Alberta
Province reminds motorists of impaired laws (alcohol and cannabis) for a safer long weekend on the highways
From the Province of Alberta
Plan ahead this long weekend to avoid tragedy
Albertans are reminded to drive safe and sober as they take to the roads over the long weekend.
Driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs puts people at serious risk of injury and death. Cannabis, prescription drugs or over-the-counter medication can be just as dangerous behind the wheel as alcohol, especially when taken in any combination.
Daily traffic volumes tend to increase on Alberta highways during long weekends. During the summer months, long weekends experience about 50 per cent more fatalities and 15 per cent more injuries than the rest of the year.
Impaired driving facts
- The federal government updated Canada’s impaired driving laws in 2018.
- Any amount of alcohol can cause impairment.
- Having a BAC of 0.08 or over within two hours of driving is a criminal offence.
- In Alberta, and in most other Canadian jurisdictions, a driver with a BAC between 0.05 and 0.079 may face provincial consequences through the Immediate Roadside Suspension Program.
- Cannabis limits are measured using nanograms of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in blood.
- Criminal penalties for cannabis are:
- Over 2 ng/ml but less that 5ng/ml of THC in blood:
- Maximum $1,000 fine (summary conviction)
- 5 ng/ml or more THC in blood:
- 1st offence: Minimum $1,000 fine
- 2nd offence: Mandatory 30 days imprisonment
- 3rd and subsequent offence(s): Mandatory 120 days imprisonment
- 2.5 ng/ml or more THC combined with 50 mg/100ml or more alcohol (in blood):
- 1st offence: Minimum $1,000 fine
- 2nd offence: Mandatory 30 days imprisonment
- 3rd and subsequent offence(s): Mandatory 120 days imprisonment
- Refusing to comply with a demand for a sample:
- 1st offence: Minimum $2,000 fine
- 2nd offence: Mandatory 30 days imprisonment
- 3rd and subsequent offence(s): Mandatory 120 days imprisonment
- Over 2 ng/ml but less that 5ng/ml of THC in blood:
- Having the prohibited level of alcohol, THC, or other impairing drugs in your blood within two hours of driving is an offence.
- On average, 6,000 people were convicted of impaired driving in Alberta each year for the last five years (April 2015 to March 2019).
- Over a 10-year period, from 2008 to 2017, 855 people died in Alberta as a result of alcohol- or drug-impaired driving, and nearly 13,000 people were injured.
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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