September 12, 2023
Edmonton, AB — Yesterday, Alberta Minister of Justice and Attorney General Mickey Amery, and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services Mike Ellis announced measures to strengthen the Province’s criminal justice system and better deal with repeat and violent offenders primarily focused on Edmonton and Calgary, which have experienced dramatic increases in crime over the past several years.
The National Police Federation (NPF) welcomes these initiatives against the backdrop of growing crime. This is such a significant topic of concern for our 3,500 Alberta Members that, earlier this summer, we released a report containing key recommendations to meaningfully address bail reform in Canada.
“Despite Government’s new steps to protect urban residents, yesterday’s announcement included no funding for rural Albertans living in communities served by the RCMP, or RCMP Members who have repeatedly done more with less,” said Jeff McGowan, Director, Prairie Region, the National Police Federation. “That is why we have urgently asked for greater funding and resources,” he added.
So far, Government has earmarked millions for a police transition in Grande Prairie, additional sheriffs, and increases to the Edmonton and Calgary police services, but they have curiously neglected to provide similar support for less urban centres policed by Alberta’s RCMP Members.
“Criminals should not be welcome in Alberta, and this should include communities policed by the RCMP and all police services,” said Kevin Halwa, Director, Prairie Region, the National Police Federation. “All Albertans, including our Members, deserve the same level of support and funding as Alberta’s largest cities.”
As the police service responsible for policing most of the geographical area of the province, and half of Alberta’s population, additional resources for more police officers and improved equipment are imperative to keeping all of Alberta’s communities safe.
About the National Police Federation:
The National Police Federation (NPF) represents ~20,000 RCMP Members serving across Canada and internationally. It is the largest police labour relations organization in Canada and second largest in North America. We are focused on improving public safety in Canada for our Members and all Canadians by advocating for investment in policing and other related supports and services. This includes calling for required resourcing, equipment, and supports to enhance community safety and livability in the communities we serve, large and small, across Canada.
For more information: https://npf-fpn.com/
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Media contacts:
Fabrice de Dongo
Manager, Media Relations
[email protected]
(647) 274-7118
Sarah Kavanagh
Coordinator, Media Relations
[email protected]
(604) 842-6864
