Latest news with #AlbertaNext
Calgary Herald
6 hours ago
- Politics
- Calgary Herald
Brookman: Alberta Next panel needs to focus on right questions
There is an old business story about a company that brings out a new brand of dog food. The label was great, the advertising was extensive, even the pricing was good, but the sales were miserable. Article content The company called a meeting of its executives to see what the problem was and, during the heated discussions, a young assistant said, 'Gentlemen, the dogs won't eat it. I have a dog and it doesn't like the food.' Article content Article content Article content The current UCP Alberta Next panel reminds me of this story. It sounds good — a group of politicians and UCP supporters visiting Albertans to hear their opinions — but the people are not buying what they are selling. Article content Article content Living in Canada's richest province and enjoying the lowest taxes, the idea of separating from Canada is not only nonsensical, it is a non-starter with the vast majority of the public. Proud Albertans are also proud Canadians, and while we have our issues with Ottawa, separation appears to make no sense whatsoever except to a very small group of people who will never be happy. Article content Each time someone tries to talk about an independent Alberta, I keep thinking of Boris Johnson and Brexit. None of us wants that outcome. Article content But this Alberta Next panel has a great opportunity to do some excellent work as long as they are not trying to convince everyone that we need a new pension plan, a new police force and a separate country. Hopefully, they use this opportunity to learn what it is that the majority of Albertans are really hoping to emerge from these discussions. Article content Article content This past week, a good friend had to go to Saskatoon for back surgery. Now, there is a subject for panel debate. Article content After so much study by both Conservatives and NDP, after billions of dollars invested and working for years to appease unions, why are we still having long wait times for surgeries, long lineups at emergency departments and Albertans having to travel to other provinces, the United States or even Europe to get much-needed work done? What does the panel have to say about that? Article content Just throwing more money at this situation has not solved it, but somewhere there must be a solution or at least the seeds of a solution. Let's open that subject for debate.
CBC
17 hours ago
- Politics
- CBC
RCMP push back on province's claims about police force in Alberta Next video
Social Sharing The commanding officer of the Alberta RCMP says the province's Alberta Next panel is sharing information about the federal agency that is untrue. In an interview Thursday morning on CBC's Edmonton AM, Trevor Daroux, RCMP deputy commissioner, said a leaked letter from RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme last week to Alberta Premier Danielle Smith to debunk misconceptions about the agency is "very important." Daroux says the letter emphasizes the RCMP's commitment to continue "contract policing" in municipalities beyond an expiration date of 2032. He said switching between police services is so intricate, he can't foresee many places swapping agencies voluntarily. "It's complex and it's difficult in municipalities, let alone in a region like in Alberta," Daroux said. "I believe the RCMP will be here to stay for a long time." The Alberta government recently began a series of public town halls with the 16-member Alberta Next panel, asking participants to consider Alberta's relationship with the federal government. Chaired by the premier, the panel plays a series of videos about the possibilities of an expanded provincial police service, a provincial tax collection agency, an Alberta pension plan, and other topics. The policing video says Ottawa isn't providing the number of RCMP officers it promised, and "officers are often moved across the country at a moment's notice." Alberta RCMP push back The video says the federal government chooses the RCMP's policing priorities. It also says officers who don't speak French won't qualify for senior posts. And it says the province needs to be prepared, should the federal government decide the RCMP should end local policing when contracts with the territories and eight provinces expire in 2032. On Edmonton AM, Daroux said RCMP are legally obligated to set local policing priorities in concert with the provinces. Detachment commanders set priorities together with communities, he said. He said recruitment is a challenge for policing agencies across North America, not just the RCMP. He pointed to agencies offering signing bonuses to new officers as a recruitment tool, which he'd never seen in his 37-year career. Although the RCMP encourage employees to learn more languages, leadership roles in Alberta are English-speaking positions, Daroux said. He added that he's mystified by the assertion that RCMP officers are shunted between communities across the country against their will. "We hear it when we when we're recruiting people — 'I don't want to move without being told,' " Daroux said. "That doesn't happen in the RCMP. In