Sask. NDP Leader Carla Beck said crime, youth employment and hospital security are some of the big issues she's hearing from Prince Albert residents. (Image Credit: Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Provincial Politics

Sask. NDP rallies troops in Prince Albert

Feb 11, 2026 | 1:39 PM

Surrounded by over a dozen supporters and members of her caucus, Saskatchewan NDP Leader Carla Beck said Prince Albert can expect to see a lot more of the opposition party in the coming months.

Tuesday’s door knocking campaign was kicked off with a short media opportunity outside Crescent Acres arena. Acknowledging the last provincial election did not provide the party’s desire outcome, including losses in both Prince Albert constituencies, Beck confirmed she is committed to connecting with local residents and talking about the issues that matter most.

“I’ve always thought politics isn’t just about what happens at election time, it’s what happens in between,” she said.

Noting concerns around funding of the Victoria Hospital, Crime and recent layoffs at Sask. Polytech Beck said just a couple months into the new year, it appears the Saskatchewan Party is taking Prince Albert for granted.

“We’re not gonna do that. We’re gonna continue to show up and we’re gonna continue to show that not only is change possible, that this team is very interested in connecting with people in Prince Albert.”

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Sask NDP Leader Carla Beck, along with over a dozen caucus members and supporters were in Prince Albert on Tuesday talking to local residents. The party is hoping to win back the seats they once held. @princealbertnow @Sask_NDP @CarlaBeckSK #politics #saskatchewan pic.twitter.com/eaCixypQ4c

— Nigel Maxwell (@NigelMaxwell) February 11, 2026

 Hospital Security

Beck confirmed one of the hot topics that came up at a local coffee shop she visited was hospital security. Whether it’s systemic or not, Beck said it’s clear a problem exisists.

“I think we can all agree, no one, whether they are a patient showing up at the hospital or whether they’re staff, should be subject to violence.”

In recent months, the NDP has talked publicly about various weapons found at Saskatoon hospitals. Prince Albert has also been included in the discussions after an altercation that occurred at Victoria Hospital between security staff and a man who was intoxicated.

The man was found lying in the snow and security staff were terminated by the contracted company.

Trevor Dubois, a man from Prince Albert but living in Prince Albert, died after an altercation with security staff at Royal University Hospital. A lighter that resembled a gun, meth and paraphernalia were found in the hospital room.

The incident remains under investigation.

The NDP has calling for an inquiry that provides the public with all its findings.

“So that people are able to see what the submissions into that inquiry are and we are able to arrive at solutions that are going to arrive at the goal of ensuring safety in our health care system.”

NDP MLAs knocked on a number of doors along Branion Drive. (Image Credit: Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

Sask Poly layoffs

As a result of the most recent layoffs at Sask Polytech, two dozen employees are out of work.

That number stands to grow, however, with the post-secondary institution explaining additional workforce adjustments may be required in the spring.

Citing privacy concerns, the institution did not elaborate on which departments were affected but paNOW has been told the biggest impact falls on the business diploma program and Beck confirmed she’s been told over half the recent layoffs were in Prince Albert.

“This is a province with a bright future and the very last thing we need to be doing is having fewer educational opportunities for students in this province”

Acknowledging a decease in enrolment resulting from changes to federal immigration law changes, Beck said there is still a need for these programs.

“Certainly we have fantastic instructors, these are important jobs in the community like Prince Albert who are teaching the next generation,” she said. “There’s got to be a better solution.”

The members of the NDP came dressed for the weather. (Image Credit: Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

Minister of Advanced Education, Ken Chevaldayoff, provided the following statement.

“Saskatchewan Polytechnic, along with other post-secondary institutions across Canada, are making these kinds of difficult decisions because of the changes the federal government has made to the International Student Program, which have reduced student enrolment,” he said.

“The Government of Saskatchewan continues to advocate on behalf of post-secondary institutions to the federal government on this issue, and while these discussions continue, our extended multiyear funding agreement provides additional operating support and stability for institutions moving forward.”

Beck argues it falls on the provincial government to find ways to help fill the enrolment gap.

—

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell