The national RCMP union has raised concerns over what it terms as a “misleading” report that advises Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s government to proceed with plans to transition away from the Mounties. Brian Sauvé, the head of the National Police Federation, criticized the Alberta Next Panel for attempting to resurrect a proposal already rejected by Albertans. He highlighted that the panel’s report relies on outdated information and inaccurate federal policies to support its recommendations.
The Alberta Next Panel, spearheaded by Smith to gather public input on recalibrating the relationship with the federal government, conducted surveys and town hall meetings before releasing its recommendations just before Christmas. The panel emphasized in its December 18 report concerns about the efficacy of the federal police force and urged the government to move forward with transferring the RCMP’s community policing services to a provincial entity. The report indicated that there is backing for replacing the Mounties based on in-person feedback, while some online comments opposed the shift.
The panel’s report underscored the declining recruitment numbers, citing 500 vacant positions within the police force, representing approximately one-sixth of the total officers paid for by the province and municipalities. It pointed out successful examples of provincial police collaboration with the RCMP’s federal crimes division in Ontario and Quebec, suggesting that Alberta, as a large province, should also take on this aspect of self-governance.
Moreover, the report predicted that the federal government would step back from provincial policing by 2032 when existing agreements expire, as it aims to revamp its police force. However, Sauvé disputed these assertions, labeling the report as “politically motivated” and accusing it of distorting the actual circumstances.
Arthur Green, a spokesperson for Alberta’s Ministry of Public Safety and Emergency Services, responded to the union’s criticisms by affirming that the provincial government is reviewing the panel’s recommendations and taking steps to address public safety needs. Green highlighted that the upcoming Alberta Sheriffs Police Service will help enhance law enforcement efforts in the province, including supporting the RCMP, First Nations police services, and municipal police.
The Alberta Next Panel’s report suggested that because the RCMP covers around 20% of Albertans under the federal-provincial agreement, a provincewide referendum might not be warranted due to the narrow focus of the issue. However, Alberta RCMP deputy commissioner Trevor Daroux refuted this claim, stating that Mounties patrol 95% of the province’s land area and serve about 40% of its population. Daroux acknowledged the challenges in officer recruitment and retention but noted the RCMP’s efforts to bolster its workforce, having received over 4,600 applications since April 2024.