Saskatchewan NDP says election is bigger than politics; Sask. Party seeks more power for police

Saskatchewan NDP Leader Carla Beck is pitching the province's voters on an idea: Think beyond party politics and support what's best for the province when polls open on Oct. 28. 

Standing in front of a crowd of supporters at the provincial legislature, Beck described the race between her NDP and Scott Moe's Saskatchewan Party as tighter than ever, and voters have a choice to elect change.

While some may not agree with her on everything, Beck says, they can agree people deserve better.

"This election is not about Team Orange or Team Green. This election is about Team Saskatchewan," she said. "Your vote matters. Your vote is powerful."

At a news conference earlier on Thursday, Moe unveiled a plan that would shut down nuisance properties and put an end to public disruptions if his party forms government. 

Moe says he would amend legislation to provide police with additional authority to address intoxication, vandalism and other disturbances on public property.

He says the measure would allow business owners to designate police as authorized representatives, giving officers the power to remove people from businesses without needing permission from the owner on a case-by-case basis.

Moe also says the legislation would let officers address abandoned buildings that have been repeatedly broken into or have trespassers squatting inside.

"We want to strengthen our laws to make sure those officers have the tools they need so everyone in Saskatchewan feels safe in their communities and neighbourhoods," Moe said in a news release.

Moe also recommitted to the Saskatchewan marshals service, which will bring in 70 officers once it is operational in 2026. 

So far, the provincial government has provided the service with $14 million in funding. The service is expected to cost $20 million a year once operations get underway. 

Moe defended the service after the force was criticized by the National Police Federation (NPF), the union that represents RCMP officers. 

The NPF has said the marshals service is unnecessary.

"The marshals service is going to work with the RCMP and [Assistant Commissioner] Rhonda Blackmore, so let's be clear about that," Moe said.