The Opposition NDP is calling on the provincial government to provide more police officers and supports to the City of Prince Albert.
According to data from the Prince Albert Police Service, violent crimes in the city increased by 10 percent over the past year.
There was also a rise in the number of reported thefts, break-ins, and arsons.
The NDP is calling on the Government of Saskatchewan to provide more police officers and mental health and addiction supports for the city.
“The people of Saskatchewan and the people in Prince Albert deserve better than a government that ignores the public safety crisis wreaking havoc in our communities,” said Hugh Gordon, Associate Shadow Minister of Public Safety for the NDP. “People remember a time when they could walk the streets without feeling like they’re in danger.”
MBC reached out to the provincial government for a reply and received a statement.
The statement says the communities and neighbourhoods is a top priority for the Government of Saskatchewan and they will continue to make investments in those areas.
The province pointed to $2 billion in investments in public safety over the past two years and 33 new frontline officers for Prince Albert through the Municipal Police Grants Program as ways they are already offering support.
The government also believes the deployment of the Marchall Service, headquartered in Prince Albert, will be able to provide support to municipal policing partners.
The following is an interview between Hugh Gordon and MBC News.