Legislative Report
November 10, 2022

Strengthening Law Enforcement in Saskatchewan

Our government continues to work with other agencies, levels of government and communities to make Saskatchewan safer. In the recent Speech from the Throne, new support and initiative were announced like the new Saskatchewan Marshal Service, increased funding for the Crime Reduction Team along with the Warrant Enforcement and Suppression Team. We continue to work with the Prince Albert Grand Council to learn more about a self-administered First Nations police service for Saskatchewan.

When fully operational, 70 officers will make up the Saskatchewan Marshal Service (SMS), providing an additional layer of law enforcement in the province. The SMS will be an independent agency reporting to the Ministry of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety. Duties will include responding to areas with high crime rates, apprehending offenders with outstanding arrest warrants and investigating farming-related offences like theft and trespassing. Marshals will conduct proactive investigations while supporting RCMP and municipal police in their daily operations. There are many areas of the province where a more active and visible police presence will strengthen law enforcement efforts.

We will also invest another $1.6 million annually to expand Warrant Enforcement and Suppression Team (WEST) in Prince Albert. The unit will consist of eight RCMP officers, one analyst and one administrative support position. The first WEST units started operations in Saskatoon and Meadow Lake this spring. The Prince Albert unit is expected to be operational in late 2023 or early 2024. WEST targets high-profile offenders who represent a significant threat to public safety, such as gang members and violent offenders with outstanding warrants.

Additionally, a new Crime Reduction Team (CRT) unit established in the Battlefords region will consist of eight officers, one analyst and one administrative support position. The CRT focus will be street gangs and repeat offenders while assisting in the event of a surge in urban and rural crime. This expansion increases the total number of CRT units in the province from 9 to 10.

Over $23 million in additional funding has been committed to enhancing and expanding agencies that will ensure public safety, respond to emergencies and support programs already in place. The expansion will build on previous investments, such as the Provincial Protective Services Branch and the Saskatchewan Trafficking Response Team.

Making Workplaces Safer

Our government is also moving to ensure workplaces across the province are safe for residents. We have introduced amendments to the Saskatchewan Employment Act that will improve health and safety requirements while meeting the needs of a modern workplace.

Following the engagement of industry stakeholders, the amendments introduced were part of a review of occupational health and safety provisions. Changes include the addition of secondary and post-secondary students being defined as workers so they can be covered by the Act, requiring all workplaces to have a violence policy and investigate incidents of violence or harassment, and allowing officers to take photos or recordings during inspections. The amendments introduced are another step forward in helping protect the health and safety of all workers in the province.

Increased private investment and higher resource revenues are being re-invested into our province to ensure Saskatchewan residents benefit from this growth for years to come. Our government is committed to ensuring each of us feels safe in our communities and on the job site. The investments will support current programs, services and the RCMP in their efforts. With all agencies working together to address the needs of Saskatchewan people, our province will continue to be one of the greatest places to call home.