NDP has doubts about argument for security changes at legislature
The provincial government offered more details on Monday about its new legislative security team after the NDP continued to press for answers.
Public Safety Minister Christine Tell told reporters the new team will be made up of 11 armed government employees that aim to increase visibility.
“You're going to see more visibility than what we have seen,” Tell said, noting they will also be accountable for their conduct to the Saskatchewan Public Complaints Commission.
“They will be under that purview,” Tell said. “Currently, they are not.”
Questions over the new security team continued as MLAS headed into committee Monday night to discuss the potential changes, which are outlined in Bill 70.
With the bill, the province would diminish most of the sergeant-atarms' responsibilities and see the hiring of a new security director appointed by the minister.
Following its unveiling, former sergeant-at-arms Terry Quinn resigned from the role in early February.
Tell said the province has set aside more than $1.5 million to establish the team, but expects the new employees won't cost more than the current system.
Of the dollars, $843,000 is for operating funding and $684,000 is for salaries. An additional $440,000 is for accommodations and possible tenant improvements.
She said it's possible the new team could be ready by fall, but provided no definitive date. Current security staff in the building can apply for the new positions, Tell said.
The NDP has accused the province for making changes to what should be an independent process.
In her amendment, NDP justice critic Nicole Sarauer proposed the new security director be appointed by the Speaker rather than the minister.
“The people of Saskatchewan want the security of this building to remain as it has been for over 30 years, which is independent of government interference,” Sarauer said.
“That is accomplished by having the reporting structure go through the Speaker.”
Before the committee meeting, Tell said she wouldn't accept the amendment.
She said the auditor has reported that the expertise within the ministry is good.
Tell added she or other ministers don't directly control or want to get involved with operations.
“Governments have run like this for many, many years,” she said.
“The suggestion that these people that are being employed are partisan in nature is really an affront to those people that have worked so hard.”
Tell has said an “ever-changing world” has prompted the government to require the new service.
While she has not provided a list of examples of past security concerns that motivated the legislation, she said Monday that a series of events prompted the changes.
She said the crowds outside the legislature on the day of the throne speech was “a cause for concern.”
In October, the province cancelled the outdoor throne speech ceremony because of unspecified “recent threats.” Protesters against vaccine mandates were outside the steps to the Legislative Building that day.
Sarauer said the NDP believes the sergeant-at-arms has handled security well, including on throne speech day.
“Protests are allowed to happen outside of this building, as long as they're conducted lawfully. In my understanding, that protest was,” she said.