REGINA — The Saskatchewan government is taking steps to have fentanyl, hypodermic needles and methamphetamine deemed street weapons.
Yesterday, the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan introduced House amendments to The Safe Public Spaces (Street Weapons) Act that will expand the act.
According to Saskatchewan Justice, the changes recognize the significant risks these items present to public safety.
The act is expected to be passed during the spring sitting and come into force this summer after regulations have been finalized. Once in force, the act will enable municipalities and First Nations to opt in to new rules to regulate the possession, transportation and storage of items potentially used as street weapons, such as large knives, machetes, hypodermic needles and bear spray.
The government says it recognizes that many items used as street weapons have legitimate, legal purposes. The legislation contains appropriate exemptions to ensure these items can continue to be used for their lawful purposes, such as medical treatment, food preparation and protection from wildlife threats.