Nationally the homicide rate fell by four per cent between 2023 and 2024, the second consecutive year of decline. However, in Saskatchewan, the homicide rate jumped 7.45 percent over the same period.
In contrast, between 2023 and 2024 British Columbia’s homicide rates fell by 26 per cent, Quebec’s fell by 11 per cent.
Since Moe became Premier, the homicide rate has surged by a staggering 58 per cent.
“Eighteen years ago, Saskatchewan was a place where you kept your doors unlocked and you could leave valuables in your car,” said Saskatchewan NDP Leader Carla Beck. “Nowadays, people don’t feel safe in their own communities.
“Across Canada, homicide rates are falling, but here – under Scott Moe — it’s the opposite. People feel unsafe, communities are struggling, and this government still refuses to acknowledge the crisis, let alone fix it.”
Earlier this summer, Statistics Canada registered the Crime Severity Index in Saskatchewan for 2024 at a staggering 153.9, nearly double the national average (77.9) and two-and-a-half times the numbers for provinces like Ontario and Quebec. Saskatchewan also reports the highest rate of interpersonal violence, and it too has risen dramatically since Moe became Premier.
“After years of cuts, underfunded police services, and shrinking community supports, this Premier can’t pretend everything is fine,” said Nicole Sarauer, Saskatchewan NDP Shadow Minister for Corrections & Public Safety.
“People deserve safe communities and a government that recognizes the problem instead of denying it. The Sask. Party has had nearly two decades to act, and things have only gotten worse. The new minister needs to act immediately to restore public safety.
“We need to get tough on crime and tough on the causes of crime. We will do what Scott Moe has failed to do and make Saskatchewan a safer province.”