EDUCATION MINISTER COMMENDS SCHOOL STAFF FOR THEIR RESPONSE TO HOSTAGE TAKING

Education Minister Ken Krawetz is commending staff at Luther College High School, the Regina Police Service and other members of the emergency response team for their efforts to protect the students of the school during this morning's hostage taking.

Police took a male youth into custody at approximately 11 a.m. following a hostage incident involving a weapon at the school.

"I am very relieved that this situation is resolved, without physical injury to anyone involved," Krawetz said. "I commend those involved for their immediate and appropriate action taken.

"I understand there is an emergency response policy in place at Luther College High School and am pleased our schools and school divisions have these plans in place to help ensure the safety of students and staff. The school is bringing in counsellors tomorrow to support students and teachers," Krawetz said.

In the coming days, officials from the Ministry of Education will be meeting with officials at Luther College High School to review the incident and see if there are any measures that should be taken to prevent such an incident in the future.

Minister Krawetz is in Fredericton, New Brunswick attending a meeting of the Council of Ministers of Education Canada. He is available for telephone interviews.

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For more information, contact:

Jacquie McLean
Education
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5609
Email: jacquie.mclean@sasked.gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-535-2261