The shooting death last November of a teenage girl remain unsolved. (Image Credit: Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Political debate

Sask Party and NDP spar over Prince Albert crime stats

Feb 6, 2026 | 6:00 AM

Describing the level of crime in Prince Albert as ‘shocking’, the Saskatchewan NDP is calling on Premier Scott Moe and Community Safety Minister Michael Weger to step in with emergency action. 

Data for 2025 revealed violent crimes were up just over nine per-cent from 2024. Specific areas that saw increases were assaults, homicides, attempted murders and sexual violations.

The overall incident call volume in the city also jumped from 12,197 to 12,335.

“Prince Albert is facing an unprecedented crime wave that requires urgent action — those are facts of 18 years of failed leadership by Scott Moe and the Sask. Party,” said Shadow Minister for Community Safety Hugh Gordon who is also a retired RCMP officer.

He met with local leadership on Wednesday,

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“The people of Saskatchewan and the people in Prince Albert deserve better than a government that ignores the public safety crisis wreaking havoc in our communities. People remember a time when they could walk the streets without feeling like they’re in danger. 

“And, rather than addressing the issues, we have a Premier who buries his head in the sand and pretends everything is alright. Clearly, it’s not.” 

Prince Albert police respond to a call in the city’s midtown area. (Image Credit: Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

According to the December 2025 Monthly Statistics report released by the Prince Albert Police Service: 

• Arson rose 41 per cent  (63 to 89)
• Theft to motor vehicles rose 29 per cent (323 to 417)
• Robbery incidents grew by 39 per cent (122 to 177)
• Theft over $5,000 was up 40 per cent (15 to 21)

The NDP also noted break-ins at Prince Albert schools, churches, and halls tripled over the previous year. 

paNOW asked the provincial government for a response and was provided with an emailed statement that outlined a number of measures they’ve taken to address crime.

In addition to investing $2 billion into public safety in 2024-25 and 2025-26, the government said they’ve supporting 33 frontline officers in Prince Albert by providing funding through the Municipal Police Grants Program and Safer Communities Initiative, totaling $4.5 million in 2025-26.

The Government said they also provided funding to the RCMP and municipal Crime Reduction Teams in Prince Albert, that are dedicated to targeting street gangs and prolific offenders while responding to urban and rural crime surges when needed.

“We are ensuring law enforcement has the tools necessary to keep our communities safe, including expanding legislation such as The Safe Public Spaces (Street Weapons) Act and amendments to The Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods (SCAN) Act to assist front line officers to tackle crimes such as drug trafficking, the use of dangerous weapons, and harmful nuisance properties.”

Additional policing service is also being deployed through the Saskatchewan Marshals Service, which is headquartered in Prince Albert. The service is now operational and is already supporting the RCMP and municipal policing partners.

“This is a stark contrast to the NDP, whose only plan for public safety is to replace police officers with doorbell cameras,” the government said.

The city’s crime stats for January are expected at the next board of police commissioners meeting which has been scheduled for Feb. 24.

On Friday, MLA for Lumsden-Morse Blaine McLeod, on behalf of Community Safety Minister Michael Weger, Prince Albert Mayor Bill Powalinsky, and Prince Albert Chief of Police Patrick Nogier, will hold a press conference at City Hall to discuss policing investments.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell