Alberta Justice Minister Doug Schweitzer (rdnewsNOW file photo)

By Troy Gillard

changes coming

Justice Minister promises to speed up Alberta Police Act amendments

Jun 9, 2020 | 11:44 AM

The Alberta government says it will prioritize efforts to amend what it calls outdated legislation governing policing in the province.

Justice Minister Doug Schweitzer says changes are coming to the Police Act after rallies attended by thousands of Albertans.

The protests followed huge demonstrations in the United States over the death of a Black man, George Floyd, during an arrest in which a white police officer kneeled on his neck.

Anti-racism concerns in Canada include an allegation by a First Nations chief in Alberta of police brutality.

“Over the last week, we have seen Albertans rightfully outraged over an appalling act of police brutality in the United States. Many Albertans have also raised sincere concerns about policing here at home,” Schweitzer said in a statement.

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“Any allegation of excessive use of force by law enforcement is serious and must be treated as such. That is why we will expedite the government’s current work to modernize the Police Act. This will ensure we have the governance framework and policies in place so Albertans are confident that our police are accountable to the communities they protect.”

“Policing only works when citizens feel assured that law enforcement is going to treat them reasonably and fairly,” he added.

Schweitzer says he plans to meet with chiefs of police, first nations, minority community leaders, as well as other stakeholders to get things moving quickly.

(With file from The Canadian Press)