Saskatchewan’s government is refusing to say why one of the province’s first marshals has been suspended, despite repeated questions in the legislature.Sask NDP justice critic Nicole Sarauer asked Corrections and Policing Minister Tim McLeod whether he knew what the marshal is alleged to have done. “Does he know what his suspended marshal is being investigated for? Yes or no?” asked Sarauer. McLeod told the legislature the matter is in the hands of the Public Complaints Commission, an independent civilian body. “Those allegations need to be proven before any inappropriate conduct has been established,” said McLeod. So far, the government has disclosed only that the marshal was relieved of duty with pay earlier this month. .“It would be inappropriate for the minister to comment on any ongoing investigation,” said McLeod.Sarauer tried again, arguing the Saskatchewan Marshals Service (SMS) was set up to report directly to McLeod and the public deserves clarity. ““The minister didn’t even touch my question,” said Sarauer.McLeod repeated that elected officials are kept at arm’s length from investigations and turned the spotlight onto the government’s law and order agenda, highlighting plans to add 70 marshals and 100 municipal officers. “Our people in this province deserve safer communities and that’s what this government is delivering,” said McLeod.The SMS is a rural crime fighting unit with broad policing powers. The suspended officer is among the first cohort sworn in this spring.The Public Complaints Commission has not provided a timeline for its findings.
