An alternative to the carbon tax, more reliable broadband and cell phone service, more infrastructure funding for roads and bridges, and improved Agriculture safety nets – that’s what the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities is advocating for in the federal election. President Ray Orb considers the election an opportunity to bring these issues up with candidates.

He says broadband is an essential service and is fundamental to the economic and social wellbeing of rural municipalities, and the pandemic has brought the issue to the forefront with education online, along with meetings, and health and wellness supports, among others.

When it comes to the carbon tax, Orb would like an alternative to be found, and recognition for the work already done to lower the carbon footprint, like zero-till farming and ranchers using good stewardship practices.

The SARM President adds that there isn’t enough funding for infrastructure, and notes that there are over 14-hundred bridges in rural Saskatchewan in dire need or replacement or repair, and these roads and bridges are what carry the livestock, grain, lumber and mining products to their destinations.  Another issue is the agriculture safety programs. Orb says the federal government has pledged to review them and have improvements in place by 2023, but SARM would prefer they be addressed sooner, so farmers and ranchers don’t have to rely on programs like Agri-recovery.
Election day is September 20th.