INNISFAIL - More than three dozen large, mid-sized and smaller Alberta municipalities are expected to contribute enforcement resources to an enhanced provincial effort aimed at fentanyl and other illicit drug trade, say officials.
The provincial government has requested 34 municipalities unify their community peace officer and municipal police operations in the fight against illicit drugs including Airdrie, Canmore, Cochrane, Cold Lake, High River, Innisfail, Okotoks, Whitecourt and St. Albert in addition to Alberta's largest cities.
Under the plan announced on Wednesday, more than 800 community peace officers from the municipalities will immediately begin coordinated operations with local police by integrating their communications and their dispatch systems while on patrol and when responding to calls.
“Doing so will create the operational consistency needed to combat fentanyl crime as well as social disorder with compassion as well as with efficiency,” Mike Ellis, minister of Public Safety and Emergency Service, said during a press conference announcing the plan Wednesday.
“This is a necessary measure that will enhance coordination and ensure a strong, more effective response to crime. Our goal is to take the strongest possible approach to public safety while ensuring our measures are effective, they are practical and responsive to the needs of communities right across Alberta.”
Alberta's recent increased focus on fentanyl was spurred by U.S. President Donald Trump's initial insistence that he will add tariffs onto Canadian goods entering the United States, including energy, if Canada didn't come up with a sufficient plan to stop fentanyl and illegal immigrants from crossing the border into the U.S. The president has also cited other reasons for the proposed tariffs, including trade deficits.
Community peace officers are not being granted any new powers under the initiative.
Jeff Genung, Cochrane mayor and chair of the Mid-Sized Cities Mayors' Caucus, also took part in the Feb. 26 press conference.
“The impacts of fentanyl and social disorder aren’t restricted to the province’s two large urban centres” said Genung. “The increase in the usage of these dangerous and deadly drugs has caused safety and security concerns across the province. Our mid-sized cities haven’t been immune to the growing challenge.
“Integrating community peace officers with municipal police forces and the RCMP is a practical solution to strengthen public safety and delivering confidence in our provincial and national security.
“We are confident that by working together we can make progress on reducing crime and social disorder.”
Tyler Gandam, president of the 260-member Alberta Municipalities (ABmunis) and mayor of Wetaskiwin, also took part in the press conference.
“Our members realize that a joint, integrated approach is the most effective way to maintain and improve public safety,” said Gandam. “Our member communities welcome the opportunity to contribute to a unified approach to tackling drug trafficking and drug use.”
“Alberta Municipalities is very pleased to collaborate with the government of Alberta on this very important initiative.”
Mark Neufeld, with the Alberta Association of Chief of Police, said the association “supports strong collaboration and cooperation between the police of jurisdiction and municipal peace officers in integrated response to public safety concerns.”
