Environment offices trim services

Eighteen jobs lost as counter staff eliminated at 19 regional locations

The Ministry of Environment is shutting down front counters at 19 of its field offices.

One full-time staff member is being transferred, but 18 other jobs will be lost, including two fulltime positions. All are customer service representatives. Some currently staffing the affected offices may bump employees elsewhere, in accordance with collective agreements.

The changes, announced on Thursday, will affect Assiniboia, Big River, Buffalo Narrows, Estevan, Humboldt, Île-à-la-crosse, Kindersley, Leader, Lloydminster, Maple Creek, Moose Jaw, Outlook, Pinehouse, Preeceville, Shaunavon, Southend, Spiritwood, Wadena and Weyburn. The closures will take place between April 1 and Oct. 1, depending on the locations.

The buildings will remain in operation, the ministry says, as conservation officers continue to work in those communities. But hunters, anglers and trappers will no longer be able to access them for walk-in services.

Ministry of Environment field offices provide hunting and angling licences, but also answer questions from the public. They’ve served as locations where a hunter can drop off a head to get it checked for chronic wasting disease.

Kevin Murphy, assistant deputy minister for resource management and compliance, said the change is the result of a “paradigm” shift. He said his department is focusing on its enforcement mandate, and responding to changing expectations from the public.

The front desks set to close only process about two per cent of all provincial licence sales, according to Murphy. He said there has also been an upward trend in outdoor enthusiasts using online services to get the licences they need.

Murphy denied that the closures have anything to do with the March 20 budget — which the government has promised will be balanced — though he acknowledged that saving money is always a concern.

But Bob Bymoen of the Saskatchewan Government and General Employees’ Union (SGEU) said the government is trying to balance its books on the backs of some of the lowest-paid workers in the ministry. SGEU represents the workers who will be laid off.

“I think it’s very unfortunate ...” he said. “I anticipate that there will be more as they try to balance the budget.”

NDP Leader Ryan Meili said the lost jobs could have a negative impact on smaller communities, which he said are being “hollowed out.”

“You’ve got Saskatchewan people paying more and having less access,” he said, before reflecting on the timing of the announcement so soon before budget day.

“Are they trying to ease some of the pain ahead of time by sort of spreading out the negative things that are happening?” he asked.

As of Oct. 1, 13 front counters will remain open at field offices across the province: Creighton, Hudson Bay, La Ronge, Meadow Lake, Melfort, Nipawin, North Battleford, Prince Albert, Regina, Saskatoon, Swift Current and Yorkton.

The ministry is encouraging the public to use self-serve options, such as the online Hunting, Angling and Trapping Licence (HAL) system, as well as private vendors.