UCP leadership hopefuls split on idea of Alberta provincial police to replace RCMP
CBC
The seven candidates running to be the next United Conservative Party leader and premier are split on whether Alberta should bring in its own provincial police force.
Four of them told a debate Thursday that it's not a plan they would pursue right now.
"Not at this time," candidate Rebecca Schulz said to applause from local leaders at the Alberta Municipalities annual meeting in Calgary.
"It is not supported by the vast majority of municipalities. And it is not something that has really come up on anybody's doorstep as I've travelled Alberta."
Schulz said more must be done to address rural crime response time and security in cities, but added that could be addressed immediately by spending more money on specialized crime units and rural police initiatives.
Danielle Smith said the goal is better policing without extra cost and that more systemic change is needed to help police deal with a high number of mental health and addiction cases.
"I would want to move immediately with augmenting our current [RCMP] policing," said Smith.
Travis Toews said he is in favour of a provincial police service to better fight crime but understands municipalities worry about being saddled with onerous costs.
"I know you're concerned about having to pick up a larger portion of the tab," said Toews, promising to work with local leaders on a solution.
Leela Aheer said not enough consultation has been done with municipalities and there is not enough detail on how it will be paid for.
"There has been absolutely no information about funding, and it's bizarre how this information has come across all of our desks," said Aheer.
"We will talk about this and we will go forward, but I do not support it at this time."
Brian Jean said the issue is bigger than more police officers and must also include stopping "the revolving door of criminals through our justice system."
Jean added, "I commit to not removing the RCMP from Alberta."
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