The Statement reads as follows:
This decision is highly disappointing and will have very real consequences for the residents of Lloydminster and surrounding areas. It will inevitably lead to greater waits and costs for residents of the area accessing the justice system.
The centralization of rural services is an unfortunate pattern of behaviour of this Sask. Party government. This decision falls on the minister. The reality is that these are Justice employees, this is a Justice institution and these are Justice services. We saw a similar decision a few years back in Weyburn, which resulted in reduced services and longer wait times for local residents. In no way does this decision improve access to justice in Saskatchewan.
This decision will just result in job losses for some employees and likely force those accessing services to drive even further to North Battleford to resolve their issues. Having spoken with those in the community, this decision was made with zero consultation with those living and working in Lloydminster and the surrounding area.
The Official Opposition is calling on Premier Scott Moe and his government to immediately reverse their decision and to stop targeting and charging rural residents for their own government’s mismanagement.
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