NEW LEGISLATION PROCLAIMED TO FIGHT GANG ACTIVITY

The Criminal Enterprise Suppression Act has been proclaimed in force effective today.

Under this legislation, if the owner or manager of a business is determined to be a member of a criminal organization, the Chief of Police can make an application to the court to cancel or withhold provincial tax or liquor licences required to operate the business and prohibit the premises from being used to store or distribute liquor.

The Act also allows the court to make an order to restrain activities of two or more people who have conspired to commit illegal acts that would cause public harm.

This legislation is now the next step in this government's ongoing commitment to creating a hostile environment for organized crime and criminal activity in Saskatchewan.

"Keeping communities safe is a top priority of this government. We will not permit this province to become a safe haven for organized crime or the illegal activity that goes along with it," Justice Minister Frank Quennell said.

"With the introduction of this legislation, the provincial government has provided an environment that gives police tools to address those who seek to profit from organized crime," Saskatoon Police Chief Russell Sabo said. "We welcome this in our ongoing efforts to discourage activity associated with organized crime."

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For More Information, Contact:

Andrew Dinsmore Justice Regina Phone: (306) 787-8606