Saskatchewan NDP Demands Urgent Review Amidst 'Queen of Canada' Group's Occupation of Richmound School

The political landscape in Saskatchewan is heating up as the New Democratic Party (NDP) intensifies its calls for an independent review into the provincial government's handling of the 'Queen of Canada' group's occupation of the former Richmound school.

Carla Beck, the leader of the NDP, voiced her concerns on Thursday, emphasizing the urgent need for a comprehensive examination of how the Saskatchewan Party government, under Premier Scott Moe, managed the situation.

Her demand comes amidst growing public scrutiny and unease over the presence of Romana Didulo, self-proclaimed 'Queen of Canada,' and her followers in the small village.

Didulo's group, known for its QAnon-adjacent conspiracy theories and anti-government sentiments, has taken residence in the vacant school building, prompting questions about public safety and the rule of law.

The school, once a hub for community learning, has become a focal point of controversy.

Education Minister Jeremy Cockrill has been at the center of the government's response, facing criticism for what the NDP perceives as a lack of decisive action. Beck highlighted the perceived slow response and the government's initial reluctance to acknowledge the potential risks associated with the group's presence.

The NDP's proposed independent review would aim to scrutinize all government communications, decisions, and actions related to the Richmound incident.

It seeks to understand if proper protocols were followed, whether all available tools were utilized, and how to prevent similar situations from escalating in the future. Beck stressed that such a review is not just about accountability for the past but also about safeguarding Saskatchewan's communities going forward.

Conversely, the provincial government has maintained that it has been monitoring the situation closely and acting within its legal framework.

They argue that a balanced approach is necessary, respecting individual rights while ensuring public safety. However, this stance has done little to quell the NDP's criticisms, which suggest that the government's approach has been reactive rather than proactive.

The 'Queen of Canada' group's activities, including their calls for a new world order and their rejection of established governmental structures, have raised alarms among residents and legal experts alike.

The ongoing occupation of the Richmound school serves as a stark reminder of the challenges posed by fringe groups and the complexities governments face in addressing them.

As the political debate continues, the residents of Richmound, a community already grappling with the economic and social changes impacting rural Saskatchewan, find themselves caught in the middle.

The outcome of the NDP's push for a review could have significant implications for how the province approaches similar situations in the future and for the political standing of both parties.