The Village of Big Valley has put their support behind keeping the RCMP in Alberta.
This comes after the Alberta Government began exploring the possibility of a provincial police force.
At the Village of Big Valley’s July 14 council meeting, the council moved to support The National Police Federation’s Call to Action to the Government of Alberta concerning its pursuit of an Alberta Provincial Police Service. Further, they agreed to submit the Village’s logo to be used in the campaign.
“Through our discussion, we don’t feel having another police force in the province is a good idea,” said Mayor Daniel Houle. “It seems to be redundant.”
The Alberta Government hired PricewaterhouseCooper (PwC) to research the possibility of an Alberta Police Force. The idea has had critical reception. According to www.keepalbertaRCMP.ca, an online survey in November of 2021 showed 84 per cent of Albertans want to keep the RCMP.
In March of this year, Alberta Municipalities took the position that Alberta Municipalities oppose the APPS models proposed in the PwC study and develop an advocacy and communications strategy to advance our position. It also resolved that prior to issuing formal notice to terminate Alberta’s contract with the RCMP, the Government of Alberta will put this question to all Albertans in the form of a clear referendum.
The call to action that Big Valley signed on to was launched in June and 72 municipalities and other organizations have signed on.
Last week the Alberta government launched a new website detailing what policing in Alberta could look like through the prism of an Alberta police force.
“Albertans have told us they want more details about the potential benefits of a provincial police service. As all levels of governments across the country review their policing models, Albertans need to have all the information available to ensure they lead this national discussion and make sure the future of policing in the province meets their needs,” said Tyler Shandro, Minister of Justice and Solicitor General in a release.
It also notes no decision has been made on proceeding with an Alberta Police force.
“I think they are just trying to implement something a little too quickly without all the research and understanding,” Houle said.
