|
March 7, 2023
Note: certain email platforms distort the Weekly Policy Bulletin formatting. It is viewed best as a webpage through your internet browser.
{View as Webpage}
| |
2023 Annual Convention Resolutions
The SARM Resolutions Committee met over the last number of weeks to review the resolutions submitted to this annual convention and to provide guidance to make improvements to the resolution process.
The committee consists of the following individuals that represent each Division in the SARM membership:
Resolution Committee Members
| | |
You will notice two resolution documents linked below. One document consists of only the resolutions and the other includes the resolutions submitted with background.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
1. The submitted background is what each sponsor has provided.
2. Please share with your council prior to the convention.
The resolutions for convention will also be available to delegates as part of our SARM Convention App and printed in the SARM Convention Guide.
| |
SARM Elections 2023
As the nomination period for President, Vice President and Division Directors for Division 2,4, and 6 ended February 16, 2023 at 5:00 PM, SARM would like to announce the following:
The following individuals have been acclaimed to the SARM Board of Directors:
- President- Ray Orb- R.M. of Cupar- No. 218
- Vice President - Bill Huber- R.M. of Lipton No. 217
- Division 4 - Myron Kopec- R.M. of Buchanan No. 304
- Division 6 - Darwin Whitfield- R.M. of Oakdale No. 320
There will be an election at the SARM Annual Convention on Thursday, March 16, 2023 in Division Two. The elections will take place at the Division 2 Division Meeting.
The candidates include:
- Norm Nordgulen - R.M. of Lake of the Rivers No. 72
- Tim Brodt - R.M. of Edenwold No. 158
- Cody Jordison - R.M. of Lumsden No. 189
- Susan Oakley-Paul - R.M. of Sherwood No. 159
| | | |
Pest Monitoring Program
In order for the Ministry of Agriculture to collect the data they need to produce pest forecasts, direct research and detect emerging problems. The Ministry of Agriculture needs to access fields. Your consent will allow them to monitor pests on your property and will contribute greatly to the health of the agriculture industry in Saskatchewan.
The Ministry of Agriculture is asking that rural property owners sign up to be part of upcoming pest monitoring work.
| | |
Consultations on Proposed Amendments to The Building Code Regulations, The Energy Code Regulations and The Plumbing Code Regulations
The Ministry of Government Relations is proposing amendments to the three regulations made pursuant to The Construction Codes, specifically The Building Code Regulations, The Energy Code Regulations and The Plumbing Code Regulations. Please find below a summary provided by Mr. Kevin Kehler, Director of Technical Safety Policy, explaining the proposed changes:
(NBC), the National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings (NECB) and the National Plumbing Code of Canada (NPC) on January 1, 2024. This date was chosen to limit disruptions during the busy summer construction season and to ensure compliance with Saskatchewan’s commitment under the Canadian Free Trade Agreement to adopt the 2020 editions of the construction codes within 24 months of their publication.
A detailed technical explanation of the changes between the 2015 and the 2020 editions for all three codes can be found at the following website: ccbfc-cccbpi.ca/en/significant-technical-changes-to-2020-codes.
In addition to the adoption of the 2020 editions of the construction codes, amendments have been proposed to address Saskatchewan-specific concerns. This includes:
- adding several new definitions and revising a number of existing definitions to provide clarity and a more common understanding;
- identifying the energy efficiency tiers and climate zone ratings listed in the NBC and NECB that will apply in Saskatchewan;
- requiring inspections by engineers or architects of certain types of large buildings;
- allowing child care centers to be classified as Group A, Division 2 assembly occupancies to harmonize the application of codes;
- clarifying the requirements for carbon monoxide and smoke detectors in existing buildings constructed between 1988 and 2009; and
- allowing homeowners to obtain a permit from their relevant local authority for plumbing work on their own primary residences.
With respect to energy efficiency standards, stakeholders are also being asked to provide comments on the readiness of industry, local authorities and the supply chain to comply with the new requirements detailed in the NECB and Section 9.36. of the NBC. Specifically, this includes impact the proposed tiers of energy efficiency will have on new construction and the ability of industry to satisfy these requirements.
SARM asks that the RMs review the side-by-sides which outline the proposed wording of the amendments and provide any comment, concerns or questions to Mrs. Alicia Bay or Ms. Deanna Nichols no later than March 24, 2023.
| |
Province Proclaims March as Agriculture Literacy Month
The month of March has once again been proclaimed as Agriculture Literacy Month in Saskatchewan. Agriculture Literacy Month connects students of all ages to agriculture through presentations led by industry volunteers.
Throughout the month of March, industry volunteers, from all levels of food production will join classrooms to share presentations and personal experiences to help students learn more about agriculture.
Agriculture in the Classroom has been an important organization in Saskatchewan for many years. This year’s theme is agricultural stewardship, which will teach students about the important relationship between producers and the environment.
| | | |
Amended Surface Rights Regulations
The Ministry of Energy and Resources (ER) has just launched stakeholder consultations on proposed amendments to The Surface Rights Acquisition and Compensation Regulations. Changes to these regulations are necessary to support amendments to The Surface Rights Acquisition and Compensation Act and The Oil and Gas Conservation Act currently before the Saskatchewan Legislature.
