RCMP union, nearly 90 concerned municipalities call on province to pause Sask. Marshals Service

The largest police union in Canada and nearly 90 municipalities across Saskatchewan are calling on the province to pause its funding to the Saskatchewan Marshals Service (SMS), citing concerns about a lack of transparency and accountability.

The SMS is meant to focus on rural crime, gangs and guns, arresting people with outstanding warrants, and assisting RCMP and municipal police when called, according to the province.

The marshals service has received $14 million so far and is expected to cost $20 million per year once fully operational. 

The National Police Federation (NPF), which represents 20,000 RCMP officers across Canada, says the province should invest into existing police resources.

The NPF says there has not been "adequate consultation with the communities and stakeholders [the SMS] is meant to serve."

The city of Warman, town of Wolseley, town of Spiritwood, village of Elbow and RM of Moose Jaw are among nearly 90 communities that have voiced similar concerns.

"The concern that we have is the lack of information as to the cost to our municipality," Wolseley Mayor Gerald Hill told CBC News Friday.

"How it will be implemented, how it's going to be paid for and where these additional officers are going to be located."

Hill said the details are extremely vague and the town's queries haven't been answered "satisfactorily." 

"We just need more information and I don't think that's an unreasonable request.… We're all taxpayers. We need to know who's paying for it and exactly what these new marshals will be doing," he said.

"Just tell us what the heck is going on. Lay it out in black and white."

The province expects to launch the marshals service by the end of 2026. Its headquarters are in Prince Albert, with plans for four or five satellite offices across the province. The province said it will choose those locations based on crime statistics.

In a statement Friday afternoon, the provincial government said that the SMS will operate as a "complementary addition," collaborating with the RCMP and municipal police services, and that no funds will be diverted from existing services.

"While the SMS will have police authority throughout the province, the RCMP will remain the provincial police service of jurisdiction," the statement said.