Despite concerns from residents of both communities, Creighton RCMP will continue to police a Saskatchewan reserve more than an hour away.
The Saskatchewan government gives no indication it will discuss a deal with Manitoba to have Sturgeon Landing policed by Mounties who are
closer by.
“While we are always open to working with our neighbouring provinces to improve safety in Saskatchewan’s communities, there are currently
no negotiations underway to shift ongoing policing responsibilities for Sturgeon Landing to Manitoba,” said Lesley Dietz, senior communications consultant
for Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Justice.
Dietz said RCMP from Manitoba can respond to emergency situations in Sturgeon Landing when required.
“Although Sturgeon Landing is a far distance from Creighton, if an emergency arises then Manitoba would cover off until Creighton RCMP are able to respond,” she said.
Since Sturgeon Landing is in Saskatchewan, Dietz said, the RCMP are obligated to provide the reserve with police protection from the nearest Saskatchewan detachment, which is in Creighton.
Cross-border
But it is possible for provinces to negotiate cross-border policing agreements where feasible. Such a deal is already in place for Onion Lake, a reserve that straddles the Saskatchewan-Alberta border.
As The Reminder reported last week, concerns have surfaced from both Creighton and Sturgeon Landing residents over the current policing arrangement.
Creighton is located 123 kilometres from Sturgeon Landing, whereas in Manitoba Cranberry Portage is 70 kilometres away and The Pas 95 kilometres.
With fewer than 50 residents, Sturgeon Landing, accessible down a gravel road off Highway 10, is not exactly a hot spot for crime. It averages only two calls to the RCMP per month.
Sgt. Mark Svaren of the Creighton RCMP said the allotment of officers at his detachment – six at the moment – takes into account Sturgeon Landing.
