A meeting with provincial ministries on public safety issues should be organized soon, says the MLA for the Battlefords.
Herb Cox told the News-Optimist last week, work is under way to set a meeting including ministry officials. North Battleford council passed a resolution this month calling for a joint meeting with provincial and federal ministries, one that would include the provincial ministries of justice and public safety, to address the recent wave of crime incidents in the city.
While Cox could not speak to the federal situation, he expects the province to be at the table.
"We are working on having a meeting with two of the ministries here," said Cox.
"As soon as we can get that set up we're going to proceed with it. We realize that's a high priority in our city. It's something that has to be addressed and addressed quickly. And not only the problem, (but) the situation right now. But we need to find a solution to the problem. We can't solve it without finding out what the cause is."
Cox made his comments following the delivery of the Throne Speech in the legislature, opening the fall session in Regina.
At a Neighbourhood Watch organizational meeting held at Don Ross Centre Oct. 24, North Battleford Mayor Ian Hamilton confirmed to reporters meetings with the province were imminent.
"Our MLA Herb Cox has assisted us in obtaining and accessing the Minister of Justice and the Minister of Corrections and Public Safety, and I would also expect to have conversations with the Minister of Social Services," said Hamilton.
Hamilton noted officials from MP Gerry Ritz's office were at the Neighbourhood Watch meeting and are aware of the issues.
Hamilton anticipates the ministries will hear the city's concerns on public safety.
"We'll be discussing with them and making them aware of our situation, of our concerns. We have every expectation we will be received very well."
