Alberta's UCP Government Moves to Staff Provincial Police with Sheriffs Through New Legislation
The United Conservative Party (UCP) government in Alberta has taken a significant step toward bolstering its upcoming provincial police force by introducing legislation that facilitates the transition of Alberta Sheriffs peace officers into full-fledged police roles. Bill 15, the Public Safety and Emergency Services Statutes Amendment Act, 2026, was presented by Public Safety Minister Mike Ellis in the legislature, aiming to streamline the process for sheriffs to join the Alberta Sheriffs Police Service (ASPS).
Streamlined Transition for Peace Officers
Minister Ellis highlighted that approximately half of the existing 1,200 Alberta Sheriffs already perform "police-like" functions, such as highway traffic enforcement, surveillance, fugitive apprehension, and security at courthouses and the legislature building in Edmonton. Under the new bill, these officers could undergo a condensed six-week training program to become certified police officers, providing a rapid path to increase police presence across the province.
"This is the fastest path to get at least 600 or so police officers on the streets of Alberta trying to assist all police jurisdictions in calls to service right now," Ellis stated during a press conference. He emphasized that the sheriffs are highly skilled and dedicated, with years of experience in law enforcement duties.
Bill 15: A Milestone in Police Service Development
The legislation formally transitions the Alberta Sheriffs branch into the ASPS, though a specific timeline for implementation remains undetermined. Ellis described the bill as a "major milestone" in building the new service, which will absorb the budget and staff of the current sheriffs branch into a Crown Corporation established last spring. Non-police roles currently handled by sheriffs will also be transferred to the ASPS, ensuring continuity in public safety operations.
Regarding costs, Ellis indicated that details would be revealed in the upcoming provincial budget, which is anticipated to show a multi-billion dollar deficit for the second consecutive year. "There's going to be an increased cost in that, and we have factored that into those increases," he noted, underscoring the financial considerations of the transition.
Background and Future Implications
This move is part of a broader strategy by the Alberta government to establish an independent police agency, as the province's agreement with the RCMP is set to expire in 2032. Ellis framed the initiative as focused on enhancing safety rather than expanding government bureaucracy, stating, "This isn't about creating more government. It's about creating more safety."
The introduction of Bill 15 follows previous legislative actions, such as Bill 4, which advanced plans for an independent police agency. As Alberta continues to develop its police service, this transition aims to address staffing needs efficiently by leveraging the existing expertise of sheriffs, potentially reshaping law enforcement in the province for years to come.
