The association made up of Alberta’s 69 counties and municipal districts has rejected a proposed plan to create a provincial police force.
Premier Jason Kenney stated late last year that a provincial force would increase service levels in rural areas, decrease overall policing costs and increase local input into policing. However, Rural Municipalities of Alberta says the model proposed by the United Conservative Party government leaves significant gaps in how it would increase service levels in rural areas.
RMA President Paul McLauchlin explains why they are announcing their formal opposition to the creation of an Alberta Provincial Police Service now.
McLauchlin adds, the proposed provincial policing model does not address the RMA’s core priorities about levels of service, how costs will be covered, and local input into policing.
The RMA President was asked about the fact that the RCMP is based in Ottawa.
He discusses why RMA believes in the RCMP?
McLauchlin discusses what happens next with the RMA’s member endorsed resolutions on this topic.
RMA has been going through this process for about two years, according to McLauchlin.
McLauchlin knows that it is a polarizing topic.
Rural Municipalities of Alberta members have already endorsed a resolution to continue supporting the RCMP in Alberta.
(Contains content from The Canadian Press)
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