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Saskatchewan cutting assistance to prolific violent offenders at large

Saskatchewan lawmakers are to authorize a Warrant Intelligence Team to work with other government agencies to suspend benefits to and collect information on prolific violent offenders with active warrants.

Justice officials introduced the measures on Thursday.

Suspect Myles Sanderson who was sought for several days in the wake of the James Smith Cree Nation and Weldon mass-stabbing in September was in receipt of social assistance and had a warrant issued for his arrest.

“Following events in James Smith Cree Nation and Weldon, it is imperative that we enhance our ability to collect information on violent offenders with outstanding warrants,” says Minister of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety Christine Tell. “The Warrant Intelligence Team will work with other government agencies and police to collect this information, and ensure taxpayer dollars are not used to fund criminal lifestyles and activities.”

The Warrant Compliance Act will give the Warrant Intelligence Team the authority to recommend government suspend benefits such as income support and social housing. Existing legislation in British Columbia and Manitoba similarly restricts benefits for offenders with outstanding warrants, say authorities.

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The team will also work with Crown corporations and other ministries to request and collect information that can be provided to police to support apprehension efforts.

The Warrant Intelligence Team is currently being developed within the Ministry of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety. It is expected to be operational in fiscal 2023-24.

Warrant Intelligence administration staff will work closely with the Ministry of Social Services to reduce any unintended impacts a service suspension may have on an offender’s spouse or dependent children.

The Act includes safeguards to ensure that the Warrant Intelligence Team can only request limited information about specific prolific violent offenders, and that the information obtained must be used for the purpose of assisting with apprehension efforts, note officials.

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