Drinking and driving prevention will be top of mind when Saskatchewan’s politicians get back to work this fall.
In a Facebook post, Premier Brad Wall is looking for suggestions on how the government can tackle the problem.
“We are heading in the right direction, but we haven’t made enough progress yet,” Wall told reporters at the legislature on Monday, Sept. 12.
The issue of drinking and driving was intensely highlighted this summer when one of Wall’s own MLA’s, Don McMorris, was convicted of drinking and driving.
Also this summer, 37-year-old Tanner Kaufmann was killed and a 19-year-old charged with impaired driving in connection with his death.
In the past few years, Wall’s administration focused on stricter penalties and enforcement.
The government added 60 new police officers dedicated to catching offenders.
Wall maintains all ideas are now on the table as he considers everything from increasing the use of interlock to impounding vehicles.
“I do think it is important not just to revisit what other provinces are doing but some other suggestions,” Wall said.
The government rejected such ideas suggested by the traffic safety committee back in 2013, although Wall does not remember the rationale behind that decision.
As for McMorris, Wall would like to see his friend and colleague remain an MLA in spite of his conviction saying he still has a lot to offer.