Sarm seeks stronger support

- Media Release, SARM

March 08, 2026

key points from this story:

• SARM urges more provincial and federal funding
• Rural municipalities manage critical emergency services
• Local responders face outdated equipment, limited funding
• SARM outlines several 2025 advocacy priorities
• Call for fair cost sharing and partnerships
• Focus on long term rural community resilience

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.

Rural municipalities (RMs) are the backbone of community safety, ensuring that rural residents are protected before, during, and after emergencies. From managing infrastructure and volunteer fire services to maintaining readiness for wildfires, flooding, and droughts, 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,” said Bill Huber, SARM President. “Every day, our local responders are called upon to protect lives and property, yet they often work with outdated equipment and limited financial support.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.”

SARM’s advocacy for 2025 underscores the need for sustainable support that empowers local leadership and planning. Key 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.

- Lower radio licensing fees to make critical communication systems affordable and effective during times of crisis.

- Increased investment in wildfire prevention, disaster readiness, and proactive infrastructure improvements to strengthen long-term community resilience.

- Expanded funding for volunteer fire departments, including training, fire halls, and equipment, to sustain safe and reliable emergency response across rural Saskatchewan.

As extreme weather events and natural disasters continue to intensify, SARM stresses that proactive investment now will 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,” added Huber. “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.”

SARM also continues to advocate for sustained federal-provincial collaboration that supports long-term disaster mitigation and improved rural safety outcomes. Strengthening community resilience starts with empowering local governments to plan, prepare, and protect effectively.