Alberta
ACAC suspends competition for Fall 2020

From Red Deer College Communications
Red Deer College supports decision and will alter upcoming Athletics season
The Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) has decided to suspend competition during the 2020 Fall term due to COVID-19 precautions.
As a result, an adjusted conference schedule will begin in January 2021, which includes a delay to cross country running and soccer seasons until the spring.
“As a member of the ACAC, Red Deer College supports the decision and recognizes that it was made very carefully with the health and safety of the student-athletes, coaches, officials, athletics staff and fans in mind,” says RDC President Dr. Peter Nunoda. “While the announcement is emotional for many, the College is dedicated to working with our student-athletes, coaches and staff during this time as we prepare to compete in the Winter term.”
Today’s announcement from the ACAC aligns with the decisions made from other conferences and governing bodies across the country due to COVID-19. The Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA), of which the ACAC is one of five conference members, cancelled four 2020 Fall National Championships, affecting the typical September start for RDC Soccer and Cross Country Running.
U Sports, the national governing body of university sport in Canada, cancelled six fall national university championships and many of its conference members also postponed league games.
Canada West cancelled team competitions for the 2020 Fall term. Ontario University Athletics (OUA) and Atlantic University Sport (AUS) postponed their sanctioned sport programming and championships until January. Réseau du sport étudiant du Québec (RSEQ) has not made a formal announcement.
“I understand that the suspension of fall competition is disappointing for many, but the College and RDC Athletics will support our student-athletes on many levels, one of which includes our commitment to awarding RDC athletics scholarships to student-athletes who meet revised eligibility criteria,” says RDC Athletic Director Diane St-Denis.
“RDC Athletics is collaborating with the College’s Ancillary & Sport Services to identify a return to training plan for our teams, according to the health and safety protocols set by the Government of Alberta. Our coaches will stay highly engaged with our student-athletes over the following months, overseeing the training programs in preparation for a January start.”
While sports activity within the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre will look much different for the fall, there is plenty of excitement for competition in the new year. In addition to the regular season commencing in January, the Red Deer College Queens will host the ACAC Women’s Volleyball Championship from Feb. 25-27, 2021 at the Centre. Then shortly after, the RDC Queens Basketball team will enter the postseason as hosts of the ACAC Championship from March 4-6, 2021.
Alberta
Alberta Provincial Police – New chief of Independent Agency Police Service

Sat Parhar has been appointed as the first chief of the Independent Agency Police Service, marking the next step toward a new municipal policing option.
The appointment of a new chief for the Independent Agency Police Service (IAPS) marks the next step in giving municipalities a new option for local policing and builds on the work already underway for the agency to assume the police-like duties currently carried out by the Alberta Sheriffs. The IAPS will empower municipalities to adopt strategies that effectively respond to their specific safety concerns, enhancing public safety across the province.
Chief Parhar brings more than 25 years of policing experience, including senior roles with the Calgary Police Service, most recently as deputy chief. His frontline policing experience and deep understanding of Alberta’s complex and diverse public safety landscape positions him to lead the agency as it takes shape and begins its work as a new municipal policing option, keeping communities safe.
Once operational, the agency will strengthen Alberta’s existing policing model and complement the province’s current police services, which includes the RCMP, Indigenous policing services and municipal police. It will help fill gaps and ensure law enforcement resources are deployed efficiently to meet Alberta’s evolving public safety needs and improve law enforcement response times, particularly in rural communities.
“Appointing Chief Sat Parhar is a key milestone in Alberta’s plan to give municipalities a real choice in how their communities are kept safe. This is about building a modern police service that reflects the priorities of Albertans, strengthens local decision-making, and ensures every corner of our province, especially rural areas, can count on responsive, effective law enforcement. With his decades of experience and deep understanding of Alberta’s policing landscape, he is the right leader to bring this vision to life.”
“This appointment signifies a significant step forward in our efforts to establish a more robust, community-focused policing model that is better equipped to meet the unique needs of our local residents. Under Chief Parhar’s visionary leadership, we are confident that we will develop a modern, efficient police service that not only enhances public safety but also aligns closely with the priorities and values of Albertans. His experience and commitment are vital in shaping an IAPS that is responsive, transparent, and dedicated to fostering trust and collaboration within the community, ultimately ensuring a safer and more connected society for all.”
Chief Parhar’s immediate priorities will be to hire an executive team and commence organizational planning such as developing key recruitment, training and other operational policies. Chief Parhar’s appointment is the first step of many to establishing the IAPS.
“It’s an honour to take on this role and help shape a modern police service built for Alberta. My focus from day one will be on setting high standards for professionalism, building strong relationships with our partners and ensuring this service reflects the needs and priorities of the communities we serve.”
The Independent Agency Police Service was formally created through regulation following the passing of Public Safety Statutes Amendment Act, 2024. The agency will operate as an independent Crown corporation, and will be renamed the Alberta Sheriffs Police Service, with its head office located in Calgary. The IAPS will be operationally independent from the provincial government with civilian oversight, consistent with all police services in Alberta.
“When it comes to policing, municipalities like ours deserve a choice – especially when the current system leaves us disadvantaged simply because of our size. We look forward to learning more about what that alternative will look like once an Alberta police agency is fully established and the options are clear. For us, this is about fairness, sustainability, and ensuring municipalities have access to policing solutions that reflect both their needs and their realities.”
Quick facts
- The regulation establishes the IAPS Provincial Corporation and its governance structure including board of directors, board of director powers, financial responsibilities and accountabilities.
Related news
- Expanding municipal police service options (April 7, 2024)
Alberta
Pierre Poilievre – Per Capita, Hardisty, Alberta Is the Most Important Little Town In Canada

From Pierre Poilievre
-
Business18 hours ago
RFK Jr. says Hep B vaccine is linked to 1,135% higher autism rate
-
Alberta1 day ago
Alberta Independence Seekers Take First Step: Citizen Initiative Application Approved, Notice of Initiative Petition Issued
-
Crime1 day ago
National Health Care Fraud Takedown Results in 324 Defendants Charged in Connection with Over $14.6 Billion in Alleged Fraud
-
Health1 day ago
RFK Jr. Unloads Disturbing Vaccine Secrets on Tucker—And Surprises Everyone on Trump
-
Censorship Industrial Complex1 day ago
Global media alliance colluded with foreign nations to crush free speech in America: House report
-
Bruce Dowbiggin1 day ago
The Game That Let Canadians Forgive The Liberals — Again
-
Alberta5 hours ago
Pierre Poilievre – Per Capita, Hardisty, Alberta Is the Most Important Little Town In Canada
-
Alberta5 hours ago
Alberta Provincial Police – New chief of Independent Agency Police Service