Premier Smith tells minister to 'launch an Alberta Police Service' despite higher costs
CTV
Alberta's new premier is moving ahead on a plan to ditch the RCMP and create a provincial police force, despite a report stating it will cost taxpayers more.
Alberta's new premier is moving ahead on a plan to ditch the RCMP and create a provincial police force, despite a report stating it will cost taxpayers more.
Danielle Smith made the order in a Wednesday mandate letter to Public Safety and Emergency Services Minister Mike Ellis.
In it, she instructed Ellis to work with Justice Minister Tyler Shandro to "launch an Alberta Police Service (APS)." In Shandro's letter, she instructed him to "finalize a decision" on the matter.
Both letters were made public Thursday, but contained no timelines for when changes could be made. The pair of ministers have spoken in favour of an APS this week.
"Rural crime is still a problem and really, it boils down to public safety," Ellis told CTV News Edmonton about why this is being done.
The former police officer did not deny that changes Smith wants will result in higher costs but argued it's a worthy investment.
"We're all for fiscal responsibility. I know I am. I know the premier is. But it is not going to be at the expense of those who are most vulnerable and it certainly is not going to be at the expense of public safety."