REGINA - The New Democrats once again attacked the Saskatchewan Marshals Service (SMS) introduced by Scott Moe and the Saskatchewan Party.
On Thursday at the NDP campaign office in Regina, Nicole Sarauer, NDP candidate for Regina Douglas Park, said the SMS spent over $40,000 of taxpayers' dollars on campaign hats for a service that will not be introduced until 2026.
Sarauer added between the campaign hats, funding for officers, and other expenses, the SMS costs the average Saskatchewan taxpayer $587.
She and the NDP have heard the frustrations and concerns raised by citizens, believing their hard-earned money is not solving the crime issues in Saskatchewan.
During the election, the NDP repeatedly stated they would remove the SMS if elected. Instead of the SMS, the NDP will add 200 officers, 100 municipal officers and 100 RCMP.
Sarauer was asked where Saskatchewan needs new officers the most. She said it is up to the RCMP, municipalities and local communities.
Prince Albert is one community in Saskatchewan that experiences high crime rates. If the NDP removes the SMS, Prince Albert residents could feel left unsafe.
However, Sarauer noted the SMS would take away officers from the already existing police force in Prince Albert. She added the NDP is working with communities to ensure more officers are on the ground.
There is no exact number for how many workers currently are employed by the SMS. On their website, the SMS says the recruitment process is ongoing while training for the SMS will begin by Feb. 2025.
Moe has insisted his government has added 200 RCMP officers since 2011. His party has also promised to add 100 officers to municipal policing to go with the 70 planned SMS officers.
