The Public Safety Agency said it is aware of concerns about behaviour of northern check-stop staff possibly being disrespectful towards motorists.
Some concerns raised include threats, searches of vehicles, seizures of groceries and denying access to essential services.
Marlo Pritchard, President of the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency said he is working to address the communication from staff to motorists and provide more consistency in the operation of the check-stops.
He admits that he has not heard of his staff or conservation officers searching and seizing goods from vehicles and that advising people they may get a ticket for disobeying the public health order, prohibiting non-essential travel should not be considered a threat.
Pritchard said the check-stops are to help stop the spread of COVID-19 to northern communities and aimed at helping affected residents voluntarily avoid unnecessary travel out of their communities.
“The Sask. Public Safety Agency has been working with Health over the past number days to build better messaging at the checkpoints. The idea and the whole aspect of these checkpoints are to educate and work on voluntary compliance,” Pritchard explained.
Pritchard said he hoped to have communication and operations changes made by the end of the day.
Athabasca MLA Buckley Belanger said the mismanagement and confusion of the check-stops lays with Premier Scott Moe, contending that some people are having their vehicles searched.
While some northern Chiefs apply pressure for the check-stops to end, Moe said that if new coronavirus cases remain low over the weekend, he may begin discussions about easing travel restrictions in certain areas.
Moe noted that there are no active cases in the northeast or north-central parts of the province.
(Photo: Check-stop near La Ronge. By Sam Campling.)