(File photo provided by Alberta Sheriffs)

By Ian Gustafson

Independent police

Alberta Sheriffs says proposed Bill 49 amendments could undermine effectiveness of police

Apr 10, 2025 | 4:31 PM

The Government of Alberta introduced Bill 49 on April 7, which was met with mixed reactions from agencies across the province.

According to the province, if the bill is passed, the Public Safety and Emergency Services Statutes Amendment Act will amend four pieces of legislation.

More information can be found on the government’s website but these pieces of legislation include the Police Act and the Police Amendment Act, 2022.

The Police Act was amended in 2024 by the Public Safety Statutes Amendment Act to allow the provincial government to create an independent police service, which would take on duties performed by the Alberta Sheriffs.

If the bill is passed, the amendments will ensure that any new police service will be a crown corporation that will be independent from the government. It would also prevent the province from giving direct orders to the new police service so they can work independently. In addition, it would allow municipalities to choose the new independent force as their policing provider.

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Meanwhile, in the Police Amendment Act, the government will implement the Police Review Commission following engagement with communities and stakeholders.

This comes after the public called for independent investigations into police misconduct allegations.

The Police Review Commission will serve as an agency for complaints involving municipal and First Nations police services in Alberta. The Commission is expected to become operational by December.

The government says the proposed changes in Bill 49 will ensure the agency has the authority to meet the expectations of the public by developing and clarifying roles and processes needed to support the commission. It also makes sure the government has the authority to ensure the commission can operate smoothly.

In a media release from the Alberta Sheriff Branch Officers Association, they explained they’re committed to upholding law and order in our communities but expressed concerns about the potential new police agency.

While they understand the new independent police service aims to improve safety, the decision could undermine the effectiveness of police in Alberta.

“The proposed transition of approximately 600 sheriffs into the new police agency creates several challenges, including job displacement, confusion regarding roles, loss of specialized duties, and disruption to public trust,” said President of the Alberta Sheriff Branch Officers Association, Dornubari Tornwe.

“We fear that these changes could lead to a decline in the efficiency of both the Alberta Sheriffs and the newly formed police service.”

Instead, Tornwe asked the province to consider strengthening the Alberta Sheriffs by providing more support, resources, and training. This would allow them to serve the province and avoid disruptions.

“We remain committed to our mission of ensuring the safety and well-being of Alberta’s citizens, and we urge the government to reconsider the proposal outlined in Bill 49 for the good of all who rely on our services,” he added.

The Alberta Union of Provincial Employees says the Alberta Sheriffs deserve an increase in pay and improved working conditions for their increased duties.

“Sheriffs already do important work keeping Albertans safe, going above and beyond every day,” said Bobby-Joe Borodey, vice-president of AUPE.

“It is good to see that Bill 49 recognizes the skills that they bring to the table, but increasing the scope of their work must come with appropriate improvements to pay and benefits. Clearly, the government is planning to take over much of the work currently done by the RCMP. If it wants this new police force to succeed, the first step must be to create the conditions that will allow it to recruit and retain officers.”

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