David Shepherd, Alberta New Democrat Shadow Minister for Public Safety issued the following statement on the UCP government creating a provincial police force

“Whatever they call it - the Independent Agency Police Service, the Alberta Sheriffs Police Service – it is a provincial police force. It is a zombie idea - one the vast majority of Albertans have repeatedly rejected, but the UCP government refuses to let it go.

 “The UCP government claims it's not about replacing the RCMP, but that's about as believable as the Premier's claims she doesn't support Alberta separatism.

“The UCP government has created an affordability crisis. The health-care system is in disarray. People aren’t getting the diagnosis and care they need when they need it. Our schools are overcrowded, understaffed, and underfunded. Unemployment is too high including youth unemployment which is the highest in Canada.

“Instead of addressing these issues, the UCP government is more concerned with distracting from its disastrous record which includes cutting funding for police services across Alberta.

“There's a need for real action to reduce crime and improve safety in mid-sized cities and rural communities. The Alberta New Democrat Caucus has a plan that assures adequate funding for police and the supports needed to address the root causes of crime.”