You can use your smart phone to browse stories in the comfort of your hand. Simply browse this site on your smart phone.

    Using an RSS Reader you can access most recent stories and other feeds posted on this network.

    SNetwork Recent Stories

Registration now open for PDAC 2025: The World’s Premier Mineral Exploration & Mining Convention

Toronto, Ontario (December 5, 2024) – The Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) is pleased to announce that registration for the PDAC 2025 Convention, taking place March 2-5, 2025, at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, is now open.

The 93rd annual PDAC Convention will feature cutting-edge programming and a world-class trade show with over 1,100 exhibitors. Building on the success of PDAC 2024, which attracted nearly 27,000 attendees from 138 countries, this year’s convention offers unmatched opportunities for collaboration, learning, and innovation in the sector.

“With more than 600,000 square feet of exhibits, groundbreaking programming, and exceptional networking opportunities, PDAC 2025 will bring together the world’s most influential industry leaders,” said Raymond Goldie, PDAC President. “This year’s convention emphasizes advancements in mineral exploration and mining technology, sustainability, and shaping the future of mining by strengthening partnerships with students and Indigenous communities.”

Highlights of PDAC 2025

Engaging exhibits: Discover over 1,100 exhibitors at the Trade Show and Investors Exchange, showcasing the leading companies, technologies, and investment opportunities in the industry.

Thought-provoking programming: Engage in technical sessions, short courses and keynotes covering topics such as commodities, geoscience, capital markets, and advancements in exploration and mining.

Fostering Indigenous collaboration: The critical role of Indigenous partnerships is showcased through programs focused on land stewardship, economic empowerment, and meaningful engagement with key stakeholders.

Inspiring students and early-career professionals: Expand your horizons and connect with industry leaders through educational opportunities, networking events, and mentorship programs designed to support the next generation of industry professionals.

Unmatched networking events: Celebrate excellence at the Awards Gala & Nite Cap – the Convention’s signature event honouring the 2025 PDAC Award recipients. Enjoy a variety of social events throughout the week, including daily happy hours, coffee connections and the Canada Night Finale.

Register now

Be part of the PDAC 2025: World’s Premier Mineral Exploration & Mining Convention in Toronto. Register and plan your experience today at www.pdac.ca/convention.

About PDAC

The Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) is the leading voice of the mineral exploration and development community, an industry that employs more than 665,000 individuals, and contributed $125 billion to Canada’s GDP in 2021. Currently representing over 8,000 members around the world, PDAC’s work centers on supporting a competitive, responsible, and sustainable mineral sector.

Media Contact:
Scott Barber
Senior Manager, Communications
Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada
416.362.1969 Ext. 244
sbarber@pdac.ca

NT4

Bill 32: The RCAAQ Applauds This First Important Step

Wendake, December 5, 2024—The Regroupement des centres d’amitié autochtones du Québec (RCAAQ) welcomes the adoption of Bill 32, An Act to establish the cultural safety approach within the health and social services network, legislation intended to improve the overall wellness of Indigenous populations. The RCAAQ considers this bill, which was tabled last year, a historic milestone in improving First Nations and Inuit quality of life.

During the consultations that followed the tabling of the bill, the RCAAQ made several recommendations to the government, including the inclusion of impact measures and mechanisms, the development of training programs in conjunction with Indigenous organizations, including Native Friendship Centres, and access to support resources. It also stressed the need to establish a relationship of co-construction at every stage of the decision-making process—a reminder us that cultural safety cannot be achieved with a unilateral approach, whether carried out exclusively by the government or by First Peoples.

Advocated by the Quebec Native Friendship Centre Movement for over a decade, the cultural safety approach is best observed in the creation of Indigenous health clinics. Developed in partnership with Quebec’s health and social services network, these clinics offer front-line health care and are a tool for decolonization and a lever for systemic transformation.

The RCAAQ insisted that Bill 32’s fundamental goals include tangible improvements to the living and health conditions of First Nations members and the Inuit. Legislating cultural safety means a joint societal commitment to making real, measurable changes to significantly reduce the gaps between the Indigenous and the greater Quebec populations.

Quote:

“This is an opportunity for the government to bring about systemic change, to tangibly advance its public policies in response to Indigenous realities and to recognize the specificity of Friendship Centres’ urban Indigenous governance. Ultimately, we want this bill to extend beyond the health and social services network so its principles and guidelines are applied harmoniously across government ministries and agencies.”

