In the landscape of Canadian municipalities, Coaldale, a small town nestled in Alberta, stands out for an unfortunate reason: since 2016, it has shouldered the entire cost of its RCMP contract. This distinction has burdened its ratepayers with over $4 million in additional expenses. However, a recent move by the Alberta government signals a significant shift in the town’s policing funding paradigm.
In 2016, Coaldale inked a policing agreement with the federal government, setting it apart as the sole municipality in Canada responsible for bearing the full brunt of its RCMP contract expenses. Despite efforts to garner support from the federal level, Coaldale found itself in a financial quagmire due to the absence of a subsidy enjoyed by similarly sized towns nationwide.
The palpable disparity did not go unnoticed by the provincial government. Alberta’s Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services, Mike Ellis, aptly recognized the plight of Coaldale’s residents. He underscored the province’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all communities, regardless of size or location. In response to the federal government’s reluctance to extend the 30 per cent subsidy, Alberta intervened, offering an annual provincial grant of $550,000 to alleviate the financial strain on Coaldale’s ratepayers.
The decision garnered widespread acclaim, especially from local representatives like MLA Grant Hunter and Coaldale’s mayor, Jack Van Rijn. Hunter lauded the provincial government for rectifying a long-standing injustice, emphasizing the significance of funding Coaldale’s policing needs. Van Rijn echoed these sentiments, expressing gratitude for the province’s proactive approach in addressing the town’s financial predicament.
Acknowledging the efficacy of Coaldale’s local RCMP detachment, including commendations for Staff Sergeant Mike Numan’s leadership, the town’s representatives emphasized the need for equitable treatment in policing funding. Despite past attempts to engage the federal government on the matter, Coaldale’s pleas went unanswered, prompting the provincial government to step in and champion its cause.
The provincial grant not only alleviates immediate financial pressures but also symbolizes Alberta’s unwavering commitment to advocating for Coaldale’s fair treatment on the federal stage. While the grant’s amount will be subject to adjustments reflecting changes in the municipal policing agreement, Alberta remains steadfast in its support for Coaldale’s quest for parity in policing funding.
In essence, Alberta’s proactive stance underscores the importance of local governance and the imperative to safeguard the welfare of all communities. By bridging the gap left by federal inaction, the province sets a precedent for responsive and accountable governance, ensuring that no community is left behind in matters as fundamental as public safety.
As Coaldale looks ahead to a future marked by equitable policing funding, the province’s intervention serves as a beacon of hope, signaling a new era of collaboration and support in safeguarding the well-being of all Canadians, one community at a time.
