Government committee to tackle crime in country, cities

A provincial legislative committee has been charged with reducing crime rates in Saskatchewan.

"One of the main concerns I hear as I travel around Saskatchewan is crime," said Premier Brad Wall in a news release  "I have asked this new committee to focus on causes and make recommendations on what the province and our partners, like municipalities and police forces, can do to reduce crime."

• Saskatoon, Regina had highest crime rates in Canada in 2015
• Saskatchewan homicides up 79% last year, StatsCan says

The committee has seven members, both urban and rural MLAs.

It will also engage with municipal leaders, the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association, the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities, police and crime watch organizations.

Wall said there seems to be an increase in crimes, especially drug-related crime related to the distribution of fentanyl and methamphetamine, which has been repeatedly brought to his attention by concerned MLAs and community leaders. 

Budget considerations

The upcoming budget doesn't leave a lot of room for new safety initiatives, but Wall said the government is open to the idea of more funding should the need arise. 

"I just believe safety is fundamental to the role of government and they might have some recommendations that need to be provided in time for the budget," Wall said of the committee. 

Police response times will also be addressed. Wall touted the increase in officers hired since the Saskatchewan Party was first elected. 

"If it's clear that more resources, i.e. more police officers, is part of the answer, not just to that issue but generally to the crime situation, we'll have to give that earnest consideration, notwithstanding how tight the budget is," he said.

The committee will report its findings to the justice minister, cabinet and the government caucus.

Any recommendations made by the committee to the provincial government will be made public, Wall said.