The Saskatchewan Association of Chiefs of Police recognizes that there has been a rising number of bear spray incidents across the province and is advocating for new legislation from the provincial government to address that. Executive Director of the SACP, Mitch Yuzdepski says the government introduced the Safe Public Spaces (Street Weapons) Act last fall, which hasn’t been passed yet.

When it is, Yuzdepski explains that it would mean police can seize bear spray from people in public space, which could then possibly reduce the opportunity for incidents, and it may also lead to charges or fines. Police Chiefs don’t have a position on whether fines should be increased though, Yuzdepski says, because their interest is more around making sure only legitimate users are able to buy the product.

He points to legislation in Manitoba which cites that vendors need a license to sell bear spray, they need to keep a record of those purchases, and anyone buying bear spray also needs to show identification.  The SACP’s Executive Director says having to show ID could hinder those who want to buy it to use illegally, while still maintaining access for those who want it as protection against bears and wildlife.  He adds that having records of who bought bear spray could also potentially be used as an investigative tool in incidents where it is illegally used.

The number of bear spray incidents in Saskatoon has risen from 180 in 2022 to 367 in 2024. The Saskatoon Police Service stresses that this doesn’t reflect every time bear spray is found. It’s the number of times bear spray was the most serious weapon present. It also doesn’t reflect the number of times it was discharged.

Bear spray statistics for Saskatoon over the last five years: