Alberta is taking significant steps towards the establishment of an independent police agency with the introduction of new legislation designed to build upon the framework announced last year.

The Public Safety Statutes Amendment Act 2025, or Bill 49, proposes amendments to the Police Act that designate the new agency as a Crown corporation, effectively ensuring that it operates at "arm's length" from the provincial government.

Under this new legislation, municipalities will have the option to select this new police service as their local law enforcement agency once it becomes operational.

Public Safety and Emergency Services Minister Mike Ellis emphasized the primary goal of this initiative: to provide rapid response times to 911 calls, addressing feedback and complaints from municipalities regarding the current policing services and their expenses.

Ellis indicated that the province has identified approximately 600 potential police officers from the existing pool of Alberta Sheriffs, which currently comprises around 1,200 personnel.

These sheriffs, once trained, would transition into the new police agency, enhancing local policing while maintaining continuity in existing law enforcement operations.

The move is seen as both a response to demand for improved public safety and a strategic effort to streamline police services across Alberta.

While the establishment of this new agency promises improved efficiency, there is currently no timeline or financial details available regarding when the agency will become fully functional.

However, Ellis stated that the transition would not begin from scratch, as the existing sheriffs’ equipment and infrastructure would be transferred to the new agency.

Concerns have begun to surface from various stakeholders, including Alberta NDP public safety critic David Shepherd, who has voiced skepticism about the need for such a police agency.

Shepherd pointed out that, after consulting with municipalities, none have asked for a provincially operated police force and that many are wary of shifting control to the government.

In addition to establishing the new police agency, Bill 49 includes provisions for creating the Alberta Police Review Commission, which will handle complaints against both municipal and First Nations police services.

This commission is set to operate independently of the government and will absorb the functions of the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT), expanding its mandate to include community peace officers.

Moreover, Bill 49 introduces new amendments to the Emergency Management Act, requiring the public safety minister to consult elected officials before declaring emergency orders.

The legislation aims to ensure transparency and better communication during emergencies, an important move following recent events that highlighted the need for effective disaster response strategies.

As Alberta prepares to navigate these changes, the implications for local governance, policing efficiency, and community safety are critical points of discussion among citizens and policymakers.

The future of policing in Alberta could be on the brink of a transformative phase, offering a new model of law enforcement tailored to the needs of local municipalities.