SIAST to offer new course in the fall

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A new program being launched by the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology (SIAST) this fall is designed to prepare students to meet the growing demand for qualified employees in resource management and enforcement.

The resource law enforcement program, which will be offered out of SIAST's Woodland Campus in Prince Albert, will include studies in Aboriginal resource rights, environmental legislation and the Charter of Rights. It will also introduce students to new technologies in forensic science, and help them develop skills in investigation and evidence collection.

"Resource law enforcement responds to evolving needs and standards in environmental protection," said SIAST's dean of technology, Arnold Boldt. " It provides a great compliment to the group of natural resource programs we have developed at SIAST over the last three years."

The program will ready students for a variety of resource-related careers, including working as environmental protection officers, conservation officers, fisheries officers, wildlife officers and park wardens.

The number of jobs available in the sector is expected to rise significantly in the coming years, with many organizations expecting to lose a number of their current officers to retirement.

SIAST is also working on implementing a joint degree program with the Saskatchewan Indian Federated College and the University of Regina, which would acknowledge diploma credits from the resource law enforcement program.