Released on January 9, 2019
Wildfire and Provincial Emergency Services to Become Part of the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency
Today Government Relations Minister Warren Kaeding and Environment Minister Dustin Duncan announced that the Government of Saskatchewan will be enhancing and expanding the mandate of the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA).
Wildfire Management Branch from the Ministry of Environment, and the emergency management and fire safety responsibilities from the Ministry of Government Relations will become part of the SPSA.
“Our government’s commitment to public safety and enhancing citizen-centred services is paramount, and over the year’s emergency management, and wildfire response staff have done a tremendous job for the people of Saskatchewan,” Kaeding said. “Becoming part of the SPSA will allow for greater internal co-ordination and co-operation, while providing a more streamlined provincial response when emergencies strike. Ultimately this will lead to better service for the people of Saskatchewan.”
Transition to the SPSA, which will begin in 2019, will not impact provincial emergency services for the upcoming spring flood or wildfire seasons.
“Wildfire Management staff provide a vital service that protects our people, communities and infrastructure, especially in northern Saskatchewan,” Duncan said. “I am confident this outstanding service will continue as we transition existing government resources to the SPSA and improve service delivery to support communities in need.”
The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency is a Treasury Board Crown that was created in 2017. It is responsible for managing Saskatchewan’s 911 emergency dispatching services. Agency head offices will remain in Regina, with additional offices, dispatch and wildfire centres located around Saskatchewan, including Saskatoon and Prince Albert.
For more information on the SPSA, read the Government of Saskatchewan news release announcing its creation on September 28, 2017 at http://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/news-and-media/2017/september/28/911-services-under-public-safety-agency.
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For more information, contact:
Jay Teneycke
Government Relations
Regina
Phone: 306-798-6095
Email: jay.teneycke@gov.sk.ca
Wayne Wark
Environment
Regina
Phone: 306-787-2770
Email: wayne.wark@gov.sk.ca