—Tanya Sirois, Executive Director

About the Regroupement des centres d’amitié autochtones du Québec

The Regroupement des centres d’amitié autochtones du Québec is made up of a network of 11 Friendship Centres in 14 Quebec cities that offer Indigenous people culturally relevant and safe services that contribute to the harmony and reconciliation between peoples in Quebec cities. The

85 Bastien Blvd., Wendake, QC G0A 4V0

  1. 418-842-6354 TF. 1-888-297-3635 ꞁ infos@rcaaq.info www.rcaaq.info/en/

Native Friendship Centres are the largest urban service infrastructure for Indigenous people, offering a range of integrated services in a variety of sectors, including wellness, health, social services, social inclusion, education, employability, early childhood, youth, and much more.

-30-

Myrian Marotte

Regroupement des centres d’amitié autochtones du Québec myrian.marotte@rcaaq.info

514-913-4478

NT5

Métis Nation British Columbia is Critical of Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak for Operating Outside of Their Mandate

December 5, 2024: SURREY, BC– Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) has serious concerns about how Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak (LFMO) is conducting business in British Columbia. Founded as a national body to represent the diverse views and perspectives of the provincial women’s bodies of the Métis National Council’s governing members, LFMO has veered from its original mandate as an advocacy and policy group into governance and as a service provider. To be clear, LFMO does not have a mandate to overstep MNBC’s jurisdiction as the Métis Government in BC, nor can they supersede our own elected women’s body, Métis Women of British Columbia (MWBC).

Under LFMO’s governance structure and bylaws, each governing member are on their Board of Directors and are required to meet four times a year to set priorities as well as hold an Annual General Meeting (AGM). The National President of LFMO is also elected at an AGM. Distressingly, the LFMO Board has not convened and, over the past four years, LFMO has failed to hold an AGM, with no elections being held. Unfortunately, LFMO is now operating outside of their mandate, bylaws and their structure. They are also now reaching into other jurisdictions like Métis Youth and 2SLGBTQQIA+ programming. LFMO in its current form, is not accountable to our Citizens.

As the elected Government for Métis in BC, LFMO is accountable to MNBC. We call on them to return to their original mandate so that we can continue to lift up and amplify the strong voices of Métis women in this province and across the homeland. Until that happens, MNBC and our own MWBC is no longer supportive of LFMO’s work.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

Walter Mineault – President, Métis Nation British Columbia

Carmen Carriere – Chair, Métis Women British Columbia

NT5

Media advisory – Ministers Joly, Blair and Vandal to launch the Arctic Foreign Policy

From: Global Affairs Canada

December 5, 2024 – The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, and the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs,   will be joined by the Honourable R. J. Simpson, Premier of the Northwest Territories, the Honourable Ranj Pillai, Premier of the Yukon, the Honourable P.J. Akeeagok, Premier of Nunavut, Angajuqqaaq Natan Obed, National Inuit Leader, and Kluane Adamek, Assembly of First Nations Yukon Regional Chief, to celebrate the official launch of the Arctic Foreign Policy.

Technical briefing

Officials from Global Affairs Canada, the Department of National Defence and Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada will offer a technical briefing to media on Canada’s Arctic Foreign Policy.

Date: Thursday, December 5, 2024
Start time: 3 pm ET
Location: Virtual

Notes for media

  • Media interested in taking part in the technical briefing must register at: media@international.gc.ca
  • Information provided at the technical briefing will be on background only. Video and audio recording of the briefing for the purpose of broadcasting is not permitted.
  • Information will also be provided under embargo.

Policy launch and joint media availability

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, and the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs,   will be joined by the Honourable R. J. Simpson, Premier of the Northwest Territories, the Honourable Ranj Pillai, Premier of the Yukon, the Honourable P.J. Akeeagok, Premier of Nunavut, Angajuqqaaq Natan Obed, National Inuit Leader, and Kluane Adamek, Assembly of First Nations Yukon Regional Chief, to celebrate the launch of the Arctic Foreign Policy.

Opening remarks will be followed by a joint press conference.

