Alberta’s government is partnering with three community organizations and investing $4 million to create the Alberta Office to Combat Trafficking in Persons.
Human trafficking is a serious crime that violates the freedoms and rights of individuals, including children, and attempts to destroy all personal identity and relationships. The three main categories of human trafficking are sex trafficking, labour trafficking and the trafficking of organs. Between 2011 and 2021, more than 3,500 incidents of human trafficking were reported across Canada. Many incidents go unreported, often due to fear among victims and survivors.
To fight against human trafficking, Alberta’s government developed the Alberta Human Trafficking Task Force, which submitted its final report in August of 2021. The report has five primary recommendations for government to assist in combatting human trafficking. The first of these is to create an Alberta Office to Combat Trafficking in Persons, which will facilitate the implementation of the remaining recommendations. Alberta’s government has committed $4 million over two years to make this office a reality.
“We can’t afford to close our eyes to the problem of human trafficking. And we can’t afford to ignore those who are at risk of being trafficked or those who have been trafficked. I’m proud that our government is creating this Office to Combat Trafficking in Persons to keep fighting this scourge on society.”
Danielle Smith, Premier
Operation of the Alberta Office to Combat Trafficking in Persons will be led in partnership by #NotInMyCity, Native Counselling Services of Alberta (NCSA) and REACH Edmonton Council for Safer Communities. Under their leadership, the office is another step closer to connecting survivors and victims of human trafficking to important supports and services.
In addition to the work with victims and survivors, the Alberta Office to Combat Trafficking in Persons will enhance public awareness and establish a more effective data collection process. This data will monitor the effectiveness of service delivery and help close gaps in tracking cross-jurisdictional trafficking incidents.
“The first step to fighting human trafficking is to raise awareness of the issue and its presence right here in Alberta. We are grateful to have strong partnerships with organizations that have proven to be effective in this, along with directly supporting survivors and victims. Every investment made into the combating of human trafficking is helping restore the humanity and freedom that every individual deserves.”
Mike Ellis, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services
#NotInMyCity is a non-profit organization working to prevent, disrupt and end human trafficking and sexual exploitation. Since 2016, the organization has been building community alliances to spur collective action, always learning from and elevating the voices of victims and survivors. The organization is an important education and awareness resource for affected sectors and all Albertans.
“This milestone wouldn’t be possible without the countless organizations and individuals who shared their experiences and expertise in our journey with Alberta’s Human Trafficking Task Force. Combating human trafficking requires collective action, and we applaud the province for taking a collaborative approach with the community.”
Paul Brandt, president and founder, #NotInMyCity and former chair, Alberta Human Trafficking Task Force
Native Counselling Services of Alberta (NCSA) has operated in the province for more than five decades with a focus on fair and equitable treatment for Indigenous people across Alberta. From supports for family and youth to restorative justice to the active pursuit of reconciliation, the NCSA has had an important and positive impact on supports and assistance for Indigenous people in the province.
“We are advocating for Indigenous people in Alberta and committed to educating others on the important issues of exploitation and human trafficking. Understanding the Indigenous worldview and the resilience of Indigenous individuals, families and communities is a gift of learning. We are here to help and hear the people.”
Marlene Orr, CEO, Native Counselling Services of Alberta
REACH Edmonton Council for Safer Communities has brought together community members and organizations for more than a decade to address social challenges, advance community safety and build relationships between cultural minority communities and police services. Their experience in engaging and convening diverse community partners to find and fill service gaps will benefit the new office.
“Human trafficking is a complex problem that requires a systems approach to tackle, with multiple partners working in unison and leveraging our collective strengths and expertise. REACH is looking forward to helping build up and operate the new office to help make Alberta a safer place for everyone.”Jan Fox, executive director, REACH Edmonton Council for Safer Communities
Jan Fox, executive director, REACH Edmonton Council for Safer Communities
With community partners now selected, work is underway to set up, organize and staff the office. The office will share updates on the progress of this work in the coming months.
Quick facts
The task force was part of the Alberta government’s platform commitment to implement a nine-point Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking.
All nine points of Alberta’s Human Trafficking Action Plan have been implemented, or implementation is ongoing.
Police services in Canada reported more than 3,500 incidents of human trafficking between 2011 and 2021, with the vast majority of victims (96 per cent) being women and girls, and one-quarter of victims under the age of 18.
The most overrepresented victim group was Indigenous women and girls.
Those interested in learning more about human trafficking, how to recognize it and how to help can take #NotInMyCity’s 30-minute online e-learning course Mobilizing Communities to Disrupt Sexual Exploitation and Sex Trafficking in Canada.
Red Deer-North constituents with questions, concerns or comments can reach out to the local constituency office. They can do so via the form on the contact page or by phoning (403) 342–2263.
With the wildfire situation continuing to improve, Alberta’s provincial state of emergency is expiring but all resourcing and support remains in place.
Although the wildfire situation remains serious in the northern areas of the province, the extraordinary powers of the Emergency Management Act are no longer required to ensure emergency responders and wildfire firefighters continue keeping Albertans and their properties safe. These efforts will especially continue in the Fort Chipewyan area and other communities where residents remain evacuated.
“Wildfires are still burning in many parts of northern Alberta, and hundreds of people are still away from their homes. Although the provincial state of emergency is expiring, we will continue to use all of our resources to fight these fires and protect communities. No community will be left behind, and all the resources of the provincial government will continue to be available to those who need it.”
Mike Ellis, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services
Alberta is working closely with local authorities and other agencies to ensure the province has the firefighting resources needed for the rest of the wildfire season.
Albertans who have been evacuated or are returning home should continue to follow updates from their local authorities. Information is also available at Alberta.ca/emergency or by calling 310-4455 any time of the day or night. Evacuees should still register at a local reception centre or at emergencyregistration.alberta.ca. Situation reports will continue to be distributed daily to the public and media.
To help prevent more wildfires from starting, Albertans should check Albertafirebans.ca and abide by any bans or restrictions in their area.
June 3 is also the final day that the Government of Alberta and Government of Canada will match donations to the Red Cross 2023 Alberta Fires Appeal. Every $1 donated to the Red Cross appeal will become $3 to support those affected by the wildfires.
Quick facts
A provincial state of emergency in Alberta automatically expires after 28 days. The May 2023 wildfires state of emergency expires on June 3, 2023 at 11:59 p.m.
Under the Emergency Management Act, declaring a provincial state of emergency is a legal mechanism providing access to emergency discretionary funds and triggering intergovernmental protocols for collaboration.
The Alberta Emergency Management Agency leads the coordination and cooperation of all organizations involved in emergencies and disasters in the province and oversees all emergency and disaster prevention, preparedness and responses.
Red Deer-North constituents with questions, concerns or comments can reach out to the local constituency office. They can do so via the form on the contact page or by phoning (403) 342–2263.
A Fugitive Apprehension Sheriffs Support Team (FASST) is being created to ensure that offenders accused and convicted of crimes are swiftly brought to justice.
As crime continues to rise across Canada, Alberta’s government is taking action to apprehend criminals in the province before they can reoffend. Budget 2023 will invest $2 million into the FASST program. The team will help apprehend suspects wanted on outstanding warrants to ensure they are processed through Alberta’s justice system.
“With new funding in Budget 2023, Alberta is establishing this team to take away a threat that can affect any Albertan, regardless of the community they call home. FASST will play an essential role in arresting those who hurt others and ensuring that they see their day in court.”
Mike Ellis, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services
Once operational, FASST will assist local police services in apprehending high-priority offenders, eliminating the risk they will reoffend and revictimize Albertans. The team will begin recruiting this year and hire 20 new full-time equivalents, keeping sheriffs where they are needed most.
“Alberta’s sheriffs are so proud of the work we do to keep Alberta families and their homes and communities safe during tumultuous times. These new resources will allow us to provide much-needed specialized supports across the province, as well as more safety and security when the people we serve need it most.”
Farooq Sheikh, chief, Alberta Sheriffs
As of February, there were 4,200 prolific violent offenders with outstanding warrants in Alberta. Ensuring these criminals are apprehended is an essential part of any justice system focused on protecting public safety. FASST will play an important role in promoting safe, secure communities. The support the team will provide in apprehending fugitives will free up other police resources to focus on priorities such as ongoing criminal investigations and community policing efforts.
Recruiting and training for the team will begin this fall, which is expected to be fully operational by March 2024.
Budget 2023 secures Alberta’s future by transforming the health-care system to meet people’s needs, supporting Albertans with the high cost of living, keeping our communities safe and driving the economy with more jobs, quality education and continued diversification.
Red Deer-North constituents with questions, concerns or comments can reach out to the local constituency office. They can do so via the form on the contact page or by phoning (403) 342–2263.
Alberta’s government is investing more funding into domestic violence prevention and supporting food security in women’s shelters across the province.
Women’s shelters in Alberta provide essential services for those fleeing domestic violence. With more funding, shelters will be able to expand supports and continue caring for women and families in their communities.
The government is providing $1.6 million to support prevention programs including expanded counselling supports for men who want to change their behaviours and expanded support provided by Sagesse to help individuals apply for information disclosure under Clare’s Law. This funding will also help women’s shelters provide food to the women and children they serve.
“Our government is grateful for the partnership we have with so many organizations that support women and families fleeing violence. With more support going into the sector, we are taking an approach that is not only reactive but also preventative to help stop domestic violence before it happens.”
Jeremy Nixon, Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services
“These investments are providing critical supports to help women and families fleeing violence and end the cycle of domestic abuse. I am glad to continue advocating for women in Alberta, ensuring that our government continues to provide the support they need.”
Tanya Fir, parliamentary secretary for Status of Women
Providing support for men to change
Alberta’s government is providing $700,000 over two years to FearIsNotLove to support the Men’s Counselling Program and the Men& project. The counselling program helps men overcome anger and abusive behaviours in a safe, respectful and non-judgmental environment through individual and group counselling sessions.
The Men& project is an online resource providing information and support to men who want to improve their relationships and mental health.
“We are grateful for the provincial government’s support through the food security grant for the Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter Program. We are also grateful for the incredible support of the Men& project, which will connect men to interactive resources and a helpline. Men& builds relationship capacities and the skills to build intimacy and connection, helping them overcome violent behaviours.”
Kim Ruse, CEO, FearIsNotLove
Supporting Clare’s Law applicants
Alberta’s government will provide a one-time grant of $450,000 to Sagesse to increase the supports offered to Albertans who make a Clare’s Law application for disclosure. The funding will help Sagesse increase awareness of the program, provide more training and enhance the network of services and supports for applicants.
“Clare’s Law has proven to be an important avenue to connect Albertans to the help they need to lead safe and healthy lives. With this additional funding, we will be able to continue to deliver a robust, timely and coordinated response to the diverse and complex needs of Albertans impacted by abuse.”
Andrea Silverstone, CEO, Sagesse
Support for women’s emergency shelters
Alberta’s government is providing $500,000 to emergency women’s shelters to help increase their capacity to source nutritious food for shelter clients. Funding will be provided directly to shelters with allocations based on the number of clients served.
Help is available to anyone experiencing any form of family violence. Immediate, 24-7 support is available by calling or texting the Family Violence Info Line at 310-1818 or using the online chat alberta.ca/SafetyChat. Calls can be answered in more than 170 languages.
Budget 2023 secures Alberta’s future by transforming the health-care system to meet people’s needs, supporting Albertans with the high cost of living, keeping our communities safe and driving the economy with more jobs, quality education and continued diversification.
Quick facts
Budget 2023 provides $55.1 million for women’s emergency shelters.
Funding supports programming for and the operations of 31 women’s emergency shelters, 17 second-stage shelters, two seniors shelters, three outreach agencies and five fee-for-service shelters in First Nation communities.
