Justice Minister Kaycee Madu (Photo: Government of Alberta)

By Shaun Penner

700 more officers

Province grants more peace officers power to enforce COVID-19 rules

Nov 27, 2020 | 4:40 PM

The province is granting approximately 700 more peace officers in Alberta the powers necessary to enforce new public health regulations, which were announced on Tuesday.

Speaking at Friday’s COVID-19 update, Minister of Justice and Solicitor General Kaycee Madu said he is temporarily increasing the number of peace officers who can levy fines against those who do not follow new public health restrictions.

Currently, public health legislation enforcement is conducted by police officers, health inspectors, and level one Alberta peace officers.

“Now, on top of this, I am temporarily extending this authority to about 700 more officers to both certain level two Alberta peace officers, and level one community peace officers.”

“Both already have the training and experience necessary to enforce public health orders, if required.”

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The restrictions implemented on Tuesday include a ban of all indoor social gatherings, which the province has stated account for approximately 40 per cent of all COVID-19 cases in the province, the highest identified setting of spread of COVID-19 in the province.

Madu reiterated statements from Premier Jason Kenney on Tuesday that $1,000 tickets will be issued for those breaking the new rules. If it goes to the courts, fines could be as high as $100,000.

“As elected members of Alberta’s government, we are simply making sure that more enforcement is available to respond quickly, and decisively, to situations where groups are breaking public health measures,” said Madu. “Thereby endangering the health of their community.”

Madu did say he feels a majority of Albertans are following and abiding by public health measures as needed amid the continued growth of new COVID-19 cases in Alberta, along with hospitalizations and ICU admissions.

On Thursday, Alberta surpassed 400 hospitalizations for COVID-19.

“To those that refuse to accept the reality of the situation, I understand that this is an extraordinary encroachment on your personal liberty,” said Madu.

“But you must accept these temporary measures. This is a time for Albertans to stand together.”