Date: Friday, December 6, 2024
Start Time: 9 am ET
Place: Ottawa, Ontario

Notes for media

  • Members of the media are asked to contact Global Affairs Canada Media Relations at media@international.gc.ca to receive event location details and to confirm their attendance.
  • Media representatives are asked to arrive no later than 8:45 am ET.
  • Those who are unable to join in person may join via teleconference. Please contact Global Affairs Canada Media Relations for the details.
  • The opening remarks will also be livestreamed on YouTube. Please find the links below:

Contacts
Global Affairs Canada
media@international.gc.ca

Follow us on X (Twitter): @CanadaFP
Like us on Facebook: Canada’s foreign policy – Global Affairs Canada

Department of National Defence
613-904-3333
mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca

Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
RCAANC.media.CIRNAC@sac-isc.gc.can

NT5

North American Construction Group Ltd. Announces Regional Services Contract and Outlook for 2025

ACHESON, Alberta, Dec. 05, 2024 — North American Construction Group Ltd. (“NACG” or “the Company”) (TSX:NOA.TO/NYSE:NOA) today announced the award of an extended and amended regional services contract by a major producer in the Canadian oil sands region and an outlook for the full year of 2025 along with updated estimates for the fourth quarter of 2024.

Regional Services Contract

The extended and amended contract contemplates the provision of services across various mine sites operated by the producer. The amendment is effective January 1, 2025 with the expiry date extended to January 31, 2029 from January 31, 2027.

The agreement includes committed spend of $500 million spread over the term which is primarily related to heavy equipment rentals but also includes bulk unit rate earthwork scopes. These committed volumes are estimated to represent approximately one-third of total work expected to be performed across the various mine sites including overburden removal, reclamation, civil construction and other heavy equipment scopes.

“This is our first multi-year commitment under this agreement and we look forward to executing on our customer’s expectations and delivering safe, low-cost services. This award reaffirms our alignment with our client’s operating goals and our continued focus on efficiency and costs,” said Joe Lambert, President and CEO of NACG. “This is an important contract for us which, together with our client relationships, well maintained equipment fleet, advancing technology and focus on operational excellence, will provide ample opportunities to grow our oil sands business from the current run rate.”

“We are proud to expand our role within this partnership through this significant contract extension, which underscores our commitment to delivering exceptional value and sustainable growth in the oil sands region,” said Jeff Epp, Interim Chief Executive Officer of Mikisew Group. “Our ongoing collaboration with NACG not only strengthens our ability to serve our clients with reliability and efficiency but also reinforces our dedication to supporting the economic development of the Mikisew Cree First Nation and our broader community. We look forward to advancing this partnership with a shared focus on safety, innovation, and operational excellence.”

Outlook for 2025

Based on this award, the overall proforma contractual backlog of $3.6 billion and the heavy equipment fleet we own and operate, management has provided the following estimates of key measures and capital allocation for the fourth quarter 2024 and full year 2025.

2024 Q4 Full year 2025
Key measures
Combined revenue $350 to $375m $1.4b to $1.6b
Adjusted EBITDA $100m to $110m $415m to $445m
Sustaining capital $55m to $65m $180m to $200m
Adjusted earnings per share $1.00 to $1.10 $4.15 to $4.45
Free cash flow $45m to $55m $130m to $150m
Capital allocation
Growth spending $30m to $40m $45m to $55m
Net debt leverage 2.0x to 2.2x Targeting 1.8x

Key measures

  • Combined revenue and adjusted EBITDA estimates are based on existing contracts in place with the 2024 fourth quarter estimates impacted by the commencement of certain work scopes in the oil sands region being deferred into the first quarter of 2025.
  • Sustaining capital estimates for the fourth quarter of 2024 reflect the front-loaded impact of maintenance costs for a stronger than expected upcoming winter season in Canada.
  • Adjusted earnings per share in 2025 is based on EBITDA less existing depreciation and tax rates with interest expense expected to decrease from lower interest rates and debt levels
  • Free cash flow in fourth quarter of 2024 reflects the aforementioned factors but also is being impacted by the deferral of joint venture distributions and the expectation of higher accounts receivable at year-end resulting from a projected strong December as well as the discontinuation of a supply chain finance program with a significant customer.

Capital allocation

  • Growth spending in early 2025 based on continued investments in Australia required for the contracts awarded in the third quarter of 2024
  • Continuation of share purchases under the existing normal-course issuer bid (NCIB) program is based on economic returns to shareholders
  • Net debt target of 1.8x by end of 2025 excludes potential debenture conversion and is dependent on the achievement of key measures and activity levels within the share purchase program

“We view the upcoming year as the culmination of seven years of growth and are looking forward to a strong year of project and scope execution,” said Joe Lambert. “We have the contracted backlog in place as well as the equipment and personnel for a full twelve months of efficient and effective operations in Australia, Canada and the United States.”

About Mikisew North American Limited Partnership (MNALP)
The Company carries out heavy civil construction work in the Athabasca Oil Sands Region as a subcontractor to MNALP, a limited partnership in which the Company has a 49% interest, with the Mikisew Group of Companies (“Mikisew Group”) holding the majority 51% interest.

