Released last week, the initiative will deter crime, reinforce property rights and support victims, he said.
“We are taking action,” said Nixon, who is also the minister of environment and parks. “It’s important to be clear that this is a start. We took the issue of rural crime very seriously when we were in Opposition and now that we are in government we are going to implement the things that are within the province’s control.
“We are going to continue to work with rural Albertans, municipalities, law enforcement agencies and others who are being impacted by rural crime to get this right.”
Asked if the plan will be costly to implement, he said, “Any time you are dealing with boots on the ground it costs money. There’s no doubt about that.
“We are attempting to use some of the boots that are already on the ground to implement this as fast as possible, but we do recognize that there needs to be an investment and we are prepared to do that given the importance of the issue.”
The multi-level plan includes the creation of the Rural Alberta Provincial Integrated Defence Force (RAPID).
Part of an attempt to reduce response times, the government will create the RAPID Force by expanding the roles and authorities of 400 peace officers in the Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Branch, Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Branch and the traffic arm of the Alberta Sheriffs, he said.
The changes will allow these officers to respond to a wider range of calls and to assist the RCMP and other police services in some emergencies, he said.
The province has consulted with those other officers and they are in support of the plan, he said.
“Everybody we’ve talked to is very, very supportive of this. All of us are rural Albertans, including the Fish and Wildlife guys, the commercial vehicle guys, and the sheriffs who will be helping with this issue,” he said.
“We all want to get this fixed and make sure our communities are safe. These guys are prepared to step up to that challenge.”
The first RAPID officers will be in place in the fall of 2020, following training and planning now underway.
Regarding property rights, the government is introducing changes to the Occupiers’ Liability Act, which will eliminate the liability of law-abiding property owners who are protecting their property against trespassers who are, or who are believed to be, in the commission of a criminal act, he said.
That change will be retroactive to the beginning of last year.
The plan also includes changes to fine levels related to rural crime with planned legislation such as a proposed fivefold increase to the maximum fines for trespassing offences, with fines of up to $10,000 for a first violation and $25,000 for subsequent offences, as well as possible prison time of up to six months.
As well, corporations that help or direct trespassers would face fines up to $200,000.
In addition to the fine increases, a proposed change would increase the maximum amount a court can order for loss of or damage to property from $25,000 to $100,000.
The Petty Trespass Act will be updated by adding explicit references to better capture land used for crops, animal-rearing and beekeeping.
A biosecurity regulation under the Animal Health Act will be put in place to create offences and penalties for people who enter farm, ranch or other agricultural operations without authorization.
The plan also includes efforts aimed at reducing metal theft.
Specifically the government has proclaimed the Scrap Metal Dealers and Recyclers Identification Act to deter metal theft by making it more difficult for criminals to make money on stolen material by selling it for scrap.
Regulations will be put in place early next year outlining requirements on dealers and recyclers to obtain proof of identification from sellers, record and retain details of transactions and share information with law enforcement.
Scrap metal dealers and recyclers will also be required to report any suspected stolen property in their possession to authorities.
The plan also includes a new program that will enable communities to take part in the sentencing of offenders by allowing residents to submit statements describing how the crime has affected the community as a whole, including the emotional, physical and economic impact.
Community impact statement forms will be available online early next year.
As well, a new Restitution Recoveries Program is being created to support victims of crime. It will give the government the authority to use enforcement measures against offenders, such as garnishing wages or seizing and selling property, in support of a victim’s restitution efforts.
“In many ways, rural communities are the heart of this province, hard-working, salt-of-the-earth, and always ready and willing to lend a hand to a neighbour in need,” said Nixon.
“It’s heartbreaking to see the scourge of criminal activity worsen in these communities over the past several years, and we need to take action. This is an issue that affects many in my own community, and it is one that I take very seriously.
“As we promised, our government is taking immediate steps to make sure everyone feels safe and secure in their homes and in their communities.”
Doug Schweitzer, minister of justice and solicitor general, said the new plan would benefit the community at large.
“We are sending a strong signal to rural Albertans who have been victimized for far too long,” Schweitzer said in a media release.
“We have listened to you. We have heard you. And we are standing with you. We want to ensure you know that we are going to do everything we can as a provincial government to help you feel safe in your communities.”
Jason Leach, the president of the Olds and District Rural Crime Watch Association, says he is pleased with the plan and hopes it will lead to a decrease in rural crime in the district.
“From what I see it is a step in the right direction,” said Leach.
Having more officers responding to rural crime incidents and increasing fines for offenders are both good moves, he said.
He said he would like the federal government to do more to address rural crime concerns.
“I don’t think this (federal) government has expressed any real interest in enhancing the fight against rural crime. The provincial government can only do what they can within the bounds of the Criminal Code,” he said.
