The Fine Option Program gives people the opportunity to settle fines by doing unpaid, supervised community service work rather than paying cash. The Ministry of Justice works with town councils, First Nations communities, local non-profit organizations or an individual to administer the Fine Option Program in the community under a contractual agreement. These organizations or individuals, called fine option agencies, assign suitable community service work to people who register to settle fines under the program. The agencies also advise the court of the outcome of the assignment.
The John Howard Society of Saskatchewan currently operates the program in the cities of Regina, Saskatoon, and Moose Jaw. This website is specifically related to those cities, and cannot facilitate volunteer work in any other location. If you are having trouble finding who to connect with in your area, feel free to reach out and we will do our best to connect you with your local fine option agency.
Additional Information
- Currently, Saskatchewan has agreements with Alberta and Manitoba that allow some out-of-province fines to be worked off in another province. The program is open only to the individual who received the fine, and does not apply to companies or corporations.
- You must obtain an order from court to register for the program.
- If you are currently receiving Employment Insurance benefits, you may be eligible to participate in the program as long as participation does not affect your ability to meet Employment Insurance requirements in terms of seeking employment/being employed.
- Performance of community service work in the Fine Option Program is considered comparable to paid employment with regard to quality, punctuality and notification of the work placement agency regarding absenteeism or sickness.
- After receiving your order from court, you must bring one of the following five forms to your local Fine Option agent:
- Notice of Fine
- Notice of Conviction
- Deemed Parking Conviction Notice
- Fine Order (Alberta)
- Time To Pay (Manitoba)