Alberta
Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland drops in on Alberta Premier Jason Kenney
From The Province of Alberta
Premier continues to work for fair deal in meeting with Deputy Prime Minister
Premier Kenney and Deputy Prime Minister Freeland met in person for the third time since her appointment as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs last November, and continued productive work on Alberta’s urgent priorities, including:
- building the TransMountain pipeline expansion project
- an “equalization rebate” from retroactively lifting the per capita cap on the Fiscal Stabilization Program
- addressing the continuing problems with Bill C-69
- support for jobs in the resource and resource-related sector, such as support for decommissioning wells and clean technology
- approval of the Teck Frontier project, which is a test of the federal government’s commitment to evidence-based approval of new energy projects
- equivalency recognition for Alberta’s methane reduction regulations
“I appreciate that Deputy Prime Minister Freeland has taken the time to travel to Alberta and have these important discussions and to see for herself how serious the economic challenges are for Albertans. I reiterated to her Alberta’s urgent priorities – actions that can be taken now by the federal government to show it is committed to addressing our jobs crisis. We’ve offered clear, practical options to the federal government to support our province even as we continue to contribute about $20 billion net each year to the rest of the country. But we need action from Ottawa now.”
Alberta has contributed $630 billion net to the rest of Canada since 1961. In the last 11 years alone the net transfer from Albertans to the rest of the country was $240 billion.
“Given the massive and disproportionate contributions Alberta has made to the country over the years, and continues to make, it is not too much to ask that the rest of the country now show its commitment to helping us in our time of need – first and foremost by removing barriers to getting our products to market. We are simply asking for fair treatment.”
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)
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