The proposals will have particular interest to helium, lithium and other subsurface mineral rights holders as the regulation changes will look to include these as commodities for which the Board may adjudicate surface access.
Further details on the proposed amendments may be found at The Surface Rights Acquisition and Compensation Regulations page in the public engagement section of Saskatchewan.ca.
| | |
Provinces Urge Federal Agency to Reconsider Pesticide Decision
The governments of Alberta and Saskatchewan are urging the federal Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) to reconsider its decision on a crucial insecticide for farmers.
The PMRA recently changed approved uses for lambda-cyhalothrin, an effective pesticide that many farmers rely on to control grasshoppers and flea beetles.
Among other changes, it can no longer be used for any crop that may end up as livestock feed and as a result, its manufacturers have pulled their products from Western Canada.
Due to a continued drought in some parts of Alberta and Saskatchewan, grasshoppers are again likely to be a significant concern in the 2023 growing season, and the PMRA's decision leaves farmers with one fewer tool to address potentially destructive pests.
| | |
It could also mean the inability for canola producers to sell their products as livestock feed which could impact availability for cattle and lamb producers. It could also impact total food production in a time of world food insecurity.
In 2019, the United States' Environmental Protection Agency removed restrictions on lambda-cyhalothrin's use. The PMRA made the opposite decision, which has led to confusion about what will be done about livestock feed coming in from our largest trading partner.
Minister Horner and Minister Marit have written to the ministers of Health Canada and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, outlining producers' concerns and urging them to encourage the PMRA to reconsider its decision.
| |
2023 Crop Insurance Program
On February 27, 2023, Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister David Marit announced details of the 2023 Crop Insurance Program. Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation (SCIC) would like to provide more information about the Program and coverage available to Saskatchewan producers.
In 2023, Crop Insurance coverage will reach a new record-high level due to increased commodity prices and yield coverage. The average Crop Insurance coverage is $446 per acre in 2023, up from $405 per acre. With this increase in coverage, the average total premium is also higher at $14.79 per acre, compared to $12.05 in 2022. While these are averages, it is important to note each producer’s coverage is personalized and premiums differ based on individual production history and insurance selections.
SCIC continually works to improve and enhance its business risk management programs to provide responsive, relevant options to Saskatchewan producers.
Highlights from the announcement include:
-
Introducing Individual Premium - Starting in 2023, Crop Insurance customers will see an Individual Premium calculated for each crop they insure, based on individual claim history compared to the area risk zone. Individual Premium is calculated independently for each crop; therefore, a claim on one crop does not impact premium for a different crop. Using personal experience allows Crop Insurance to be more responsive to each individual farm. With this change, Premium Discounts and Surcharges are discontinued.
-
Increasing Maximum Coverage for Unseeded Acreage - When land is too wet to seed due to excessive spring moisture, Unseeded Acreage (USA) coverage helps offset costs associated with getting those acres in condition to seed for the following year. New for 2023, SCIC is increasing the Unseeded Acreage maximum dollar coverage levels. While the minimum coverage remains the same at $50 per acre, additional Unseeded Acreage coverage levels are increasing to $75, $100 and $125 per acre.
-
Increasing AgriStability Compensation - Effective for the 2023 program year, the AgriStability compensation rate is increasing from 70 per cent to 80 per cent. This allows AgriStability coverage to be more responsive when a farm experiences a large margin decline.
Rest assured, the Crop Insurance Fund is strong and will continue to support Saskatchewan producers by paying all eligible claims.
After some tough years due to drought, harsh winters and other uncontrollable events, SCIC wants to acknowledge the drive and resilience Saskatchewan farmers and ranchers continue to show year after year. As producers looks forward to the 2023 growing season, now is the time for producers to evaluate business risk options and ensure they have the right coverage for their operation.
March 31, 2023, is the deadline to apply, reinstate, cancel or make changes to Crop Insurance contracts. Producers must select insured crops and coverage levels or make additional changes by this date. If no changes are made, a producer’s coverage will remain the same as last year.
Please reach out to any of the 21 local SCIC offices to discuss options and create a custom-fit risk management plan.
| | |
Municipalities: Apply by May 1 for Targeted Sector Support Initiative Funding
[On March 3, 2023], Government Relations Minister Don McMorris encouraged Saskatchewan municipalities to apply for project funding under the newest intake for the Targeted Sector Support (TSS) Initiative to help build even better communities across the province.
The TSS Initiative provides cost-shared grants of up to 75 per cent of eligible project costs and are funded under one of the following streams; dispute resolution and relationship building, capacity building, regional co-operation, and municipal transition.
This is the fifth project intake under the TSS Initiative, which is funded through the provincial government's Municipal Revenue Sharing Program. The Saskatchewan Association of Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA) administers this funding on behalf of the TSS Steering Committee.
