PAGC calls decision-makers together after hospital security incidents raise safety concerns
Press Release
February 11, 2026
(Pre-Confederation, Treaty 5, 6, 8 & 10) PRINCE ALBERT, Sask. –The Prince Albert Grand Council will bring together senior decision-makers Friday in response to recent hospital security incidents involving Indigenous patients that have intensified calls for accountability across Saskatchewan.
The roundtable, scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at PAGC Urban Services in Prince Albert, will focus on Indigenous safety, dignity and accountability in frontline public services, including contracted and privatized security operations.
The meeting follows a December incident at Victoria Hospital in Prince Albert, where an Indigenous man was removed from hospital and left outdoors in winter conditions. Video of the encounter circulated widely online, prompting public outrage and and renewed scrutiny of hospital security practices.
Concerns escalated further in January after a patient died following an altercation involving hospital security at Royal University Hospital. That incident remains under investigation.
Taken together, the events have sharpened scrutiny of so-called “protective” services and raised broader questions about the use of force, cultural safety, training standards and oversight when Indigenous patients and other vulnerable people are involved.
Grand Chief Brian Hardlotte said the meeting is intended to move beyond statements and toward concrete action.
“This meeting is about moving from outrage to outcomes,” said Grand Chief Hardlotte. “Safety and dignity are not optional. They are the baseline.”
The Feb. 13 session is structured as a decision-focused roundtable not a public forum. The goal, Hardlotte said, is to secure commitments from those who hold authority over policy, contracts, training requirements, licensing and enforcement.
Participants are expected to include Indigenous leadership and Elders, municipal representatives, health system officials, public safety leaders and executive representatives from contracted and private frontline service providers operating in Prince Albert.
Agenda items include reviews of security and safety policies, updates from health and business stakeholders, expectations for trauma-informed and culturally safe practice, and the development of clearer complaint, reporting and accountability pathways.
Grand Hardlotte emphasized the focus is systemic.
“This is not about targeting individual workers,” said Grand Chief Hardlotte. “This is about fixing systems that carry real risk when they fail Accountability has to be visible, documented and enforced.”
By the end of the meeting, PAGC is seeking agreement on a joint statement of shared commitments, terms of reference for an ongoing implementation table, and a set of immediate action items to be completed within 30 to 60 days. Public progress reporting is also expected.
About Prince Albert Grand Council:
The Prince Albert Grand Council is one of the largest tribal councils in Canada with a membership of over 44,000, representing 12 First Nations and the 28 northern communities in the territories of Treaty 5, 6, 8 & 10. To learn more, visit pagc.sk.ca.
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Media enquiries may be directed to:
Tina Pelletier
Communications Consultant
Prince Albert Grand Council
Cell: 306-941-7120
Email: tpelletier@pagc.net
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