LLOYDMINSTER – Lloydminster, Sask., court will revert back to a Provincial Court with a fully operational registry office after being knocked down to a circuit court last year.
On Friday, Bronwyn Eyre, Minister of Justice and Attorney General made the announcement as part of Access to Justice Week in Saskatchewan.
“We have listened to the concerns of people and law enforcement in Lloydminster and surrounding areas about the loss of the registry office and increase in case volumes," said Eyre.
"We believe this will improve efficiency, access to justice and speed of justice, and significantly decrease travel to North Battleford for citizens, court staff, judges, lawyers, and RCMP officers," she added.
The Lloydminster court will be open full-time Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. People can once again pay fines, as well as file small claims and other court documentation in Lloydminster.
A total of five provincial court staff and five deputy sheriffs will be hired on a full-time basis to operate the facility. These jobs will soon be posted publicly on the Government of Saskatchewan jobs site. The provincial government currently leases the Lloydminster Courthouse building and will renew the lease for another five years.
Lloydminster MLA Colleen Young said she was thrilled to see the courthouse regain its permanent designation.
“Today’s announcement will not only improve access to court services, it will also generate jobs and ensure equal access to justice for everyone in our communities.”
In 2021, Lloydminster Provincial Court became a circuit point location served by the North Battleford Provincial Court, after 35 years as a permanent Provincial Court location. The Battlefords Bar Association had criticized the move saying it was a step backward, decreased access to justice, and would have a negative impact on residents in Onion Lake, Lashburn, Marshall, Maidstone, and surrounding areas who already travelled to Lloydminster.
Since Lloydminster borders the provinces of Saskatchewan and Alberta, there are two provincial courthouses in the city. The RCMP station is on the Alberta side of Lloydminster but has jurisdiction over both Lloydminster, Sask., and Lloydminster, Alta.
— for more from Crime, Cops and Court.
