Sask. introduces law to allow police to seize large knives, machetes, bear spray without charges

Saskatchewan has introduced legislation that will allow police to seize potential street weapons in public without laying charges.

The provincial government says the The Safe Public Spaces (Street Weapons) Act will improve safety by regulating the possession, transportation and storage of items that may be used as street weapons. That includes large knives, machetes and bear spray.

"There is no room for any form of violence in Saskatchewan. These new rules will give communities more options to address individuals that use street weapons to intimidate or harm people in public spaces," said Justice Minister Tim McLeod in a news release announcing the legislation.

Municipalities and First Nations will have to opt in for the rules to apply in their jurisdictions, the province said.

The legislation will also prohibit people from defacing or altering street weapons to make them easier to conceal.

People can be charged with a provincial offence for violating these rules, but charges are not necessary for the police to seize the items.

The province acknowledged that some of the items targeted in the legislation can be used for a legitimate, legal purpose and said there will be "appropriate exemptions."

WATCH| Former gang member explains why bear spray is common on Sask. streets: 

Former gang member explains why bear spray is common on Sask. streets

7 months ago

Duration 4:37

Former gang member Chris Witchekan speak bluntly with CBC's Leisha Grebinski, host of Good Question, Saskatchewan, about the rise in bear spray attacks. The potent spray used to deter bears in the wild is being used as a weapon among gang members and teens, causing disruptions at public pools, schools and major events like summer exhibitions. In 2023, there were 187 criminal charges related to bear spray, including assault with a weapon.

The new act builds on regulations brought in earlier this year that tightened the rules around bear spray after a rash of disturbances at public pools, shopping malls and midways across the province.

When those regulations were passed, Saskatchewan said there had been approximately 3,000 reports of bear spray in Saskatchewan during the last five years, mainly in Saskatoon, Regina and Prince Albert.

Those charged under the bear spray rules can now face potential fines of up to $100,000.

LISTEN| Why are so many Saskatchewan teens carrying bear spray? 

22:48Why are so many teens carrying bear spray?

A spray meant to deter bears in the wild is being used as a weapon in public places in Saskatchewan. Police say it is getting worse. We look at why this is happening. If you want to know even more about this, there is now a bonus bear spray episode available in our feed. Find out what a defense lawyers and people who study gangs say about this tough on crime approach to bear spray.