Sask. establishes mandate and objectives of new provincial police force

The Saskatchewan government has approved the mandate for how its new police agency will operate in the province and what the marshals will prioritize. 

Premier Scott Moe signed an order in council last week, officially approving the terms and conditions.

The government had created the framework for its new marshals service by passing amendments to The Police Act, 1990 earlier this year. The service is expected to be operational in 2026 and will cost around $20 million annually.

According to the government order, the mandate of the marshals is to: 

The new marshal service will report to and be guided by ministry officials. 

According to the government order, the Chief Marshal will be subject to "the general direction of the minister of corrections, policing and public safety and to The Police Act, 1990 and the regulations."

Furthermore, "the deputy minister of corrections, policing and public safety will act in place of a board for the Saskatchewan Marshals Service" and that the deputy minister will "have the same duties and responsibilities as those of a board responsible for police pursuant to the provisions of The Police Act, 1990."

Christine Tell, who is the minister of corrections, policing and public safety, said Tuesday that the deputy minister will act in place of a board on a temporary basis.

"He will be appointed as an interim board, so that is until we get a Chief Marshal hired, procurement of equipment and vehicles, whatever the case may be, ensuring that the policies and procedures are in place and making sure that they are appropriate for a service like this."

Tell said the government will hire a Chief Marshal in the next few months. She also said she hoped a board would eventually be established after that, but she did not provide a time frame for that. This formation of a board is not reflected in the order in council. 

On Tuesday, Nicole Sarauer, who is the opposition critic for corrections, policing and public safety, questioned the reporting structure and independence of the new police force.

"It's very concerning," she said. "The most egregious thing is the deputy minister will be acting in place of the board. It's a slap in the face to the rule of law."

Sarauer said this structure is a departure from how police agencies are traditionally governed in Canada.

"Boards exist as the oversight body for policing for a very distinct reason and to remove that is a marked departure from Canadian policing principles."