About Mikisew Group
Mikisew Group is the Independent Economic Development arm of the Mikisew Cree First Nation. Mikisew Group is comprised of two main operating entities and ten joint venture partnerships including MNALP. These entities service the Canadian oil sands in various capacities including heavy equipment rental, fleet maintenance, transportation, emergency response, catering services, and facilities maintenance. For more information about the Mikisew Group of Companies, visit www.mikisewgroup.com.

About NACG
NACG is one of Canada and Australia’s largest providers of heavy construction and mining services. For more than 70 years, NACG has provided services to the mining, resource, and infrastructure construction markets.   For more information about North American Construction Group Ltd., visit www.nacg.ca.

For further information, please contact:
Jason Veenstra, CPA, CA
Chief Financial Officer
North American Construction Group Ltd.
Phone: (780) 948-2009
Email: ir@nacg.ca

NT4

Resource Works Welcomes Two New Board Members: Susan Downie-Gagnon and Malcolm Macpherson

December 05, 2024

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Dec. 05, 2024  — Resource Works is thrilled to announce the appointment of Susan Downie-Gagnon and Malcolm Macpherson to our Board of Directors. These additions will further bolster Resource Works’ efforts to promote responsible resource development in Canada, bringing a wealth of experience and a shared passion for collaboration and progress in the natural resources sector.

“Our natural resources are a cornerstone of Canada’s prosperity, and to continue our efforts effectively, we need leaders like Susan and Malcolm,” said Stewart Muir, CEO of Resource Works. “Their unique expertise and dedication are precisely what we need as we navigate the complex challenges facing the industries today.”

Susan Downie-Gagnon brings over 20 years of experience in strategic leadership across multiple sectors. As the founder of Constrata, Susan has been deeply involved in providing strategic business and public relations guidance to large-scale natural resource projects. “I’m incredibly excited to join the Resource Works Board,” said Downie-Gagnon. “The future of natural resources in Canada depends on thoughtful collaboration, and I look forward to contributing to the important conversations and initiatives underway at Resource Works.”

Malcolm Macpherson, National Chair of the Indigenous Practice at Whitelaw Twining, also joins the Board with decades of experience in law and negotiations. Malcolm has built one of Canada’s leading Indigenous practices, working closely with Indigenous nations on critical legal and political matters. “Resource Works’ commitment to inclusive dialogue and a balanced approach to resource development aligns perfectly with my values,” said Macpherson. “I am eager to contribute to advancing meaningful partnerships between Indigenous communities and the resource industry.”

Resource Works also announces the departure of Gavin Dew from our Board as he takes on an exciting new role, having been elected as the MLA for Kelowna – Mission. “Gavin has been an incredible asset to Resource Works,” said Richard Prokopanko, Chair of the Board at Resource Works. “We are proud of his achievements and grateful for his contributions during his time with us. We look forward to seeing the positive impact he will continue to make for the people of Kelowna – Mission.”

Media Contact

Aanush Shah

aanush@resourceworks.com

Background

About Susan Downie-Gagnon

Susan Downie-Gagnon has over 20 years of experience developing and leading strategies, initiatives, and programs across a wide range of sectors within private industry, government, academia, and non-profit organizations. Her passion for natural resources recently led her to start a new venture, Constrata, a company that provides strategic business and public relations guidance for large-scale natural resource projects and organizations.

Prior to this, she consulted on a significant Indigenous equity ownership project in the energy sector and delivered strategic project planning for forestry, bioenergy, mining, and clean technology initiatives. In her role as Assistant Dean of Communications at UBC’s Faculty of Forestry, she spearheaded a key provincial summit that resulted in a shared vision and a blueprint for forestry in the decades to come. As Vice President of Communications and Research at the Coast Forest Products Association, she developed a comprehensive public relations program and played a central role in establishing a landmark industry MOU.

Recognized widely for her expertise, Susan is often invited to think tanks aimed at shaping the future of Canada’s natural resources sector. She currently serves on multiple boards, including a charitable organization supporting children affected by poverty.

About Malcolm Macpherson

Malcolm Macpherson is the National Chair of the Indigenous Practice at Whitelaw Twining. He has over 20 years of varied legal and negotiation experience since he graduated from the Faculty of Law at the University of Toronto. Having built up one of Canada’s leading practices in the Indigenous space, he is often contacted by the media to comment on new and emerging developments in this area, and has become an integral and trusted advisor to many Indigenous nations throughout Canada who rely on his counsel on a near daily basis.

