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SARM President Discusses Budget 2026


It’s a budget that, from a rural Saskatchewan perspective, sends some positive signals—but also sets the stage for a broader conversation about whether long-term support will match long-term need.


Today, we look at what Budget 2026 means for rural communities across Saskatchewan, where local governments are watching closely for support in the areas they say matter most: agriculture, infrastructure, health care, policing, and a fair, predictable model for municipal revenue sharing.


For rural municipalities, that revenue-sharing framework remains a central piece of the relationship with the province. This year, rural municipalities are set to receive just under 112 million dollars through Municipal Revenue Sharing, funding that local leaders say is essential for planning, budgeting, and making multi-year investments without facing unexpected shortfalls.


Infrastructure is another major focus. The province is increasing funding for the Rural Integrated Roads for Growth program to 20.4 million dollars this year—a move being welcomed by rural leaders who say reliable roads and bridges are critical not just for residents, but for moving grain, livestock, farm inputs, and the goods that help power Saskatchewan’s economy.


Health care also remains front and centre. In many parts of rural Saskatchewan, access to timely care close to home is tied directly to whether communities can attract and retain families, workers, and businesses. And in this year’s budget, there is also targeted support for mental health, including a 200-thousand-dollar investment in the farm stress line and expanded services for agriculture workers and their families.


Public safety is another key issue. Rural municipalities have been calling for better response times and more visible policing, and this budget includes funding for the Small Town and Rural policing grant program—support aimed at strengthening community-based policing and helping local services better complement RCMP efforts.


So while there is praise for parts of this budget, there is also a larger question: will these commitments translate into lasting support for the rural communities that help drive growth across the province?


Joining us today is Bill Huber, President of the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities, to discuss what stands out in this budget, where rural Saskatchewan is seeing progress, and where more work still needs to be done.


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This episode of Municipal Affairs was sponsored by: Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy


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