Alberta legislature. (Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko/LethridgeNewsNow

Province proposes public publishing of crime stats

Mar 23, 2022 | 10:02 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – There could soon be an easy way for everyday Albertans to look at local, provincial, and potentially federal crime data.

The Alberta Government has introduced Bill 9, the Public’s Right to Know Act.

If passed, it would require the province to report crime statistics annually and make the information available on its website. A report would also be presented each year to the legislature.

Minister of Justice and Solicitor General Tyler Shandro says Bill 9 will bring consistency in timing and a more user-friendly approach to crime stats.

“People have a right to know what’s going on in their communities and this legislation would give them easier access to more information about crime statistics in the province. Improving access to crime data will also help people make evidence-based decisions for better outcomes and safer communities.”

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The proposed legislation would enable the province to report on currently-available metrics, such as police-reported crime data, and allow for other kinds of crime and justice information to be added in the future.

There are provisions that would enable Alberta’s government to obtain and publish additional data through information-sharing agreements with the federal government, other provinces and territories, municipalities and police services, and other organizations.

Garth Kohlsmith, president of the Alberta Citizens on Patrol Association, believes Bill 9 will provide an overall benefit to communities.

“This legislation will be of assistance to Alberta Citizens on Patrol groups, to help us understand what is going on in our communities. This initiative will help us with decisions about our patrols and volunteer efforts. The information received from this legislation will result in an increase in crime prevention.”

If the bill passes, the legislation would come into force in fall 2022, enabling the first reports to be tabled in the legislature and the data posted publicly online.