Statistics from Saskatchewan RCMP show a 50 per cent increase in the number of homicide victims in the province between 2019 to 2023. Investigators have noted that, of the individuals charged with homicide, 44 per cent were on conditions, bail, parole, or probation at the time the homicide was committed. Homicide includes 1st and 2nd degree murder and manslaughter.

Officer in Charge of Major Crimes, Superintendent Joshua Graham says, “In 2023, our Major Crimes unit had five instances where two to three separate homicides occurred in less than 48 hours – these clusters of homicides are alarming but no longer an anomaly.”

From January to December 2023, officers conducted approximately 17,000 proactive conditions checks to ensure prolific offenders were complying by their court ordered conditions. From January to December 2023, officers identified more than 15,800 instances where court ordered conditions were violated in Saskatchewan RCMP jurisdiction.

In a news release the RCMP say on January 4th (Thurs) amendments are being made to the Criminal Code and current bail provisions – targeting prolific violent offenders (Bill C-48). Saskatchewan RCMP Commanding Officer Rhonda Blackmore says, “I am hopeful the amended bail provisions are a step in the right direction – because at the end of the day, those individuals who are not interested in rehabilitation or changing their lifestyle, will continue to do harm to others and should not be released back into our communities.”

In 2022 the number of homicides in Saskatchewan RCMP jurisdiction jumped to 42 but it also included the 11 homicides from James Smith Cree Nation and Weldon.