By Justin Goulet/LethbridgeNewsNOW

National Police Federation to host public consultations on future of RCMP in Alberta

Jan 4, 2022 | 12:14 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – In the coming weeks, Albertans will be able to share their thoughts and ask questions about the future of the RCMP in the province.

There have been talks over the last year of implementing a provincial police force.

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Hosted by the National Police Federation (NPF), the KeepAlbertaRCMP Community Engagement Tour will make stops in small and mid-sized municipalities, including in Medicine Hat and Brooks on Jan. 20.

Brian Sauvé, president of the NPF said “we know from last summer’s mini-tour by Justice Minister Kaycee Madu that not all the information shared by government or feedback from participants was reflected in the summary, and Albertans deserve clear and thorough information and to be heard on this important decision.”

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An evolving list of dates, times and locations for the first two phases of public consultations is available here, along with links to register for the events.

Kevin Halwa, Prairie/North Region director of the NPF said, “it’s critically important that Albertans have a full understanding of the significant costs and community safety implications of this proposal which is estimated at over $550 million in additional costs.”

The NPF said since it launched the KeepAlbertaRCMP campaign, Albertans have sent more than 45,000 letters to the provincial government opposing a transition to an Alberta police force.

The currently listed dates may be rescheduled due to COVID-19 restrictions, and the NPF said “every effort will be made to notify registrants of changes.”