Saskatchewan's rural municipalities will hold an almost entirely virtual convention next year as the pandemic spotlights unequal rural broadband access.
For the first time, the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM) has decided to hold its annual convention online out of caution surrounding persistent COVID-19 uncertainties. The convention runs from March 8 to 12, 2021.
"Many of our delegates attend for the information, but they also go to let their voice be heard," SARM President Ray Orb said. "We still need to hear their rural voices."
Orb said the event will be mostly over video call. It will have many of the same opportunities to speak with ministers, visit the trade show, discuss resolutions and vote in elections for president, vice-president and odd-numbered directors.
He expects to use the SARM office in Regina as a presentation hub. However, he'll have to ask for help from SaskTel because of spotty cell and broadband coverage affecting many of SARM's members, he said. That may also mean some delegates have to move to neighbouring communities to participate.
Broadband and cellphone coverage will likely dominate the discussion.
The pandemic has already proved challenging for some small governments trying to keep their residents in the loop without websites. Internet hurdles have also been common complaints for councils struggling to hold meetings over spotty connections.
Orb said COVID-19 has highlighted the inequalities facing rural broadband. As more meetings and business shift online, Orb said high-speed internet is an essential service.
He said SARM hopes to continue discussions with Don Morgan, the Minister Responsible for SaskTel, and other representatives to expand rural coverage. Smaller providers could step up in that regard, Orb said, adding that he hopes to push the federal government for a universal broadband fund.
Speculation about a federal election will also be on the minds of delegates, he said, adding that inviting freshly-minted Conservative leader Erin O'Toole will likely be a goal for SARM. Past party leaders have also addressed its members.
He expects O'Toole to address pipeline capacity, carbon taxes affecting farmers' fuel costs, and alienation some members may feel toward the federal government, he said.
Orb wants other members of the federal and provincial governments to speak to people about ongoing issues affecting agriculture, infrastructure and rural crime. On the last, point, he would also hope to have RCMP address delegates, he said.
The virtual convention is "the first we've ever had to do, and I hope it's the last one," he added.
