Robert Cameron selected to head Saskatchewan Marshals Service

A former Mountie has been tapped to lead the Saskatchewan Marshals Service.

The new provincial police force is expected to become operational in 2026, and on Wednesday the Government of Saskatchewan announced that Robert Cameron has been appointed as the new force’s chief marshal.

Cameron started his career in law enforcement with Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources before joining the Mounties in 1989. He retired from the Saskatchewan RCMP in 2018 at the rank of superintendent.

Cameron later joined Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety, serving as executive director of policing.

Recruiting for the post began in September, and Cameron’s appointment takes effect on Jan. 1.

Paul Merriman, Saskatchewan’s minister of corrections, policing and public safety, said the ministry reviewed applicants from across Canada for the post.

“We are confident, based on the breadth of his experience and his in-depth understanding of provincial and municipal policing, that Mr. Cameron is the best candidate to lead the Saskatchewan Marshals Service forward,” Merriman said in a statement.

According to the ministry, Cameron’s new role will make him responsible for developing the marshals service before it becomes operational. After the new force launches, he’ll oversee about 70 officers and additional support staff.

Richard Lowen, chair of the Saskatchewan Association of Chiefs of Police, congratulated Cameron on his new appointment.

“We look forward to working with the Chief Marshal to learn how this new service will enhance the work of existing law enforcement partners who are all members of the Saskatchewan Association of Chiefs of Police,” Lowen said in a statement.

Keith Day, the chair of the Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association, said he expects the new police force to help with crime in rural Saskatchewan.

“Rural crime is a growing challenge in the province and for our producers,” Day said in a statement. “We appreciate that this government is taking concrete steps to address the issue.”

But while some are celebrating the move, Assistant Commissioner Rhonda Blackmore — the commanding officer of the Saskatchewan RCMP — has expressed concern over the provincial police force, saying the marshals service’s budget might do more good if it were invested into the federal force.

In a statement, Nicole Sarauer — the NDP’s critic for corrections and policing — raised the same concerns, as well as Marshall’s previous role.

“One wonders how many people were interested in the Chief Marshal role if the position is being filled by a government official,” Sarauer said. “This also raises concerns about how independent the Marshal Service will be from the Minister.”