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Town of Westlock supporting National Police Federation’s Call To Action

Letter to be release at end of April
Westlock town

WESTLOCK – The Town of Westlock has agreed to join forces with the National Police Federation (NPF) in its Call to Action to the Alberta Government to halt the pursuit of an Alberta Provincial Police Service.

Town CAO Simone Wiley presented a letter from the NPF to council regarding the joint effort response, at a regular council meeting on April 11.

“Their call to action is regarding the potential provincial police service and (is) asking council to join them to halt the idea of a new provincial police service in Alberta,” said Wiley. “As we’ve heard from Alberta Municipalities, Rural Municipalities Association are all talking about this conversation right now and the National Police Federation is also in that lobbying effort (to the provincial government).”

The letter, addressed to mayor Ralph Leriger and Town of Westlock council said the NPF’s goal is to have all stakeholders sign on to the Call to Action and have it released publicly at the end of April in a joint effort.

The call to action reads: “We, the undersigned, call on the Government of Alberta to stop efforts and investment to advance the creation of an Alberta Provincial Police Service and instead invest in resources needed to: improve current policing services to reduce response times and address rural crime by increasing the number of RCMP officers within communities, improve social services to address the root causes of crime (health, mental health, social and economic supports) — expand Police and Crisis Teams with police and Alberta Health Services — work with communities to provide targeted social supports, increase resources within the justice system — ensure timely trials by prioritizing violent over non-violent crimes — hire more Crown prosecutors and appoint more provincial court judges.”

Council briefly discussed the letter, noting they’ve already sent a letter to the province outlining their opposition to the creation of a provincial police force.

Coun. Jon Kramer pointed out the Call to Action asked municipalities to add their logo for use, which will be added to the document, and asked about any possible risks to the municipality, “being front and centre with the lobby group, to that extent.”  

Leriger said the town’s logo use should not be used outside of the scope of the draft letter council received from the National Police Force.

Coun. Murtaza Jamaly said while they should stand opposed to the formation of a provincial police service, in the end efforts might be futile.  

“We stand in opposition however, we may lose this battle,” said Jamaly. “Everything from the PLUC report, every indication from the provincial government shows we are moving ahead regardless of what municipalities say about this.”

Kristine Jean, TownandCountryToday.com


Kristine Jean

About the Author: Kristine Jean

Kristine Jean joined the Westlock News as a reporter in February 2022. She has worked as a multimedia journalist for several publications in Ontario, Saskatchewan and Alberta, and enjoys covering community news, breaking news, sports and arts.
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