Policy Position
- Full support for continued RCMP partnership
- Opposition to provincial police force creation
- Advocacy for enhanced RCMP resources and staffing
- Collaboration with federal government on service improvements
The NPA maintains unequivocal support for Alberta's partnership with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. This century-long relationship has provided effective policing services across Alberta's diverse communities, from major urban centers to remote northern locations.
Strategic Value of RCMP Partnership
| Factor | RCMP Partnership Advantage |
|---|---|
| Experience | Over a century of service in Alberta communities |
| Resources | Access to federal specialized units, intelligence, databases |
| Cost Structure | Federal cost-sharing reduces provincial expenditure |
| Training Infrastructure | Established academy and professional development systems |
| Service Continuity | No transition risks or service gaps |
Analysis of Provincial Police Proposal
Proposals to replace the RCMP with an Alberta provincial police force present significant concerns across multiple dimensions:
Financial Considerations
- Multi-billion dollar startup costs for facilities, equipment, and recruitment
- Loss of federal cost-sharing currently subsidizing provincial policing
- Ongoing operational costs exceeding current RCMP contract expenditure
- Capital investment in training infrastructure from zero baseline
Operational Risks
- Service gaps during multi-year transition period
- Recruitment challenges in competitive law enforcement market
- Loss of access to federal specialized units and intelligence networks
- Institutional knowledge loss as experienced officers exit
Constructive Alternative
Rather than disrupting proven policing arrangements, the NPA advocates for collaborative improvement of RCMP services through negotiation with the federal government. This approach can address specific community needs while preserving the substantial benefits of the existing partnership.
Priority areas for collaboration include:
- Appropriate staffing levels for rural and remote communities
- Enhanced training in community-specific needs and challenges
- Improved accountability and responsiveness mechanisms
- Investment in infrastructure and equipment for Alberta operations
This constructive approach achieves meaningful improvements without the risks and costs associated with wholesale replacement of Alberta's policing infrastructure.