Clare’s Law was implemented on April 1, 2021.
From April 1, 2021 to Feb. 28, 2023, 430 unique applicants have requested social services supports.
Red Deer-North constituents with questions, concerns or comments can reach out to the local constituency office. They can do so via the form on the contact page or by phoning (403) 342–2263.
Alberta’s government will ensure Indigenous communities and municipalities have the support they need to study what kind of community policing and police service best meets their local needs.
Every Albertan should feel safe and secure in their communities and every community should be able to choose a policing model that meets their needs. Alberta’s government is investing in increased community safety by providing $6 million over two years for Indigenous and Municipal Police Transition Study Grants.
These grants would provide Indigenous communities and municipalities with up to $30,000 each toward an independent study to determine if a local, self-administered police service or a regional policing model would be a better fit for their citizens.
“No one knows a community’s needs better than the people who live there. This funding will empower municipalities to explore different policing models that will improve public safety and address their community’s unique needs.”
Mike Ellis, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services
Watch the Press Conference.
The Indigenous and Municipal Police Transition Study Grants were created to assist communities interested in exploring different policing models. The grants will help communities cover the cost of conducting necessary research into local public safety needs, gaps, capital requirements and transition considerations.
To date, Public Safety and Emergency Services has received grant applications from 13 communities that are interested in a different policing model to meet their needs. The department is reviewing these applications and working with these and other communities that have expressed interest in applying.
“This funding provides municipalities with an excellent opportunity to study how best to meet their communities’ local and regional policing needs.”
Cathy Heron, president, Alberta Municipalities
Alberta’s government supports a community’s choice to determine what is best for its citizens, and assisting with the study and development of alternate policing models will help address the government’s public safety concerns. Every community has distinct needs, and each is in the best position to determine which policing model is best for them.
Budget 2023 secures Alberta’s future by transforming the health-care system to meet people’s needs, supporting Albertans with the high cost of living, keeping our communities safe and driving the economy with more jobs, quality education and continued diversification.
Quick facts
Under Alberta’s Police Act, towns and cities with populations greater than 5,000 are responsible for their own policing.
The Police Act gives municipalities the option of having their own police service, forming a regional policing arrangement or contracting for provincial policing services (i.e., the RCMP under Alberta’s provincial police service agreement).
Under an agreement reached in September 2022, the Siksika Nation will get its own self-administered police service. Siksika developed a business case in 2021 with assistance from a $30,000 provincial government grant.
Grande Prairie city council voted in March to create a municipal police service that will take over local policing from the RCMP.
Over the next two years, Alberta will provide Grande Prairie with a $9.7-million grant to establish a local police service.
Red Deer-North constituents with questions, concerns or comments can reach out to the local constituency office. They can do so via the form on the contact page or by phoning (403) 342–2263.
Alberta’s government is extending the use of blue lights to improve highway safety for roadside workers and drivers.
In 2022, Alberta’s government initiated a small trial allowing the optional use of flashing blue lights on snowplows, tow trucks and highway maintenance vehicles contracted to the Government of Alberta to increase their visibility and safety while working on Alberta highways.
Based on feedback to Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors from snowplow, tow truck and highway maintenance vehicle operators, Alberta’s government is extending these exemptions for an additional five years. With this extension, these vehicles can continue to display flashing blue and amber lights to show drivers when and where they’re working, improving safety conditions for roadside workers and drivers so they can all return home safely.
“The original pilot projects were brought to increase visibility and improve safety of those working on our highways. We are extending these projects to make sure these important safety measures remain in place so those who work on our highways can go home safely to their families at the end of their shifts.”
Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors
These changes are in addition to new rules under the Traffic Safety Amendment Act, which come into effect Sept. 1, requiring drivers to slow down and move over when passing highway workers.
With the extension of the project, Alberta’s government is continuing to assess whether legislative changes are needed to outline optimal light configurations to improve the visibility and safety of roadside workers.
“I’m pleased to see this announcement from the minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors. The extension of the blue light project will bring increased visibility and improve road safety for everyone in Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills.”
