The number 1 concern I hear from people across Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills is the rising tide of rural crime.
When it comes to addressing this issue, the solutions are readily apparent. It is obvious, speaking both with police and victims of crime, that more front-line policing is needed. We need more officers on patrol, investigating crimes, and arresting offenders.
In addition, one of the most common frustrations I hear from police and prosecutors is that even when they are able to fully investigate, charge, and convict criminals, all too often the offenders are back on the street in short order. Serious changes to the Criminal Code are needed, especially to address chronic re-offenders who treat our justice system with disdain.
Most importantly, it is clear that we need to get Alberta’s economy growing. Offered a choice between meaningful, full-time employment and a life of crime, the vast majority of folks will do the right thing.
We need real action, right now, on all of these fronts. In fact, we should already be implementing a comprehensive rural crime strategy. But we aren’t. Why? The answer, sadly, is politics.
Rural crime represents an inconvenient problem for the Notley administration, because many of the solutions require this government to reach beyond rhetoric.
For example, last week the NDP announced funding for 39 new police officer positions. Not only is this woefully inadequate, but it doesn’t actually address the problem. One of the reasons that most rural RCMP detachments are regularly understaffed is because there simply are not enough new trainees to fill existing positions. In fact, many small communities have been applying for new officers for years, only to be denied time after time. The police know this, the public knows this, and the criminals know it too.
As for cracking down on repeat offenders, it is obvious that relying solely on the rehabilitation efforts of our correctional institutions isn’t working. Alberta’s minister of justice needs to stand up to the federal Trudeau government, and demand stronger sentences for repeat offenders.
Finally, we need the Notley administration to recognize that crime rates, drug and alcohol addictions, and other societal problems are linked to the economy. The human spirit requires more than government assistance. People need the sense of accomplishment that comes with work, and the hope for a better tomorrow that comes with opportunity. Getting this province back to work is job number 1, and the government’s most egregious job-killing policies must be shelved immediately.
Fighting crime and ensuring public safety are core responsibilities of government. The premier needs to get serious about rural crime, and start reaching beyond rhetoric.
- Nathan Cooper is the MLA for Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills
