Prince Albert, Saskatchewan
The Government of Canada, the Government of Saskatchewan and the Prince Albert Grand Council (PAGC) have signed an agreement to explore new, community-oriented ways to deliver police services and improve safety in First Nations communities.
The Honourable Marco Mendicino, Minister of Public Safety, the Honourable Christine Tell, Minister of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety, and Grand Chief Brian Hardlotte, of Prince Albert Grand Council (PAGC), today announced the creation of this new collaborative working relationship. This partnership will create an implementation plan that will improve public safety and policing in its 12 member First Nations and 28 communities.
Ministers Mendicino and Tell and Grand Chief Hardlotte signed a Letter of Intent between the three parties, officially establishing the PAGC Public Safety Implementation Team. This team will advance work on Indigenous-led public safety initiatives, tailored to the needs of each community. It will begin engaging residents in early winter. The findings will help design and determine costs for a feasibility study under the First Nations and Inuit Policing Program.
First steps have also been taken toward developing a comprehensive approach to community safety planning for PAGC communities. Public Safety Canada's Aboriginal Community Safety Planning Initiative supports Indigenous communities in the development of a community safety plan specific to their unique circumstances.
Canada and Saskatchewan are committed to community-oriented public safety and policing, and working in the spirit of reconciliation with Indigenous peoples through renewed relationships based on respect, co-operation and partnerships.
