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CTV News
24-07-2025
- 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
24-07-2025
- 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
24-07-2025
- 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.'
