October 31, 2025
Edmonton, AB – Following is a statement from National Police Federation President and C.E.O., Brian Sauvé, regarding the introduction of Bill 4, the Public Safety and Emergency Services Statutes Amendment Act, 2025.
“The Government of Alberta continues to advance a costly and politicized policing idea that Albertans have clearly and consistently rejected. Time and again, Albertans have said they do not want to replace the RCMP. Yet this government continues to ignore municipalities, community leaders, and thousands of residents who have voiced their opposition.
Despite the Government’s attempt to rebrand and repackage a previously failed idea, Albertans still do not support the creation of an Alberta Sheriffs Police Service (ASPS). While Bill 4 was tabled yesterday, it again lacks transparency, meaningful consultation, and any clear evidence or costing to justify such a major change.
Instead of pursuing an unwanted and expensive new sheriff-based police service, the government should focus on real priorities like affordability, healthcare, and strengthening the RCMP model that already works for Albertans.
The NPF proudly represents over 3,100 RCMP Members in Alberta. Our Members are deeply committed to their province and continue to deliver professional, community focused policing every day.
Applications to join the RCMP are strong and growing with over 20,500 applications received last year, with similar or higher numbers expected this year. Last month, a new all-Alberta troop began training at Depot, and every graduate will be deployed to serve Albertans. The RCMP is also expanding training capacity next year to graduate even more new Members, ensuring the RCMP continues to meet community needs.
The federal government has reaffirmed its commitment to contract policing beyond 2032, providing long-term stability and confidence for provinces and municipalities. As the federal Minister of Public Safety recently stated before the Senate Committee on National Security, Defense and Veterans Affairs:
“Our expectation will be to commence negotiations on the renewal process over the next several months, and as the contracts expire in 2032, to be in a position to renew that contract. We don’t anticipate, at this juncture, reduction in services from the RCMP.”
Our latest public opinion research from August 2025 confirms that Albertans remain supportive of their RCMP and opposed to replacing them. In RCMP-served areas, 76% of residents are satisfied with their policing, while 81% agree the Province has far more important priorities to address. Meanwhile, 71% feel there has not been proper consultation on any proposal to replace the RCMP.
Overall, nearly 4 in 5 (78%) prefer “fixing the justice system by providing better resourcing and enforcement, and tougher sentencing” over “replacing the RCMP with a new Alberta police service at only 9%.”
The RCMP remains ready, capable, and committed to serving Albertans, now and in the future. Rather than spending valuable taxpayer dollars on an unwanted political experiment, the government should focus on supporting and strengthening the police service that already delivers trusted, professional public safety to communities across Alberta.”
About the National Police Federation:
The National Police Federation (NPF) represents ~20,000 RCMP Members serving across Canada and internationally. We are the largest police union in Canada. The NPF is focused on improving public safety for all Canadians, including our Members by advocating for much-needed investment in the public safety continuum. This includes investments in police resourcing and modern equipment, as well as social programs including health, addiction, and housing supports to enhance safety and livability in the many communities we serve, large and small, across Canada.
For more information: https://npf-fpn.com/ and KeepAlbertaRCMP.ca
Follow us:
NPF: LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
KeepAlbertaRCMP: Facebook, Twitter
Media contact:
Sarah Kavanagh
Communications and Media Relations Advisor
[email protected]
