PREMIER EXTENDS CONDOLENCES TO FAMILIES OF FALLEN RCMP

Premier Lorne Calvert today extended condolences on behalf of the Province and people of Saskatchewan to the families of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) officers killed in the line-of-duty yesterday in Alberta.

"It is with sadness that I learned of the tragic deaths of the four RCMP members," Calvert said. "This is an unprecedented loss that is felt throughout our province and country. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families, friends and colleagues of the victims."

Flags will be lowered to half-mast at provincial and federal government buildings across Saskatchewan to honour the memory of the officers who died while on duty on March 3rd, 2005.

"In the face of this tragedy it is a time for us all to remember and to express our gratitude for the many men and women who protect the safety and security of our families and communities with courage, honesty and a vision for a more just world - sometimes putting their own lives at risk," Calvert said.

For nearly 120 years RCMP Depot in Regina, Saskatchewan has been training members of the federal police force, and presently all cadets of the RCMP undergo their initial basic training here.

People can express their sympathies and support to the RCMP and their families via an online condolence form which can be accessed at www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/index_e.htm.

-30-

For More Information, Contact:

Jay Branch Media Services Regina Phone: (306) 787-6349