The TSS Steering Committee consists of representatives from SUMA, the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM), the Saskatchewan Association of Northern Communities (New North) and the Ministry of Government Relations.
| | |
Previously approved projects include: training to enhance the governance skills of municipal officials; developing regional emergency plans; undertaking a municipal district feasibility study; and enhancing co-operation.
Interested municipalities can learn more and apply here or email info@targetedsector.ca for more information.
Applications for this intake will be accepted until Monday, May 1, 2023.
| |
S.M.A.R.T. Professional Development Day
This 1-day workshop will dive into the world of workplace systems as seen through the lens of senior management. Participants will examine the relationship between systems (in this case safety), management, accountability, recognition, and training in the quest for overall continuous improvement.
Aimed at management (senior supervisors, senior management, and executives) who are responsible for safety within their team and how they can use management, accountability, recognition, and training to improve their teams performance to the next level.
The day will consist of a presentation reinforced with discussion and exercises.
When looking to expand your senior leadership safety development, who better to learn from then somebody with more than two decades of senior leadership experience and the highest safety accolades?
Location: Shumiatcher Room - Conexus Arts Centre
200A Lakeshore Drive
Regina, SK, S4S 3V7
Workshop starts at 8:30am and will wrap up by 4:30pm. A working lunch is included in registration price.
Price: $300.00
| |
Building and Technical Standards Branch - Legislative Framework Training
The Building and Technical Standards Branch is pleased to deliver the workshop ‘Legislative Framework Training’ in person for Saskatoon on the following dates:
In Person – Legislative Framework Training Workshop & Examination - Saskatoon
Date: April 24 & 25, 2023
Training Time: April 24 - 8-11:30 a.m., 12:45-4:30 p.m.
April 25 - 8-11:30 a.m.
Examination Time: April 25 - 12:45-4:30 p.m.
Location: Saskatoon Inn & Conference Centre, 2002 Airport Drive,
Saskatoon, SK
Registration: Please complete the registration form that is found at this link under the Spring 2023 Legislative Workshop section
Cost: This workshop is being offered free of charge
The intent of this training is to provide stakeholders with a better understanding of the legislation and regulations for successful application of the National Building Code of Canada within Saskatchewan. Following the in-class training, an examination sitting will be administered for interested attendees on the second half of day two. Please note that the exam associated with this training is a requirement for all new and existing building officials dependent on the conditions of their building official license.
This workshop will provide 16 credit hours towards mandatory training hour requirements for building officials, upon successful completion of the LFT exam for building official license renewal, or 16 credit hours towards discretionary training upon failure of the LFT exam. Other participants can claim 16 hours of professional development upon completion not reliant on exam writing.
Legislative Framework Training Webinar (Online)
Date: At your convenience
Training Time: At your convenience
Location: Online
Cost: Free of Charge
Stakeholders wishing to take the training without attending the Saskatoon in person training session may do so by completing the online training webinar.
Building officials wishing to challenge the examination without attending the in person training session must complete the online training webinar prior to the examination on April 25 at 12:45 p.m.
The link allows users to register and gain access to the Legislative Framework Training online webinar from the Building and Technical Standards Branch. It is recommended to use a browser such as Google Chrome and Safari for the best experience with viewing in the Thinkific platform.
| | | |
Course Options Now Posted for New Provincial Online School
Course options for students are now available at the new Saskatchewan Distance Learning Corporation (Sask DLC) website as students and career counsellors begin planning class schedules for the 2023-24 school year. The course catalogue can be found at www.saskDLC.ca.
Sask DLC will offer more than 180 online courses for Kindergarten to Grade 12 students, including more than 120 high school courses with unique electives such as Animation, Astronomy, Paleontology, IT Fundamentals, Equine Studies, and Interior Design and Decorating, among others. Sask DLC will use the Moodle platform and has ready to use educational resources for students and teachers including instructional videos and lesson plans.
| | |
In addition to the Sask DLC, separate school divisions, the Conseil des écoles fransaskoises and independent schools may offer online learning to Kindergarten to Grade 12 students through an application process. The Ministry of Education will work with applicants to ensure they meet a quality assurance framework to provide a consistent and high-quality learning experience for students. Successful applicants will be notified in April by the Ministry of Education.
Further information about online learning in Saskatchewan will be updated at www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/education-and-learning/prek-12-education-early-learning-and-schools/online-learning as it becomes available.
| |
Builders' Lien Act - Prompt Payment Update
The Saskatchewan Construction Association & the SCDRO will be hosting two free virtual sessions recapping the First Year of Prompt Payment Legislation in Saskatchewan.
Learn more about
The First Year; What we’ve learned
Prompt Payment; What it means for you
Adjudication; How it works & when to use it
Ask Questions; get clarity on your responsibilities
Event Links (same session – two options)
March 16 – Register Now
March 17 – Register Now
Who Should Attend
Project Owners and Consultants
Commercial & Residential Contractors
Trade Contractors & Suppliers
Lawyers and Contract Administrators
| | | | |
