Resolution to Improve the Justice System and Address Issues Faced by Farmers and Ranchers in Saskatchewan, Canada
Res #: 10-25A
Number: 10
Year: 2025
Midterm: No
Expired: No
Responses Received: Yes
Departments: Saskatchewan Ministry of Justice and Attorney General, Saskatchewan Ministry of Corrections, Public Safety and Policing
WHEREAS farmers and ranchers in Saskatchewan play a vital role in the province’s economy, food security, and rural communities.
WHEREAS recent reports have highlighted a troubling increase in crimes, including theft, vandalism, and drug-related incidents, impacting agricultural operations, property, and the safety of rural communities in Saskatchewan.
WHEREAS the justice system must ensure the protection of individuals and property, support the effective prosecution of criminals, and provide timely and meaningful solutions to prevent crime in rural areas.
WHEREAS farmers and ranchers, often living and working in remote locations, face unique challenges in dealing with criminal activities, as well as a lack of immediate law enforcement response and resources.
WHEREAS the rise in drug addiction, particularly related to methamphetamine use in rural areas, exacerbates these problems, leading to increased violence, property, and theft, all of which creates significant burdens for farmers, ranchers, and their families.
WHEREAS the justice system needs to take a proactive approach to addressing these issues while fostering collaboration between law enforcement, local communities, mental health services, and agricultural stakeholders.
BE IT RESOLVED that SARM lobby the provincial government, in partnership with law enforcement agencies, agricultural groups, and community organizations to improve the justice system and address the challenges faced by farmers and ranchers.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that SARM lobby the provincial government to work closely with federal authorities to ensure that crimes involving cross-border trafficking of stolen goods or drugs are adequately investigated and prosecuted.
Responses From: Saskatchewan Ministry of Justice and Attorney General & Saskatchewan Ministry of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety
May 9, 2025
As noted in your email, resolution 10-25A identifies many items related to the justice system overall, prevalently focusing on increases in rural crime, the protection of individuals and property. It also raised concerns about the lack of immediate law enforcement and rise in drug addiction, making an overall request for a proactive approach to addressing these issues.
Your email identified concerns regarding enforcement. I would like to identify how bylaw enforcement is being expanded. The Summary Offences Procedure Act, 1990 (SOPA) allows municipalities to enforce bylaws through a summary offence ticket. A municipality can list a voluntary payment amount on a bylaw ticket that, if paid before the court date on the ticket, means that the matter does not need to be heard in court. If the ticket is not paid before the court date listed on the ticket, the person needs to attend court to respond to the ticket.
As part of the 2025-26 Budget, the Government of Saskatchewan has committed to creating additional municipal bylaw court hubs and traffic safety courts in Fort Qu’Appelle and Rosthern. The provincial government will support the development of these new regional combined courts with a total investment of $1.3 million.
The province will establish these new dedicated bylaw courts and determine their effectiveness before requesting additional budget amounts to expand this model into other municipalities.
Any municipal bylaw matter written in accordance with SOPA can be brought to a Provincial Court docket to be heard by a Judge or Justice of the Peace.
In addition, a Bylaw Enforcement Working Group has also been established by the Ministry of Government Relations. This group will consult with municipalities to collect information about issues and barriers municipalities are facing when enforcing bylaws and collecting fines, and if applicable to make recommendations for legislative amendments.
Saskatchewan is committed to continuing to work closely with the municipalities to find appropriate solutions and resolutions to bylaw enforcement concerns.
The Government of Saskatchewan understands that many residents have very legitimate concerns about crime and safety and that more needs to be done. The public has been clear in asking for additional police resources to tackle public safety issues in Saskatchewan, particularly in rural areas and small towns.
In response, the Government has created the Saskatchewan Marshals Service (SMS) to increase police capacity in the province and fill existing gaps in service. This police service will provide an additional law enforcement presence across Saskatchewan, especially in rural areas, supporting RCMP and municipal police operations where appropriate. Their duties will include responding to areas with high crime rates, apprehending offenders with outstanding warrants and investigating farming-related offenses like theft and trespassing. The SMS is expected to be operational this summer.
The SMS is a further investment in more policing for our communities. It is not meant to replace any police service but rather augment the ability and capacity of police “boots on the ground” and to work in lockstep with policing and law enforcement partners to tackle the highest risk and most impactful crimes that threaten public safety.
The Government of Saskatchewan does not direct the RCMP in their daily operations or enforcement activities. The RCMP are responsible for setting enforcement priorities and deploying sufficient resources in the areas they serve. Your concerns regarding the RCMP response to crime in rural areas are best addressed to the Commanding Officer of “F” Division, Assistant Commissioner, Rhonda Blackmore. The contact information for Assistant Commissioner Blackmore is:
Royal Canadian Mounted Police
“F” Division Headquarters
Bag Service 2500, 6101 Dewdney Avenue
REGINA SK S4P 3K7
Telephone: 306-780-5461
Honourable Tim McLeod, K.C. – Minister of Justice and Attorney General & Minister of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety, Government of Saskatchewan
