Moe launches plan to strengthen border security

Saskatchewan government has introduced the Saskatchewan Border Security Plan (SBSP) to improve border security with the U.S. 

The SBSP allows the Ministry of Corrections, Policing, and Public Safety to deploy Provincial Protective Services (PPS) officers in partnership with other local, provincial, and federal protection agencies, such as the RCMP, Regina Police Service, and Canada Border Services Agency.

Corrections, Policing, and Public Safety Minister Tim McLeod and Premier Scott Moe announced the SBSP at a press conference, joined by Highway Patrol and Conservation officers. 

Moe said the province is taking immediate steps to secure the Saskatchewan–U.S. border. 

"Our government is taking immediate steps to increase border integrity, ensuring the Saskatchewan-U.S. border is secure and our communities are safe," said Moe. 

"We are redeploying 16 provincial law enforcement officers to patrol high-priority areas around the border. We are also prepared to mobilize up to 95 total officers to address emerging incidents should they arise."

The 16 Conservation, Saskatchewan Highway Patrol officers and canine-handler teams will conduct regular patrols and public safety campaigns. 

These resources include one mobile command unit, up to 16 patrol cars with licence plate readers, and specialized equipment like drones, snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles, and three planes.

The province also plans to mobilize up to 95 officers if significant illegal activity surfaces. 

Officials are exploring options, such as creating a Border Integrity and Intervention Team under the Saskatchewan Marshals Service, expanding the Saskatchewan Trafficking Response Teams, and directing these teams efforts to priority areas.

"Members of our Provincial Protective Services team will work with existing federal and provincial agencies to strengthen border security through high-visibility surveillance, commercial vehicle enforcement, and remote area patrols," said McLeod. 

"This approach builds on the already strong enforcement work that is being done across the province."

PPS officers will not assume any federal enforcement duties.

In 2024, provincially funded enforcement teams seized more than $17 million of illegal goods. 

They confiscated 88 kilograms of illicit drugs valued at $8 million on the street, more than one million packs of illegal tobacco valued at $9.1 million, approximately 400 illegal firearms, and over $700,000 in cash. 

Human trafficking arrests also happened.

Premier Moe said these numbers prove the need for proactive enforcement. However, federal agencies remain in charge of border enforcement.