Justice Minister Gordon Wyant. Photo courtesy of Saskatchewan.ca
Justice Minister Gordon Wyant says working with First Nations communities is a key part of a new government initiative being launched to reduce rural and remote crime.
The $6,000,000 program involves hiring more police officers and expanding the powers of arrest for conservative officers and highway patrol workers. The goal is a quicker response time and a reduction in crime in remote and rural areas of Saskatchewan.
Everything from impaired driving to drug dealing and break-ins will be targeted under the new initiative, which was unveiled yesterday after months of public consultation. Justice Minister Gordon Wyant says First Nations were part of the process all along the way, and will continue to be into the future.
“We see them as a very, very important partner in helping to deal with some of the issues that are happening in this province from a crime perspective,” he said.
Crime Committee Chair Herb Cox says one of the things that came out of the hearings was that crime concerns are very similar both on and off First Nations. He says opening up communication and working together can help.
“We need to do more to open up communication. I mean, we kick that word communications around here a lot,” he said. “But it is very important that RM councils, band councils, chiefs and reeves — maybe have joint meetings, attend each other’s meetings and find out what the issues are.”
Part of the strategy is working with the FSIN to expand an anti-gang strategy right across western Canada and encouraging the federal government to fund the program.
Another recommendation calls for setting up local crime hubs on First Nations communities, similar to ones already in place in Prince Albert and a couple of First Nations communities.
Meanwhile, the FSIN issued its response to the report.
In a news release, FSIN Vice Chief Kimberly Jonathon, says the FSIN is dismayed with a majority of the eight recommendations in the report.
“When will the provincial government listen to those who are most in tune with the needs of our First Nations?” Jonathan said. “Sadly, statistics clearly show that it’s our people who up the courts, who are held on remand while awaiting trial, and who fill up the provincial correctional centres and federal penitentiaries.”
She was also disappointed that no elements on the FSIN’s eight recommendations were included in the final report.
Jonathon says First Nation leaders need to be engaged in order to develop meaningful solutions to address the underlying causes that lead to crime committed on or off-reserve.