Nathan Cooper, MLA for Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills
“Adding blue lights on tow trucks has been a simple change with a profound benefit. It has improved visibility and safety on the roadside for our province’s essential tow operators and the Albertans they’re responding to. We’re grateful for this five-year extension, which provides ongoing certainty to Alberta’s tow operators as we work towards making this well-proven change a permanent reality.”
Michelle Chimko, president and CEO, Alberta Motor Association
Quick facts
Since December 2019, there have been 17 serious roadside incidents and at least 39 near misses involving Alberta tow trucks and passing vehicles.
Between March 2018 and March 2021, there were 128 collisions involving snowplows contracted by Alberta Transportation.
A recent AMA study indicates that of those who have seen blue flashing lights in use on a tow truck, there was 86.9 percent agreement that they are more visible than amber alone.
The registrar’s exemptions include conditions for users, including:
All flashing lamps must be compliant with the Society of Automotive Engineers standards.
Flashing lamps must be controlled from inside the vehicle cab and vehicles must be equipped with an indicator inside the vehicle that can be seen by the driver to indicate that the flashing lamps are on.
Alberta will be the first province to make all police services wear body cams.
On Tuesday, March 14, 2023, the Government of Alberta made the announcement – a move made to increase trust between police and communities.
“Mandating police to wear body-worn cameras is a transformational decision that will ensure all interactions with officers are objective,” said Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services Mike Ellis.
“Whether living in large cities or smaller rural communities, Albertans have the right to feel safe and have the trust that police will assist and be fair in doing so.”
Watch the press conference.
The province is partnering with the Alberta Association of Chiefs of Police (AACP) to develop the mandate and standards required to implement body cams provincewide, as well as working out the costs and logistics. This includes conversations with front-line police officers, municipal police services and three self-administered Indigenous police services.
“AACP looks forward to receiving the details of the body-worn camera mandate to support transparency and further build trust within our communities and welcomes the opportunity to work together to support this,” said Dean LaGrange, vice-president of AACP and chief of the Camrose Police Service.
The body-worn cameras are small cameras worn on a law enforcement’s chest or head without limiting mobility to record interactions with the public. The cameras have microphones and internal data storage to save video footage. This will make it easier to review interactions with police services, and promote accountability for all parties.
The aim is to position the province as a role model for safe and secure communities across North America.
Red Deer-North constituents with questions, concerns or comments can reach out to the local constituency office via the form on the contact page or by phoning (403) 342–2263.
Alberta’s government is working on strengthening trespass laws through Bill 9.
The proposed legislation, if passed, would make language changes to clarify the federal government would be subject to existing trespass penalties if entering an Albertan’s property without lawful reason.
The government says this shows their commitment to protecting Albertans’ property rights, including in rural and remote areas.
“I want to commend Alberta’s government for amending trespass legislation to clarify and raise the profile of the right of landowners to control access to their property,” said Peter J. Dobbie, KC, farmers’ and property rights advocate for Alberta.
“This renewed focus on property rights is a refreshing and positive step forward for property owners in Alberta.”
Prevention of inadvertent crop disease spread is one of the main reasons for the changes. Alberta’s government says landowners should be provided with the common courtesy of advance notice of planned entry. This would allow farmers and ranchers to make certain those entering their land know how to mitigate the risk of disease spread.
Despite amendments, property owners are advised they can still be held responsible for their actions in a trespassing situation. They are advised to call law enforcement to deal with people believed to be trespassing.
The legislation will not limit police powers, nor prevent federal employees with legal authority from entering a private property.
Alberta is not the first province to look at this type of legislation. Saskatchewan made similar changes to their trespass legislation to state that it binds the federal government in Nov. 2022. However, the proposed legislation has yet to pass.
The changes are just part of those outlined in Bill 9. See the full news release on the Government of Alberta website here.
Red Deer-North constituents with questions or comments can reach out to the local constituency office via the form on the contact page. They can also reach the office by phoning (403) 342–2263.
