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.

Wheatland County council has appointed a new representative and alternative to the Wheatland Housing Management Board (WHMB) at the regular Tuesday, July 5 council meeting.
Deputy Reeve Scott Klassen announced during the June 21 council meeting he would be stepping down from his appointment on the board; he was previously appointed as representative on the board after Division 6 Councillor Glenn Koester was sanctioned earlier this year in April.
“After a lot of thought, it is with regret that I am declining my appointment to my position at the Housing Board,” Deputy Reeve Klassen stated during the June meeting. “I’ve tried my best to align my beliefs with what I think is best for the board and, to be blunt, there is no fit for me there.”
Along with requesting his resignation be accepted, Deputy Reeve Klassen also requested a letter be drafted regarding some concerns he had with WHMB.
The motion initially was for administration to draft the letter to Minister of Seniors and Housing Josephine Pon, however, following discussions, Deputy Reeve Klassen accepted an amendment to first address the letter to WHMB Chair Denise Petersen.
Among the concerns addressed in the letter are missing Terms of Reference for some of the board’s sub-committees, and unclear authority or ability for board members to report back to their respective councils.
Council unanimously accepted Deputy Reeve Klassen’s resignation and directed administration to draft a letter to the WHMB regarding the Deputy Reeve’s concerns.
At the following July 5 council meeting, Division 3 Councillor Donna Biggar was appointed as the new representative, and Reeve Amber Link was appointed as the alternative.