The leader of the Saskatchewan NDP is calling for an independent pipeline regulator in the province.

Ryan Meili believes the regulator should be able to order the replacement of pipes they consider unsafe.

The leader of the opposition says the investigation into the 2016 Husky Oil Pipeline spill points to the need for the province to appoint an at-arms-length authority to prevent another potential environmental disaster.

Meili feels the lack of enforcement despite infrastructure improvements suggested the company greatly contributed to the spill of about 225-thousand litres of heavy crude into the North Saskatchewan River.

Meili also wants the Privacy Commissioner to have the power to force the government to comply with freedom of information requests since they have been awaiting the release of pipeline inspections for three years.

The spill cost Husky a 3.8 million dollar fine.

(CJWW)