The provincial government is introducing amendments to add drugs and drug paraphernalia as street weapons. The amendment will apply to The Safe Public Spaces (Street Weapons) Act, expanding it to include fentanyl, hypodermic needles, and methamphetamine.
The province says making the change would help to recognize the risks these items present to public safety. These amendments are a part of the government's plan to protect communities from illicit fentanyl and methamphetamine production, transportation, trafficking, and street use in the province.
The government is expected to pass the act during the current spring sitting of the legislature, with the new amendments coming into force this summer. Once enabled, municipalities and First Nations will be able to utilize new rules to regulate the possession, transportation and storage of items under the act, which includes large knives, machetes, hypodermic needles and bear spray.
"We are dedicated to creating safer communities for all Saskatchewan residents," said Justice Minister and Attorney General Tim McLeod. "This legislation represents a pivotal step in ensuring that public spaces remain places of enjoyment and comfort, free from intimidation, violence caused by street weapons and illicit drugs."
The government does recognize that many items used as street weapons have legitimate, legal purposes. The government says that the legislation they're putting forward has the appropriate exemptions so these items can continue to be used for their lawful purposes, including medical treatment, food preparation and protection from wildlife threats.