Next month, it'll be Regina's turn to host the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM) Annual Convention and Trade Show.
Last year, Saskatoon's Pairieland Park hosted the convention. This year's event is March 10-12 from the Bunge International Trade Centre at REAL District.
The agenda on SARM's website shows addresses from federal and provincial politicians, Regina Mayor Chad Bachynski, and farm group leaders, along with a few presentations, including one about the Port of Churchill from Jim Berscheid, President of the Hudson Bay Route Association. The agenda is currently a draft, so it is subject to change.
President of SARM Bill Huber says the Annual Convention is more of a "political" event with dialogue sessions with Provincial Cabinet Ministers on the first day, followed by the Bear Pit Session with Premier Scott Moe and his Cabinet on the second day.
"It gives every member of the municipality the opportunity to ask questions, whether it's regarding policing or health care or agriculture." said Huber.
Resolutions have been submitted and are being reviewed by SARM's resolution committee, Huber said.
"Sometimes you get resolutions that are similar and then with the cooperation of the two municipalities that sponsor them, they can go together and make one out of it sometimes. So the resolutions are all in, and I don't know the exact numbers right now, but I imagine it'll be 25 to 30 like normal." he added.
Resolutions cover a wide range of issues, from healthcare, to governance, to agriculture, and they give SARM direction on what to advocate for on behalf of Rural Municipalities. Members will vote on them on the second day of the convention.
A fireside chat featuring SARM Board members and the Financial Report are also included in the agenda.
Huber says the convention usually brings a good turnout and expects the same for this year.
"We're going to need a little cooperation from the weatherman, but we do usually have a real good turnout, and it looks like it's going to be a really good convention."
