May 31, 2024

Resolution 12-24A requests that the provincial and federal governments impose harsher and longer penalties on those convicted, in order to deter criminals from re-offending.

As you know, the Government of Saskatchewan does not have authority to determine ultimate sentences imposed on offenders. The judiciary is responsible for sentencing offenders based on a finding of guilt, available penalties for the specific offences at issue, and other relevant factors of the case.

That said, the Government of Saskatchewan is committed to working with municipalities to address rural crime. As one example, the new Saskatchewan Marshals Service will play a key role in detecting and deterring crime in rural areas. The Government of Saskatchewan has also invested in new police programs, including the Saskatchewan Enforcement Response Teams (SERT), which includes provincially-funded Crime Reduction Teams (CRTs), Warrant Enforcement and Suppression Teams (WEST) and Saskatchewan Trafficking Response Teams (STRT).

Additionally, on November 1, 2023, the Warrant Intelligence Team officially began operating within the Ministry of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety. The Team works with other government agencies to suspend government benefits to prolific violent offenders with outstanding warrants and share information that will aid police in their apprehension. The Government of Saskatchewan also continues to support Saskatchewan’s Crime Watch Advisory Network, which allows police services to issue advisories to residents via text message, email or phone call, with information on criminal activity in their area.

The Government of Saskatchewan has also advocated the federal government for a more clear and strong approach to bail reform to reduce the likelihood that repeat, violent offenders are released. In turn, Canada has responded by creating a new reverse onus, which targets serious repeat offenders who use weapons and includes the requirement that courts consider an accused person’s history of convictions for violence when making a bail decision.

In February 2023, Saskatchewan also implemented an updated provincial bail policy, which explicitly states that:

• In certain circumstances, it is not only appropriate but necessary that Crown Counsel take a more stringent approach to bail.
• When a repeat violent offender is charged with an offence against a person or involving a weapon, Crown Counsel must seek that person’s detention unless they are satisfied,
  having regard to all the circumstances, that the risk to public safety posed by the accused’s release can be reduced to an acceptable level by bail conditions.
• In considering the risk to public safety, a Crown Prosecutor must consider whether any factors indicate a risk that needs to be addressed, including whether, at the time of arrest, the accused: had one more outstanding criminal charges alleging an offence against a person or involving a weapon, had breached a condition of recognizance or weapons prohibition, was subject to any court orders, reverse onus provisions, and/or has a history of convictions related to violence, weapons, or endangering the public.

Additionally, as a part of the 2024-25 Provincial Budget, the Government of Saskatchewan announced the development of Case Readiness Unit to assist Crown Prosecutors in addressing high caseloads and prioritizing complex criminal files.

The Honourable Bronwyn Eyre – Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Government of Saskatchewan