Sask. NDP Leader Carla Beck. (Submitted Photo/Sask. NDP)

By paNOW Staff

CAMPAIGN COMMITMENT

NDP leader vows to scrap Sask. Marshals Service if elected

Oct 6, 2023 | 1:00 PM

The leader of Saskatchewan’s Official Opposition is making a major commitment to voters in preparation for next year’s election.

Carla Beck said that if the NDP form government, they would scrap the new Saskatchewan Marshals Service to be based in Prince Albert.

Instead, Beck would invest that money in local police services and addiction treatments.

“We used to be one of the only places in the world where front doors were left unlocked,” said Beck. “After 16 years of Sask. Party government, crime, homelessness and addictions are getting out of control, and we need a new approach.”

The Marshals Service will have a mandate to police primarily in rural and remote areas, focusing on locations with high crime rates.

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The 70-officer service is also being mandated to find and arrest prolific criminals who are wanted on warrants and provide support and assistance to other law enforcement agencies as requested.

The province announced the new service in November during the Speech from the Throne.

READ MORE: Province gives more details about Marshals Service

While the Sask. Party government is standing behind the new service, it has had it’s fair share of critics with RCMP Assistant Commissioner Rhonda Blackmore raising concerns about the cost of buildings, vehicles and infrastructure when RCMP already have those in place.

The National Police Federation have said they’re opposed to the Saskatchewan Marshals Service stating that the Saskatchewan RCMP remains underfunded and members do not have enough resources to do their jobs.

The Sask Party government has put the price tag for the service at $20 million annually. Beck said that her party would use half of that money for police services and the RCMP with the other half reserved for addiction treatment.

“We need to be tough on crime and tough on the causes of the crime,” said Beck. “Saskatchewan people are tired of feeling unsafe and unsupported by their government.”

This is the second major campaign commitment Beck has made, following her Hire Saskatchewan plan that would prioritize hiring provincial companies for public projects.

Saskatchewan Minister of Corrections, Policing, and Public Safety Paul Merriman responded to Beck’s commitment saying the government to enhancing public safety through municipal police funding, the Marshals Service and other initiatives.

“Scrapping increased public safety measures is certainly not advice we will take from the NDP. Instead, we will continue to invest in critical policing and community safety services while expanding mental health and addictions supports, shelter spaces, and assisted living units for those in need – like the 40m announced by the government today”

The next provincial election is scheduled for on or before Oct. 28, 2024.

-With files from 980 CJME

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panews@pattisonmedia.com