The Saskatchewan Government is targeting illicit drugs and street weapons as it expands a piece of legislation.
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The Safe Public Spaces Act was brought forward to the legislative assembly with amendments to include fentanyl, hypodermic needles and methamphetamine.
The inclusion will see them categorized as street weapons, putting into focus their risk to public safety.
“We are dedicated to creating safer communities for all Saskatchewan residents,” said Tim McLeod, justice minister and attorney general.
“This legislation represents a pivotal step in ensuring public spaces remain places of enjoyment and comfort, free from intimidation, violence caused by street weapons and illicit drugs.”
The act is expected to be passed during the spring sitting of the legislative assembly and come into force this summer.
Once in force, the act will enable municipalities and First Nations to opt in to new rules to regulate the possession, transportation and storage of items potentially used as street weapons, such as large knives, machetes, hypodermic needles and bear spray.
The government says it understands many items used as street weapons have legitimate, legal purposes. They say appropriate exemptions are contained within the act to ensure items can continue to be used for lawful purposes.
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