the next Agricultural Policy Framework due in 2023.

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @farmnewsNOW