Resolutions

Whereas local fire departments provide essential emergency services by responding to incidents and accidents on provincial highways; and 

Whereas Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) is the first payer for fire department charges related to vehicle losses, including fire suppression and rescue/extraction services, based on SGI-established rates; and  

Whereas local fire departments also respond to other emergencies such as chemical spills, hazardous materials spills, and debris clean-up; and  

Whereas SGI does not reimburse local fire departments for services when the responsible driver and vehicle is unknown; 

Therefore, be it resolved that SUMA advocate the Government of Saskatchewan to implement a fund to reimburse local fire departments for their time and equipment costs when managing scenes where submitting a claim to SGI is unsuccessful; and 

Be it further resolved that SUMA seek an agreement with the Provincial Government and the Ministry of Highways stating that local fire departments and municipalities are not responsible for the costs associated with the clean-up of chemical spills or hazardous materials spills on provincial highways.

Dear Randy Goulden:

Thank you for your letter of April 30, 2026, and for sharing the resolutions adopted at SUMA's 121st Annual Convention that relate to the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA). I appreciate the opportunity to respond on behalf of the Government of Saskatchewan.

I would also like to thank SUMA and its members for their continued collaboration and for the constructive dialogue that occurs through the resolution process. Municipal perspectives are essential to ensuring Saskatchewan's public safety frameworks remain effective, resilient, and responsive to community needs.

Resolution 2026-10: Reimbursement for Fire Department Services on Provincial Highways The Government of Saskatchewan acknowledges the essential role municipal fire departments play in protecting public safety on provincial highways. Fire departments regularly respond to motor vehicle collisions, fires, and hazardous materials incidents, often in complex and demanding circumstances.

Under the current framework, municipal fire departments are established and governed by municipalities pursuant to The Fire Safety Act., 2015. Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI), as an automobile insurer, reimburses fire departments for eligible fire suppression and rescue services when an insured loss and responsible party can be identified. Where no responsible driver or insured vehicle is identified, SGI is unable to provide reimbursement.

At this time, there is no provincial funding program that subsidizes municipal fire department response costs outside of SGl's insurance framework. Emergency response costs for non-insurable incidents are generally supported through municipal taxation or local cost-recovery bylaws, where applicable.

Fire departments' responsibilities focus on emergency mitigation, including life safety, fire suppression, scene stabilization, and hazard containment. Responsibility for cleanup and remediation typically rests with the responsible party, where known, or with the appropriate provincial authority, such as the Ministry of Highways or the Ministry of Environment, depending on the nature of the incident and resulting impacts.

The Government of Saskatchewan recognizes that incidents involving unidentified parties or hazardous materials can place financial strain on municipalities, particularly those relying on volunteer fire services. SPSA will continue to work collaboratively with partner ministries, SGI, and municipal stakeholders to clarify roles and responsibilities and to identify opportunities to improve coordination and guidance following complex highway incidents.

Thank you again for bringing these resolutions forward and for your ongoing advocacy on behalf of Saskatchewan's municipalities. I value the partnership between SUMA and the Government of Saskatchewan and look forward to continued collaboration on matters related to public safety and emergency management.

Sincerely,

Hohourable Michael Weger Minister of Community Safety

Minister Responsible for the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency

Dear Randy Goulden,

Thank you for your April 30, 2026, letter and the opportunity to respond to Resolution 2026-10 passed at the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association 2026 Annual Convention.

The Ministry of Highways recognizes the critical role local fire departments play in responding to emergencies on provincial highways, including motor vehicle collisions, fires, and other incidents that may pose risks to public safety.

As a general principle, the responsibility for the costs associated with hazardous materials or chemical spills rests with the party that caused the incident. Hazardous waste incidents that require an emergency response where no culpable party can be identified are rare.

The legislative authority to reimburse municipalities or fire departments for emergency response time or equipment costs presently rests with the Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI} for motor vehicle collisions or fires linked to identifiable insured losses.

Where a culpable party cannot be identified, the ministry accepts responsibility for cleanup activities related to hazardous waste on provincial highways. The ministry also provides compensation for fire suppression services delivered by local municipal fire departments when an incident arises from circumstances under the ministry's control or direction, including, in limited cases, goodwill compensation where a culpable party is not identified. This compensation does not extend to hazardous waste incidents.

Any expansion of reimbursement or clarification of cleanup responsibility will require an examination of new provincial policy and a subsequent funding model. These elements must be reviewed collectively across government before any policy direction can be recommended

I appreciate the opportunity to respond to this resolution. The Government of Saskatchewan remains committed to working with local governments to support highway safety. If you have further questions regarding the provincial highway system or the services the ministry provides, please feel free to contact our customer service centre at 1-844-754-4929 or online at www.saskatchewan.ca/highways. Inquiries are typically responded to within two to five business days.

Sincerely,

Kim Gartner

Minister of HIghways