fact, if individuals want to stay in a community, and the community wants them to stay there, they can stay as long as they want." Caught in the middle Rural Municipalities of Alberta president Kara Westerlund says none of the war of words about the Alberta RCMP is helping improve police services and safety in the province's small towns and counties. "These are men and women that are putting their lives at risk every single day," she said. "And to be drug into this political back and forth, you know, it's extremely disheartening." RCMP sergeants in Brazeau County, where Westerlund is a councillor, attend council meetings to get feedback, and make changes in response to council's concerns, she said. In her 15 years on council, she's never known of an RCMP officer forced to move to another community, she said. Westerlund said it's important for anyone starting conversations about policing changes to present accurate information. "We don't have a policing problem in this province," she said. "We have a judicial problem." Westerlund has previously said the province's announcement of a new provincial police service consisting of some sheriffs came without warning. Rural municipal leaders have unanswered questions about who will oversee and discipline those sheriffs-turned-officers, and how much any transition to provincial police will cost municipalities and residents long term. She's advocating for any policing bills to the public to be a separate requisition from property taxes, for transparency. Minister Ellis declined an interview request on Thursday. In a statement, his press secretary, Arthur Green, said RCMP Commissioner Duheme has said the force ought to focus more on international threats and federal policing. RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme talks with Power & Politics about the arrests made in Hardeep Singh Nijjar's killing, drug decriminalization and what needs to change within the RCMP to prepare it for future challenges. Green also pointed to a federal government white paper released last March that says, "The federal government should be committed to working closely with provinces to support a transition away from contract policing, while maintaining strong interoperability with federal policing." Green said Alberta cannot wait until 2032 to begin planning, should the RCMP's mandate change. He said the RCMP has previously said senior organizational posts in Ottawa require bilingual candidates. And that high employee vacancy rates in some Alberta communities policed by the RCMP have led to service gaps that undermine public confidence. "Alberta's government has raised these concerns repeatedly, and while we appreciate efforts to improve recruitment and retention, the pace of progress has not matched the urgency of the issue," Green wrote.
CTV News
21 hours ago
- Politics
- CTV News
RCMP commissioner challenges accuracy of Alberta Next survey on provincial policing
RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme waits to appear before the House of Commons Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics committee, Tuesday, February 27, 2024 in Ottawa. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld In a letter to the premier, RCMP commissioner Mike Duheme challenged the accuracy of the Alberta Next policing survey, saying some of the information is incorrect. The Alberta Next Panel survey, which launched in late June, aims to collect feedback from Albertans on issues including immigration, the Alberta pension plan and provincial policing. Before taking the survey, participants are required to watch a short video with information about each topic. One video regarding the provincial police service incorrectly asserted that the Government of Canada sets provincial policing priorities, the commissioner said. Duheme pointed out that under Article 6 of the Provincial Police Service Agreements, it is the responsibility of the provincial minister to establish the objectives, priorities and goal of the provincial police service. 'Neither the Government of Canada nor RCMP Headquarters sets priorities in this regard,' wrote Duheme, adding that the Municipal Police Service Agreement enables the head of the municipality to set objectives, priorities and goals of the municipal police service. 'In this vein, the RCMP is, and has been proud to deliver policing services that reflect the priorities and needs of communities across Alberta,' said Duheme. In a response to the letter, the Ministry of Public Safety and Emergency Services said federal white paper, A New Policing Vision for Canada, 'clearly signals a shift in the RCMP's long-term mandate.' The paper said the federal government should be committed to working closely with provinces to support a transition away from contract policing while maintaining strong interoperability with federal policing. Contracts with municipalities and the RCMP are set to expire in 2032. The paper also said provinces should be on a path to fully exercise their responsibilities over policing, adding that provinces are best placed to define their own policing models. Duheme addressed a statement in the video that claimed regular members in Alberta are prevented from obtaining promotional opportunities in the province on the belief that they must be bilingual, saying it is inaccurate. 