By Alice McFarlane

Saskatchewan rural municipal councils discuss numerous issues at mid-term convention

Nov 18, 2022 | 4:01 PM

MELFORT, Sask. – Rural crime, health care, fertilizer emissions policy, and bullying were some of the items discussed at the two-day Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM) convention in Saskatoon this week.

Assistant Commissioner Rhonda Blackmore told the gathering that after declining during the pandemic, the number of rural property crimes is now increasing.

SARM President Ray Orb said this fall there were several reports of break-ins and thefts.

“Those commodities that are out there that farmers and ranchers are using are so expensive now,” he said. “It just really attracts the wrong kind of people out to the rural areas.”

Orb said he is encouraging every rural municipality to belong to a Rural Crime Watch and report to the RCMP all incidents even if a break-in doesn’t result in a loss of property.

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Delegates expressed concern about the federal government’s proposed reduction of fertilizer emissions.

One of the resolutions said fertilizer is essential for crop production and the farm sector is being singled out for emission reductions. It also said the emissions reduction target will increase food costs and contribute to shortages.

Orb said SARM met with Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau.

“We’re concerned about it becoming a mandatory issue,” he said.

Delegates voted in favor of SARM calling on the government to increase training seats and infrastructure in the province for Primary Care Paramedics, LPN’s, and the bridging programs for LPN to RN qualifications.

Another issue Orb addressed was reporting to the SARM office about bullying and harassment of RM councillors.

“In some cases, we have former council members that are bullying the current council, we have issues with some ratepayers that are bullying counselors,” he said. “We’re trying to make sure that our council members understand the need to work with the public. But first, we need to gain the respect of the public.”

SARM offers training to newly elected council members on their roles and responsibilities Participants learn about the importance of open and transparent government, conflict of interest, code of ethics, decision-making, council procedures, and constructive conflict resolution.

Roughly 1,000 delegates were registered for the mid-term convention which Orb said was a very good turnout.

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @farmnewsNOW