REGINA – Saskatchewan’s government is launching an independent third-party review into hospital security while installing metal detectors in emergency rooms following concerns of growing violence.
The province says it will find an expert to undertake the review and that the metal detectors are to be installed at hospitals in four cities — Saskatoon, Regina, North Battleford and Prince Albert.
“We are listening,” Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill told a news conference in Saskatoon on Thursday.
“Everyone who walks through the doors of a Saskatchewan health-care facility deserves to feel safe.
“Every staff member deserves a safe work environment.”
He said the review will examine how security is delivered in hospitals and identify areas where safety can be enhanced.
It’s also seeking proposals from contractors to provide security in health facilities in La Loche, Shellbrook, Swift Current, Moose Jaw, Weyburn and other smaller communities.
Cockrill said safety is becoming an increasingly complex and concerning issue, citing the death two weeks ago of Trevor Dubois.
The 36-year-old patient died after an altercation with security at Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon. Police said methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and an imitation firearm were found in his room.
But his niece Jayden Dubois and his mother, Val Dubois, have said the firearm was a bright pink and yellow combination cigarette holder-lighter.
The family has criticized the Saskatchewan Party government for a lack of information about what happened.
Cockrill said he plans to meet with the family, as per their wishes, but is waiting to hear more from investigations by police and the coroner.
“We haven’t connected yet (with the family),” he said.
“I wanted to allow appropriate time for the family to grieve the loss of a loved one.”
Earlier Thursday, the Opposition NDP joined union representatives to draw attention to safety concerns at Royal University Hospital.
At a news conference, they displayed pictures of seized items including knives, scissors and box cutters.
Addressing the new safety review, NDP labour critic Nathaniel Teed said, “What took so long?”
“It took hundreds of people stepping forward bravely to speak out before we see any action. Even then, a metal detector is just one step; we need a comprehensive plan to protect workers and hospital patients.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 22, 2026.
