‘There’s more to Canada than the big cities:’ SARM president

The Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM) and Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA) have teamed up in a call for some attention from the prime minister.

It comes as Justin Trudeau has promised to contact western premiers and big-city mayors from Saskatoon, Regina, Edmonton and Calgary, a joint media release said.

“It’s kind of an insult when you see the prime minister phoning big-city mayors and not talking to the rural organizations as well,” SARM president Roy Orb told Gormley guest host Mike Couros.

The joint release encouraged the prime minister to connect with SARM and RMA to discuss the priorities of rural westerners.

“There’s more to Canada than the big cities,” Orb explained.

Producers make up a big part of Canada’s GDP and deserve attention, according to Orb, who believes listening to rural groups would help with national unity.

“The prime minister of this country doesn’t represent one region or two regions, he represents everyone,” he said.

It’s not just about agriculture. The media release also highlighted the resource sector including oil and gas.

“All levels of government need to work together to build strong and vibrant rural communities across the west,” the media release stated.