By Liam Verster

Provincial Police Service

Study into potential provincial police force moves forward

Oct 7, 2020 | 10:05 AM

The Alberta Government is going forward with an independent assessment of a possible transition from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to an Alberta provincial police service.

The study comes from recommendations made through the Fair Deal Panel’s consultations, where the province says Albertans expressed frustration and concerns regarding the RCMP that include:

• An overly bureaucratic force
• RCMP members having limited connection to the province in which they serve
• Members being unable or unwilling to confront activists
• Heavy-handed enforcement of gun laws

The panel, once hearing these complaints, recommended the creation of a provincial police service. The Alberta Government supported the recommendation, but committed to a further analysis first.

The government has hired PwC Canada to perform the study, and determine whether the change will be in the best interest of Albertans. The study is also designed to consider operational requirements, processes, and potential costs for creating a provincial police service.

Meaningful Mementos

Remembering Someone You've Lost at Christmas

Dec 03, 2024

Seasonal Sorrow

How Do You Get Through The Holidays When You're Grieving?

Nov 01, 2024

Upcoming Events at Oliver's

Grief & Loss and Estate Planning Seminars

Oct 02, 2024

“Through the Fair Deal Panel, Albertans who are policed by the RCMP told their government that they want a provincial police service,” said Kaycee Madu, the Minister of Justice and Solicitor General. “Alberta’s government has an obligation to listen to those concerns and explore how a police force designed in Alberta – not Ottawa – would improve the safety and security of Albertans and their property.”

“Alberta’s government must make an informed choice, and this report will bring us one step closer to the panel’s recommendation. After a federal throne speech that ignored nearly all the legitimate concerns of Albertans, this an important part of getting a fair deal for Alberta, while limiting Ottawa’s reach into the province.”

PwC Canada, which is part of a global network of firms that provide a range of services from consulting and deals services, audits and tax services, also has a policing and justice sector which works with law enforcement and justice agencies in Canada and around the world.

The Alberta Government has budgeted $2-million for this study, which is expected to be finalized and provided by PwC Canada to the government for consideration by April 30, 2021.