The Saskatchewan government is shifting its approach to Missing Persons Week this year, moving away from centralized programming to fund localized community events in three of the province’s largest cities.
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The ministry of justice and attorney general announced it is providing $30,000 in grants to be split equally between the Saskatoon, Regina, and Prince Albert police services on April 21. Each agency will receive $10,000 to host events during the week of May 3 to May 9.
Justice minister and attorney general Tim McLeod said the funding is intended to provide families of the missing with support that is “grounded in community.”
“For many families, this week is deeply personal,” McLeod said in a statement. “This year’s approach recognizes that support is most valuable when it is grounded in community, where families can come together, remember their loved ones and access services in ways that feel meaningful and supportive to them.”
The initiative is co-ordinated through the Saskatchewan Missing Persons Partnership, a group established in 2005 that includes police agencies, Indigenous organizations, and government representatives.
Saskatoon Police Chief Cameron McBride said the grants will help create local spaces for reflection and action.
“Missing Persons Week is about more than awareness, it is about ensuring families know they are not alone,” McBride said.
In addition to memorial and healing events, the funding aims to promote provincial resources available to families of long-term missing persons.
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