Crowsnest Pass Council opposed to provincial policing idea

Mar 11, 2021 | 2:36 PM

CROWSNEST PASS, AB– A letter addressed to Alberta Justice Minister Kayce Madu states that the Municipality of Crowsnest Pass is against the idea of making a province-wide police force.

“Municipalities across this province are struggling to determine how they will absorb the costs for the existing Police Funding Model and should not be expected to consider facing additional expenses for an initiative that is unwanted and appears to have no ceiling where potential costs are concerned,” the letter reads.

“Our Council does not support The Province of Alberta’s initiative to replace the RCMP with an Alberta Provincial Police force.”

Council has problems with the costs brought on by this initiative and notes “municipalities across this province are struggling to determine how they will absorb the costs for the existing Police Funding Model.”

They say they are “pleased” with the level of service provided by the local RCMP and reiterates this letter is only from the Municipality of Crowsnest Pass.

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“We cannot presume to speak for other communities in Alberta, however, we find that the unique circumstances due to our location has fostered highly collaborative relationships between the detachments serving southeastern British Columbia and those serving our neighboring communities in southwestern Alberta.”

The letter was sent to many other municipalities across the province in an attempt to gain their support.

It finishes off by saying “we respectfully request that you reconsider replacing the RCMP with an Alberta Provincial Police Force and consider working with the RCMP to improve the service where required.”

A copy of the letter can be found here.

by Connor Gunn