The Saskatchewan government is attempting to improve community safety by introducing new legislation to increase both support services and enforcement in an attempt to reduce homelessness, drug use, and violent crime. The Saskatchewan Party government introduced The Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Amendment Act (SCAN) and The Safe Public Spaces (Street Weapons) Act (SPS), which are both aimed at addressing problem properties and reducing street violence involving weapons such as machetes and bear spray.Justice Minister and Attorney General Tim McLeod explained that the legislative steps respond directly to concerns raised by community members and law enforcement. The SCAN amendments will grant officers more authority to identify and intervene in the operations of nuisance properties that contribute to crime and community decline..EXCLUSIVE: Moe shifts approach on school female changing room policies.McLeod states this move will provide officers with the tools and resources they need to ensure safer neighbourhoods. "We know from talking to police and community leaders that there is a need for strengthened resources to ensure every Saskatchewan resident enjoys a safe and thriving neighbourhood," said McLeod. "Our amendments to the SCAN Act give our officers more tools to respond to dangerous or neglected properties. This is about keeping people safe and fostering communities where everyone can feel secure."In addition to the SCAN Act enhancements, the SPS Act introduces municipal and First Nations opt-in regulations prohibiting carrying certain weapons in designated public areas..EXCLUSIVE: Moe calls for immediate federal election, Trudeau outlived mandate.These restrictions extend to large knives, machetes, and bear spray and build upon earlier Wildlife Control Products Regulations. McLeod emphasized that the decision to pass these measures stems from community-based requests. "There is no room for violence in Saskatchewan," said McLeod. "These measures give communities more options to address individuals who use weapons to intimidate or harm others. The result will be safer public spaces for all residents.".EXCLUSIVE: University of Regina Student Union considers defunding of Pride, Women’s Centre.While the legislative focus aims at addressing immediate public safety issues, Premier Scott Moe and his government also acknowledge the deeper societal challenges linked to addiction, homelessness, and mental health. In a recent Western Standard interview, Moe discussed how the province's safety strategy extends beyond tougher laws into prevention and recovery.When asked what measurable outcomes the government hopes to achieve from expanded enforcement and recovery services, Moe openly discussed the issue's complexity..Saskatchewan transgender, non-binary, pansexual 12-year-old testifies in Ottawa."The measurable outcomes, I think, at the end of the day, are going to be reduced homelessness, reduced social impacts in our communities, reduced opioid deaths, reduced overdoses, and ultimately, reduced friends and family members that are living a life of addiction," said Moe. "So, will we get there overnight? No, but where you are seeing the provincial government focus when it comes to community safety is really in two areas, and one is recovery supports, and one is enforcement."Moe stated that the province is investing in more recovery beds, urgent care centers, and pilot complex needs shelters. Moe said these efforts are about ensuring that people encountering the justice system or seeking help themselves can access recovery and support services as quickly as possible..Saskatchewan rejects Trudeau’s Clean Electricity Regulations, violates constitution, threatens economy."Where over 95% of individuals that are coming in under arrest or self-referring to a community-based organization," said Moe."Is it perfect? No. But is it an access point for folks to get in front of recovery or support services? Yes, and that's what we need."In addition to these efforts, enforcement will see a marked increase, including the addition of 500 new police officers, expanded RCMP presence, and the launch of a Saskatchewan Marshal Service to backstop municipal and federal law enforcement. "Presence equals prevention," said Moe..Saskatchewan to cut taxes, Trudeau’s gov’t raises taxes.Moe pointed out that legislative changes at the federal level are another component of Saskatchewan's approach. He called for reforms to the Criminal Code of Canada to address repeat offenders and the individuals responsible for distributing dangerous substances. "There needs to be increased opportunities for increased punishment for those that are making these awful substances available to Saskatchewan and Canadians," said Moe. Moe argued that tighter laws, along with the new provincial laws, would create a more consistent and forceful deterrent against those who profit from drug-related crime..Saskatchewan Marshals Service starts in 2025 despite recruitment issues.The combination of enhanced enforcement strategies and expanded recovery opportunities reflects the Saskatchewan government's recognition that meaningful change requires a balanced approach. The new legislation focuses on immediate community safety concerns by directly targeting illegal weapons and problem properties. The accompanying investments in addiction treatment and prevention services aim to address root causes.Moe believes that these coordinated efforts will lead to tangible improvements in the lives of Saskatchewan residents. "We need to provide the recovery opportunities and access to them," said Moe. "We are doing so, and we're going to continue to do."
