The Saskatchewan NDP has urged the government to examine the circumstances that led to a former school in the province being occupied by a cult for two years, although the province clarified that it does not oversee the RCMP or intervene in police inquiries.
Romana Didulo, self-proclaimed as the “Queen of Canada,” and her followers established a base in Richmound, Sask., a village located approximately 365 kilometers west of Regina, two years ago. Their presence continued until last week when the RCMP conducted a raid on the decommissioned school following a tip-off about a resident possessing a firearm.
“Residents of Richmound and all communities in Saskatchewan deserve to feel secure in their homes and businesses,” emphasized NDP MLA Brittney Senger on Tuesday. “It is imperative to ensure that such incidents do not recur.”
During the operation last week, law enforcement confiscated 13 imitation semi-automatic handguns, ammunition, and numerous electronic devices. While 16 occupants were initially apprehended and subsequently released without charges, Didulo and the building owner, Ricky Manz, were later re-arrested. Both face charges of violating an undertaking and intimidating a justice system participant.
Following a court hearing in Swift Current on Monday, Didulo was granted bail with conditions that include staying away from Richmound, refraining from contacting specific individuals such as Manz, and not possessing any weapons.
Addressing the media on Tuesday, Senger raised concerns on behalf of provincial residents regarding the prolonged occupancy of the former school by the cult. She highlighted that such situations involve multiple government departments and agencies, including the Ministry of Justice, Intergovernmental Affairs, Municipal Affairs, and the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA).
On Friday, the SHA declared the building unsuitable for habitation and issued an evacuation notice due to its lack of connection to a municipal sewage system. Senger expressed bewilderment at the delayed action by the health authority, stating that she had been aware of the situation for months. CBC has reached out to SHA for comment.
In response, the government, speaking on behalf of Justice Minister Tim McLeod, emphasized that it does not instruct the RCMP or other law enforcement agencies in their daily operations or enforcement actions. The government reiterated its non-involvement in police investigations, condemning political interference in policing operations and affirming its commitment to supporting law enforcement while upholding their operational independence.