Malcolm has a keen interest in the Canadian energy sector and serves as a governor of the Canadian Energy Executive Association. He is of the view that Canada’s Indigenous nations are by virtue of the rights they hold, co-resource rulers of Canada’s vast wealth of natural resources, and very much enjoys being at the centre of dialogue in this legal and political arena.
When not at work, Malcolm enjoys family time with his wife Savanagh and children Magnus and Magdalena.

About Resource Works

Resource Works is a public-interest advocacy and communications not-for-profit organization based in Vancouver, British Columbia. Their mission is to reignite the promise of Canada’s economic future by leading respectful, inclusive and fact-based dialogue on natural resource development.

Resource Works helps show how resources have “worked” for citizens in the past and how they can continue to do so in a new era defined by environmental responsibility and reconciliation. We communicate the importance of resource sectors to personal well-being and opportunity, demonstrating how responsible development creates jobs and incomes, both directly and indirectly while maintaining a clean and healthy environment.

NT4

Media advisory – Government of Canada supports projects in northern communities to advance gender equality

From: Women and Gender Equality Canada

December 5, 2024 – Whitehorse, Yukon — The Honourable Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth will announce funding for projects that support women in Canada’s northern communities.

Date:             December 8, 2024

Time:            11:00 AM MT

Location:     Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre; Elder’s Lounge
1171 1st Ave
Whitehorse, YT Y1A 0G9

Members of the media who wish to attend this event in-person or virtually must register by 10:00 AM MT (12:00 PM EST) on December 8, 2024, by emailing media@fegc-wage.gc.ca.

Contacts
Angie Rutera
Communications Assistant
Office of the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth
Angie.Rutera@fegc-wage.gc.ca

Media Relations
Women and Gender Equality Canada
819-420-6530
media@fegc-wage.gc.ca

NT5

Osisko Development Strengthens Board with Appointment of Stephen Quin as Independent Director

Montreal, Québec, December 5, 2024 – Osisko Development Corp. (NYSE: ODV, TSXV: ODV) (“Osisko Development” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Stephen Quin, a seasoned mining executive, as independent director to the Company’s board of directors effective immediately.

“On behalf of the entire Board, we are delighted to welcome a director of Stephen’s calibre, and a veteran of the mining sector, to the board of directors of Osisko Development,” commented Sean Roosen, Founder, Chairman and CEO. “With over 40 years of experience in the mining sector, Stephen’s exceptional technical expertise, proven leadership experience and strong strategic acumen, will greatly enhance our Board as we position the Company for success. Through his prior roles as the former President & COO of Capstone Mining—and President & CEO of Sherwood Copper prior to its merger—Mr. Quin has demonstrated a strong commitment to responsible mine development & operation, while maximizing shareholder value. Notably, he was responsible for successfully permitting, funding, and constructing the Minto copper-gold mine in the Yukon, Canada, which was completed on time & budget. Stephen’s comprehensive track record and diverse industry exposure through practically all facets of the mining cycle—from discovery to operation—make him an invaluable asset as we advance Cariboo toward construction. His appointment reflects strong confidence in the quality of the Cariboo project and its potential to become one of Canada’s next large-scale gold mines.”

Mr. Quin holds a BSc (Honours) in Mining Geology from the Royal School of Mines, London, and brings over 40 years of experience across all stages of the mining industry, from exploration through operations and closure. Most recently, he spent a decade as President & CEO of Midas Gold Corp. (now Perpetua Resources Corp.) advancing a large-scale gold-antimony project from a maiden mineral resource through completion of a feasibility study. Prior to that, he held senior leadership roles including President

  • COO of Capstone Mining Corp. and, before its merger with Capstone, President & CEO of Sherwood Copper Corp. Additionally, he served as Executive Vice President at Miramar Mining Corp. and its copper exploration affiliate, Northern Orion Exploration. Mr. Quin started his career with what became Imperial Metals Corp., where he was responsible for the advancement of their polymetallic copper-lead-zinc project.

Mr. Quin has a combination of technical, governance, and capital markets experience having led more than 30 studies on projects in the copper and gold sectors, ranging from mineral resource estimates and preliminary economic assessments to feasibility studies. He also has extensive experience with permitting, mine financing, development, operations and closure.

