REGINA – The province is moving forward with the development of a new women’s unit at the Regina Provincial Correctional Centre, they say to enhance correctional infrastructure and address capacity challenges within the system.
The development is a key initiative under Saskatchewan's 2025-26 provincial budget.
"This is a critical step in ensuring our correctional facilities meet the evolving needs of our communities," said David Marit, Minister of SaskBuilds and Procurement. "By investing in this project, we are enhancing the infrastructure necessary to support the rehabilitation and reintegration of female offenders."
Corrections, Policing and Public Safety Minister Tim McLeod, emphasized the project’s broader impact.
"This new facility will make a real difference, not just by helping relieve pressure on our correctional system but also by allowing for more space, better programming and stronger supports for women in custody," he said.
The new women’s unit is part of a larger effort to improve correctional services, alongside the soon-to-open Saskatoon Correctional Centre expansion.The province said the project is part of a broader commitment to improve safety for correctional staff, offenders and the public. The new women's unit will provide a women's correctional facility in the southern part of the province and will offer programs tailored to the needs of female inmates, supporting their rehabilitation and reintegration into the community.
The announcement has drawn sharp criticism from Indigenous leaders and prisoner advocates.
Kim Beaudin, co-chair of the National Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers Society, accused the government of prioritizing incarceration over systemic solutions. Beaudin is also the former vice chief of Congress of Aboriginal Peoples.
"The Saskatchewan Government, led by Premier [Scott] Moe, has had a tough-on-Indigenous-people agenda since they came to power in 2007," said Beaudin. "Saskatchewan jails are stuffed to the walls with our people, around the 85 per cent mark (incarceration level) and growing. It seems to be their answer to homelessness in the province."
Beaudin dismissed the expansion as a job’s initiative disguised as public safety.
"Premier Moe and Justice Minister McLeod know you can’t arrest your way out of crime. You can arrest Indigenous people in record numbers and get away with it in Saskatchewan."
Sherri Gordon, founder of prisoner advocacy group Beyond Prison Walls, expressed shock at the plan to house women in a men’s jail.
"A women’s unit in a men’s jail, this is absolutely ridiculous," said Gordon. "To place women there, I don’t think this is good at all."
While acknowledging that the location might keep some women closer to family, Gordon doubted the facility could meet their needs.
"I’m quite speechless on this issue. It reminds me of way back when Sask Pen used to house women, and that was no good."
She raised concerns about potential overcrowding leading to men being placed in the women’s unit, as had happened in the past.
"Men and women should not be at the same institution," she said. "This sounds like a way to ensure job security for staff."
The project remains in early planning stages, with further details to be released as development progresses.
