Policing & Public Safety

In March, members voted overwhelmingly to oppose the Alberta Provincial Police Service (APPS) models proposed by the Government of Alberta in the PricewaterhouseCooper feasibility study.

Alberta Municipalities continued to challenge the provincial government on its dogged pursuit of a provincial police service throughout 2022. In September, we called for the provincial government to pause its efforts to create an APPS and convene a public safety task force. The root causes of crime, which include poverty, homelessness, mental health issues and addictions, need to be thoughtfully considered and addressed. Alberta’s chronically under-resourced and overwhelmed judicial system isn’t helping matters, either.

Amendments to the provincial Police Act were passed in December 2022. We welcome updates to the Police Act that enhance transparency, accountability, and civilian oversight of policing. However, we have also shared our concerns about the proposed provincial, regional, and local governance bodies. It is essential that the composition of these bodies adequately reflects the communities they represent, and that these bodies are responsive and accountable at a local level.