Regina Mayor Sandra Masters said on July 25, 2026 [1], she stands by the decision to dismiss former police chief Farooq Sheikh.
The mayor's public reaffirmation comes as the city prepares for a legal challenge regarding the leadership of its police force. This dispute highlights the tension between municipal oversight and police administration in Saskatchewan.
Sheikh was fired from his position following allegations of misconduct [2]. The decision to remove the chief of police is a significant administrative action that often leads to protracted legal battles over due process and employment contracts.
Masters said that the decision to fire Sheikh remains the correct course of action for the city. The mayor did not elaborate on the specific nature of the misconduct in her recent statement, focusing instead on the validity of the dismissal process [1].
Sheikh is currently appealing the decision to be removed from his post. A hearing for this appeal is scheduled for September 2026 [2]. This proceeding will determine if the city followed proper protocols, and if the grounds for dismissal were sufficient under the law.
Until the hearing concludes, the city continues to operate under the current police leadership structure. The outcome of the September hearing could result in financial settlements or a mandate for the city to alter how it handles police chief discipline, a move that would impact future municipal governance in Regina.
“Regina Mayor Sandra Masters said... she stands by the decision to dismiss former police chief Farooq Sheikh.”
The upcoming appeal hearing in September represents a critical test of the mayor's authority to terminate the city's top police official. If the court finds the dismissal was improper, the city may face substantial financial liabilities and a precedent that limits the mayor's ability to remove police leadership for misconduct.
