Saskatchewan centralizes regulatory safety services

REGINA — Gas, plumbing and electrical licensing, inspections and permitting in Saskatchewan will now be done by the Technical Safety Authority of Saskatchewan (TSASK).

“The Government of Saskatchewan is committed to maintaining public safety, while reducing red tape,” said Government Regulations Minister Warren Kaeding in a release. “By centralizing these services for gas, electrical and plumbing within TSASK, we will create efficiencies while continuing to deliver quality service to the people of Saskatchewan.”

The changes stem from a 2009 review that recommended the creation of a singular entity for all regulatory safety services.

A year later, TSASK was created as an independent regulatory body to administer boiler, pressure vessel, elevator and amusement ride safety services.

According to the province, TSASK has already demonstrated its effectiveness.

Officials announced during the transition period there will be no impact to current staff or to the permit and inspection services available.

As well, industry and consumers must continue to follow existing processes to obtain permits.

“Throughout this transition, our team will continue to serve Saskatchewan people by ensuring gas and electrical work in the province is up to standard,” SaskPower President and CEO Mike Marsh said. “This work is, and will remain, a very important part of keeping Saskatchewan residents safe at work, at home and throughout their communities.”

The province anticipates a two-year transition period before these services are fully moved to TSASK.  Both the Electrical Contractors Association of Saskatchewan and the Mechanical Contractors Association of Saskatchewan (MCAS) support this transition to TSASK.

Electrical Contractors Association of Saskatchewan executive director Doug Folk stated in the government release his association endorses the province’s efforts to develop a joint single service authority for the electrical trade.

The MCAS said it too is encouraged by the announcement.

“We believe that industry stakeholders working collaboratively will provide an opportunity for the province to ensure a balance of public safety and the efficient delivery of safety services to respond to industry needs and the needs of the public,” added MCAS executive director Carolyn Bagnell.

“The opportunity to move toward contractors and the public having one point of contact for permitting, inspections and licensing rather than multiple agencies will create efficiencies for all stakeholders.”