Today, the Government of Alberta introduced amendments to the Alberta Police Act. The amendments were tabled during the Alberta legislature sitting this afternoon.
The Alberta RCMP is working with a number of communities and non-governmental organizations to identify factors that affect community safety. In partnership with the Government of Alberta, agencies and stakeholders, we are developing a coordinated community response.
Over the past year, we have worked with the government and stakeholders to establish priorities which were approved by the Minister. For example, addressing mental health and addictions has been and continues to be at the forefront of our efforts, for which we have a number of strategies and partnerships. Another example has been Equity, Diversity and Inclusion where we have established a dedicated unit and developed a provincial strategy.
Community engagement continues to be a focus for the Alberta RCMP. Through the annual performance planning process, detachments have been working with communities to establish their local policing priorities. Communities have always had the opportunity to establish a police advisory committee and today's announcement formalizes the structure. The Alberta RCMP welcomes initiatives that enhance the voices of the communities we serve.
The Police Act amendments seek to enhance governance and oversight of police agencies. We will continue to work with the Government of Alberta and Public Safety Canada to identify opportunities that create consistency and efficiency in the complaints process.
"The Alberta RCMP is adaptable and future-focused, adjusting to the dynamic and changing safety and security needs of Albertans," said Deputy Commissioner Curtis Zablocki, Commanding Officer of the Alberta RCMP. "We support legislation that truly embodies what will best serve Albertans and ensure that citizens are at the forefront of policing priorities."