'In addition, I assure you that the RCMP does not move regular members out of communities on a 'moment's notice,' said Duheme. 'The process to relocate a member includes careful planning to support them and their families should they choose to pursue another opportunity. This choice is up to each individual member.' The ministry's statement said the RCMP previously confirmed in a CBC story that all deputy and assistant commissioner positions in Ottawa are designated bilingual, as are senior positions held by civilians within senior staff. 'On bilingualism, the RCMP is wrong,' said the statement from press secretary Arthur Green. However, the story also discovered that many senior officers in bilingual-designated positions can't speak French and aren't learning it. A 'frequently asked questions' portion of the document contained an inaccuracy related to the distinction between major crimes and the RCMP's federal policing program, claimed Duheme. 'I would like to clarify that in the context of a transition, the RCMP would retain responsibility for investigating criminal activity that poses the highest threat to Canada through its federal policing mandate,' wrote Duheme. The responsibility for major crimes investigations, such as homicides, would be retained by the incoming police or jurisdiction, which is currently the case where the service is delivered by Alberta RCMP as the provincial police service. Premier Danielle Smith unveiled a plan for the Alberta Sheriffs Police Service last month, allowing municipalities to opt for a provincial police service over the RCMP. The move has had mixed reactions and has raised questions about recruitment while RCMP has been struggling to hire officers.
Edmonton Journal
a day ago
- Edmonton Journal
'Incorrect information': RCMP commissioner challenges accuracy of Alberta Next policing survey
This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Stock photo of Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) logo at K-Division headquarters in Edmonton. Photo by Larry Wong / Postmedia In a letter to Premier Danielle Smith earlier this month, RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme questioned the accuracy of materials shared through the province's Alberta Next consultation regarding a provincial police service. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by David Staples, Keith Gerein and others, Oilers news from Cult of Hockey, Ask EJ Anything features, the Noon News Roundup and Under the Dome newsletters. Unlimited online access to Edmonton Journal and 15 news sites with one account. Edmonton Journal ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by David Staples, Keith Gerein and others, Oilers news from Cult of Hockey, Ask EJ Anything features, the Noon News Roundup and Under the Dome newsletters. Unlimited online access to Edmonton Journal and 15 news sites with one account. Edmonton Journal ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors The three-page letter is dated July 16 and challenges assertions made in the preceding video, survey, and other Alberta Next material around bilingualism, policing priorities, and the role of federal policing. 'I would like to take this opportunity to clarify some incorrect information,' Duheme wrote, first disputing an assertion made in the video that the federal government sets provincial policing priorities. Get the latest headlines, breaking news and columns. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again 'The RCMP is, and has been, proud to deliver policing services that reflect the priorities and needs of communities across Alberta,' he wrote, referencing an article of the Provincial Police Service Agreements which he said leaves establishing the objectives, priorities, and goals up to the provincial minister. He also echoed earlier criticism from the National Police Federation, the union representing RCMP members, of a line in the video ahead of the Alberta Next survey that states, 'because of French-language requirements, English-speaking Alberta officers do not qualify for senior RCMP positions.' Last month, the NPF told Postmedia that claim was 'misinformation,' with Duheme writing that 'all commissioned officer positions in Alberta are designated as English essential and staffed accordingly. The office of Public Safety Minister Mike Ellis disputes that, stating that 'all deputy and assistant commissioner positions in Ottawa are designated bilingual, as are senior positions held by civilians within senior staff,' adding, 'the RCMP is wrong.' Smith used similar language when questioned about the RCMP's bilingualism requirements at last week's Alberta Next townhall in Edmonton. Duheme's letter also disputes the video's statement that officers can be moved 'on a moment's notice,' writing, 'the process to relocate a member includes careful planning to support them and their families should they choose to pursue another opportunity.' Finally, his letter objects to language used in a FAQ portion of the panel's website, which states the RCMP major crimes division would not need to be replaced in the event of a provincial police service, reading, ''K' division would still be doing the Federal Policing around investigative matters that meet their mandate like counter-terrorism and nationwide gang activity.' This advertisement has not loaded yet. