REGINA — The union representing Mounties along with dozens of Saskatchewan communities are urging the province to pause its plan for a provincial police service.

A letter to Premier Scott Moe signed by the National Police Federation and 89 municipalities says the proposed Saskatchewan Marshals Service raises concerns, including issues of oversight, lack of integration with existing police, and unknown costs and staffing.

The letter says the province should stop further investment in the marshals service until there’s fulsome consultation.

It says a lack of dialogue is deeply troubling and undermines the principles of democracy and community engagement.

The province has spent $14 million on the plan, which would have marshals work alongside RCMP by 2026 to address rural crime.

Saskatchewan has said it would cost $20 million per year to operate the service once 70 officers are hired.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 9, 2024.

The Canadian Press