Premier Smith respects individuals who engage in constructive dialogue

Premier Smith respects individuals who engage in constructive dialogue, challenge ideas, and exhibit civility. Recently, a young Albertan presented a compelling argument regarding the merits of establishing a provincial police force versus maintaining the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) presence in the province. I welcomed the opportunity to engage in this debate.

The discussion centered around the significant financial implications of such a decision. It's essential to consider that the projected cost of establishing a provincial police force is estimated to be around $20 billion, which would translate to approximately $121 per Canadian taxpayer this year. In contrast, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) expenses in 2019 amounted to $2.8 billion, which works out to around $195 per person in Ontario.

Moreover, we must acknowledge that the RCMP has a manpower issue, which affects its operational efficiency. Attracting and retaining recruits is a significant challenge, and the RCMP has struggled to maintain adequate staffing levels. Additionally, the establishment of new facilities and support staff would require substantial investments.

However, it's also important to recognize that Alberta owns all assets associated with the RCMP, which would be transferred to the provincial government if a replacement force were established. Furthermore, Grand Prairie's experience with their own municipal police force serves as a valuable lesson. They discovered that they could either save $8 million or double their police presence.

In conclusion, I appreciate the young Albertan's courage to challenge the status quo and engage in a respectful discussion. It's crucial that we continue to engage in open and informed debates to make informed decisions that benefit our province and its citizens.

Danielle Smith