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'I would like to clarify that in the context of a transition, the RCMP would retain responsibility for investigating criminal activity that poses the highest threat to Canada through its federal policing mandate. The responsibility for major crimes investigations (e.g. homicides) would be retained by the incoming police of jurisdiction.' Ellis' office said in a statement that police staffing remains an issue, with vacancy rates nearing 40 per cent in some municipalities, resulting in gaps in service that undermine public service. 'Alberta's government has raised these concerns repeatedly, and while we appreciate efforts to improve recruitment and retention, the pace of progress has not matched the urgency of the issue.' It also pointed to a March white paper from Public Safety Canada which calls for an evolution of Ottawa's role in supporting provinces in delivery of police services, including a transition away from contract policing when Police Services Agreements expire in seven years time. 'While no final decision has been announced, Alberta's government cannot afford to wait until 2032 to begin planning,' the statement from Ellis' office reads. The Alberta Next survey touts the need to improve local accountability, boost officer recruitment, and heighten safety in rural communities. The survey on policing was one of three altered last week to include more options to express opposition to the ideas pitched by Alberta Next after widespread criticism of the online polls that had already been open since June 24. You can also support our journalism by becoming a digital subscriber. Subscribers gain unlimited access to The Edmonton Journal, Edmonton Sun, National Post and 13 other Canadian news sites. Support us by subscribing today: The Edmonton Journal | The Edmonton Sun.
Calgary Herald
a day ago
- Politics
- Calgary Herald
'Incorrect information': RCMP commissioner challenges accuracy of Alberta Next policing survey
Stock photo of Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) logo at K-Division headquarters in Edmonton. Photo by Larry Wong / Postmedia In a letter to Premier Danielle Smith earlier this month, RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme questioned the accuracy of materials shared through the province's Alberta Next consultation regarding a provincial police service. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Calgary Herald ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Calgary Herald ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors The three-page letter is dated July 16 and challenges assertions made in the preceding video, survey, and other Alberta Next material around bilingualism, policing priorities, and the role of federal policing. 'I would like to take this opportunity to clarify some incorrect information,' Duheme wrote, first disputing an assertion made in the video that the federal government sets provincial policing priorities. Your weekday lunchtime roundup of curated links, news highlights, analysis and features. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again 'The RCMP is, and has been, proud to deliver policing services that reflect the priorities and needs of communities across Alberta,' he wrote, referencing an article of the Provincial Police Service Agreements which he said leaves establishing the objectives, priorities, and goals up to the provincial minister. He also echoed earlier criticism from the National Police Federation, the union representing RCMP members, of a line in the video ahead of the Alberta Next survey that states, 'because of French-language requirements, English-speaking Alberta officers do not qualify for senior RCMP positions.' Last month, the NPF told Postmedia that claim was 'misinformation,' with Duheme writing that 'all commissioned officer positions in Alberta are designated as English essential and staffed accordingly. The office of Public Safety Minister Mike Ellis disputes that, stating that 'all deputy and assistant commissioner positions in Ottawa are designated bilingual, as are senior positions held by civilians within senior staff,' adding, 'the RCMP is wrong.' Smith used similar language when questioned about the RCMP's bilingualism requirements at last week's Alberta Next townhall in Edmonton. Duheme's letter also disputes the video's statement that officers can be moved 'on a moment's notice,' writing, 'the process to relocate a member includes careful planning to support them and their families should they choose to pursue another opportunity.' Finally, his letter objects to language used in a FAQ portion of the panel's website, which states the RCMP major crimes division would not need to be replaced in the event of a provincial police service, reading, ''K' division would still be doing the Federal Policing around investigative matters that meet their mandate like counter-terrorism and nationwide gang activity.'
