A report concludes that an Alberta provincial police force would cost $734-million to $759-million annually, compared to $783-million to continue with RCMP. There would also be a one-time startup cost of about $366-million
The Alberta government says a new report presents a compelling and cost-effective case for establishing a new provincial police force. But the documents presented by the government leave out a discussion of the hundreds of millions in federal funding that would be lost with a shift away from RCMP policing in the province.
In its cost-benefit analysis of a new model, the PwC report concludes that a future provincial police force would cost $734-million to $759-million annually, when certain cost-efficient policies are put in place. That compares to about $783-million to continue with RCMP service, a figure that also includes a 20 per cent increase in salary for all RCMP based on a new collective bargaining agreement reached this year. It also notes there would be a one-time transition cost of about $366-million.
However, NDP justice critic Irfan Sabir said almost $200-million in annual federal funding will be given up if Alberta moves to a provincial force, in addition to the transition costs. “It’s in black-and-white that this will cost Albertans more.” The PwC report, which was given to the government in April, focuses in large part on governance and operating models, and the organizational structure of a new force. It says a new, more efficient police force could be in place in about six years – with four years for planning and preparation, and one to two years for a transition period.
“Those are things I’m hearing from rural Albertans, talking about rural crime,” said Mr. McLauchlin, who is also the reeve of Ponoka Country. “I’m hearing a lot less about the need for Alberta provincial police.”
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Alberta police force would cost millions more but could see better service, report saysThe report says if Alberta decided to go it alone, it would cost about $735-million each year on top of $366-million in startup costs
Read more »
Albertans urged to abide health orders over Halloween as COVID-19 cases decline againAlberta health officials report decline in COVID-19 cases but urge vigilance over Halloween weekend
Read more »
Coroner's inquest into death of Ontario teen at provincial school for blind to begin next monthA coroner's inquest into the death of an Ontario teen at a provincially-run school for the blind more than three years ago is scheduled to begin next month.
Read more »
Economic hardship, right-wing views drive Alta.'s vaccine hesitancy.healthing_ca looks into what is driving Alberta's vaccine hesitancy COVID19
Read more »
Alberta to boost municipalities’ power to claim unpaid property taxes from energy firmsOil companies operating in Alberta owe $245-million in unpaid property taxes in 2021, up 42 per cent from last year
Read more »