From a governance perspective, Mr. Quin has sat on and chaired numerous boards and board committees, and spearheaded governance enhancing initiatives. He has long championed ESG-focused practices, well before the term became widely recognized. On the capital markets front, Mr. Quin played a pivotal role in raising over C$1 billion in financing and has been involved in more than C$750 million in M&A transactions for companies where he served as CEO or a senior executive.

He currently serves as a non-executive director of Hot Chili Limited and Bravo Mining Corp., as well as the non-executive Chair of TDG Gold Corp.

ABOUT OSISKO DEVELOPMENT CORP.

Osisko Development Corp. is a North American gold development company focused on past-producing mining camps located in mining friendly jurisdictions with district scale potential. The Company’s objective is to become an intermediate gold producer by advancing its 100%-owned Cariboo Gold Project, located in central B.C., Canada, the Tintic Project in the historic East Tintic mining district in Utah, U.S.A., and the San Antonio Gold Project in Sonora, Mexico. In addition to considerable brownfield exploration potential of these properties, that benefit from significant historical mining data, existing infrastructure and access to skilled labour, the Company’s project pipeline is complemented by other prospective exploration properties. The Company’s strategy is to develop attractive, long-life, socially and environmentally sustainable mining assets, while minimizing exposure to development risk and growing mineral resources.

For further information, visit our website at www.osiskodev.com or contact:

Sean Roosen
Chairman and CEO
Email: sroosen@osiskodev.com
Tel: +1 (514) 940-0685

Philip Rabenok
Director, Investor Relations
Email: prabenok@osiskodev.com
Tel: +1 (437) 423-3644

NT4

MPs comment on Canada Post strike, contaminated site in Alberta First Nation – December 3, 2024

Credit: cpac

MPs speak with reporters on Parliament Hill as they convene for the daily question period in the House of Commons. Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon faces questions on the ongoing Canada Post strike, which began more than two weeks ago.

NDP MP Taylor Bacharach joins a delegation of Indigenous leaders from Fort Chipewyan, Alberta, discuss a contaminated site in their community ahead of a House transport committee meeting on the subject. Chief Allan Adam from the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, Kendrick Cardinal from the Fort Chipewyan Métis Nation, and Tammie Tuccaro from Mikisew Cree First Nation outline their environmental concerns with a federally-owned dock located in the centre of their town. (December 3, 2024)

Government Introduces New Public Spaces Act to Target Street Weapons

December 5, 2024

Today, government introduced The Safe Public Spaces (Street Weapons) Act to improve safety in Saskatchewan communities.

The Act will allow municipalities and First Nations to opt in to new rules that regulate the possession, transportation and storage of items that may be used as street weapons, such as large knives, machetes or bear spray.

“This legislation will ensure public spaces such as parks, theatres and arenas can be enjoyed without fear and build public safety across the province,” Justice Minister and Attorney General Tim McLeod said. “There is no room for any form of violence in Saskatchewan. These new rules will give communities more options to address individuals that use street weapons to intimidate or harm people in public spaces.”

This legislation builds on the Bear Spray Regulations (The Wildlife Control (Capsaicin) Products Regulations) passed earlier this year. The Act’s rules will prohibit people from possessing and carrying large knives, bear spray and other street weapons in public spaces where a municipality or First Nation has chosen to opt in to the new rules. The rules will also prohibit people from defacing or altering street weapons in a manner that makes them easier to conceal.

The Act provides police with enhanced powers to seize street weapons from people in public spaces where there is a threat to public safety, regardless of whether a charge is laid. Individuals found to be in breach of the Act may also be charged with a provincial offence.

The government recognizes that many items used as street weapons have legitimate, legal purposes. The legislation contains appropriate exemptions to ensure these items can continue to be used for their lawful purposes, such as food preparation and protection from wildlife threats.

These new rules form part of the Saskatchewan government’s multi-ministry approach to safer communities and neighbourhoods, which also includes $11.9 million for 100 new municipal police officers, $2.7 million to hire additional Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods (SCAN) personnel, $2.5 million for the Saskatchewan Police College over the next three years and updating SCAN legislation to provide additional options to address nuisance properties.

For more information on Saskatchewan’s ongoing work to create safe communities and neighborhoods, please visit:

Government of Saskatchewan Announces Major Investments in Public Safety | News and Media | Government of Saskatchewan.

Government of Saskatchewan Introduces New Bear Spray Regulations | News and Media | Government of Saskatchewan.

-30-

For more information, contact:
Kerri Ward-Davis
Justice
Regina
Phone: 306-787-8621
Email: jumedia@gov.sk.ca

NT5

NationTalk Partners & Sponsors Learn More