The CAMROSE BOOSTER, February 22, 2022 – Page 8
Residents learn about possible costly move to provincial police By Murray Green
Camrose residents learned that the cost of policing in Alberta will hit more than $1 billion if the province switches from RCMP to a provincial police force, according to the National Police Federation. Currently, the province pays $595 million for RCMP enforcement. If the government votes in favour of a provincial force, that price will be $734 million if Model A is selected, and $759 million if Model B is picked. Residents learned the numbers at a open discussion at the Camrose branch of the Royal Canadian Legion on February 15. However, that does not include between $366 million and $371.5 million in transition costs, additional $10 million in real estate costs, $46 million in increased equipment costs, and $119 million more in human resources costs. Those totals do not include training costs for new officers.
to be the police service of choice in Alberta since 1932. Albertans receive a combination of the highest standard of policing and significant cost savings due to the federal government funding 30 per cent of the annual cost. If the province moves to a provincial police force, they lose the 30 per cent federal funding across Alberta,” added McGowan. “Rural policing is complex and situations evolve quickly, requiring officers to be fully trained for any possible event or issue in large areas, with few neighbourhoods and backup. A transition to a new police service creates real risk to ongoing and safety improvements, including proven successful crime reduction strategies in rural and remote communities,” said McGowan, about safety concerns. The Alberta RCMP is also able to provide a number of additional support services at significant cost savings to the province, as about 74 per cent is funded
of the annual 30 per cent federal contribution ($188 million), the Transition Study proposes one-time police transition costs over five to six years. Model A adds an additional $366 million and Model B adds an additional $371.5 million that will have to be borne by Alberta taxpayers. However, these transition costs can balloon quickly if delays in the transition occur,” explained Kevin Halwa, a Prairies/ North Region director with the National Police Federation. “Have you ever known for a government contract to come in less than what was budgeted? The costs will only go higher.” In 2019, a report to the City of Red Deer on a proposed transition estimated it would take over four years to complete a transition, just for a single municipality. “The City of Surrey, British Columbia, started its own police transition in
Lori Larsen, Camrose Booster Alberta RCMP provide police services in several municipalities throughout the province.
“Over the past year, the NPF has met with over 100 municipal leaders, conducted three rounds of public opinion research across Alberta (October 2020, April 2021 and November 2021) and met with stakeholders and Albertans at various community events and meetings. Throughout all this, one thing is clear: Albertans do not support a transition away from the Alberta RCMP, despite the heavy politicization,” said Jeff McGowan, Alberta director for the National Police Federation. More than 85 per cent of Albertans want to keep the RCMP for policing, indicated the survey. Municipalities in the province are about 99 per cent in favour of keeping the RCMP. “The RCMP is proud
by the federal government. “The scope of the Transition Study was not to engage directly with municipalities, citizens, specific communities, or Indigenous Peoples. The study recommends that further consultation should be conducted, and that significant study and analysis be completed to validate the proposal’s assumptions on organizational structure, service delivery model, deployment model and to further refine the cost projections,” said McGowan. Not only would the cost of policing increase with a provincial police force, but the number of officers planned would be 110 less than the current number of officers, according to the government proposal. “In addition to the loss
2020. Today, the transition is nowhere near completion, and more than two years delayed due to unexpected and unplanned hurdles and requirements. In addition, the transition costs from the RCMP to a municipal detachment have significantly increased over three years from $19 million to over $81 million and still growing,” shared Halwa. The Alberta government only expects 15 per cent of RCMP members to switch to provincial police if the move is made. The study does not factor in the costs of training new officers. The proposed transition will cost Albertans more than $185 million per year in federal contributions, plus more than $366 million in transition costs.
CHASE THE ACE
Murray Green, Camrose Booster Kinette Club of Camrose treasurer Holly McLennan presented Bailey Theatre president Barb Stroh with a donation of $650 from the Chase the Ace charity draw.
Healthier twists on food By Lori Larsen
Eating healthier, which is wise in theory, but in order to make it stick, variety may very well be the “spice of life”. In an effort to encourage adults and children alike to stick to the plan of healthy eating, the following are a few suggestions for taking a new approach to some old classics. Take the average banana, for example. When serving this healthy snack choice for children, why not make it a bit more fun. Slice a lengthwise slit in the peel, roughly halfway into the fruit, to make a banana boat. Stuff some healthy choices, such as homemade granola, peanut or nut butter, dark chocolate chips into the banana (which is still inside the peel). Once it is stuffed, wrap the whole banana in tin foil, then put it into the oven at 350°F for about 10 to 12 minutes or until gooey in the middle. Unwrap from the foil, let cool, then pass out the spoons and indulge in a naturally caramelized banana. Bananas can also make a healthy twist on the classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Slice a banana in rounds (not too thick), then place some peanut butter and a slice of strawberry on one, then cover with another slice of banana. Banana pancakes anyone? This healthy version of pancakes requires only two ingredients–bananas and eggs–and if you want them a little fluffier, add some baking powder. Mix the eggs and bananas into a thin batter, then fry in lowfat oil. Add some nuts for some protein and top with a dabble of honey and cinnamon or pure maple syrup. Break broccoli or cauliflower into florets and place on a baking sheet, sprinkle with some extra light olive oil and herbs or garlic, then roast at 375°F for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Turn once to brown on both sides. For a little extra pizzazz, add some light parmesan or mozzarella cheese on top for the last five minutes. Cauliflower is the new go-to substitute. Instead
of buffalo wings, try your hand at buffalo cauliflower. Roast the cauliflower as above and then add some of your favourite hot sauce. Call on caulif lower again with gluten-free cauliflower pizza crust, and to make your pizza treat night even healthier, use do-it-yourself toppings, choosing vegetables, lowfat cheeses and homemade pizza sauce. Love pasta, but don’t want the extra carbs? Try substituting your pasta with spaghetti squash. Just cut it in half, remove the seeds, bake in a 350°F oven for 25 minutes or so, remove from oven and using oven gloves, shred the inside of the squash with a fork to form spaghetti-type noodles. Add your favourite sauce and enjoy. You will be surprised at the little extra flavour the squash adds to the dish. Keep your honeys healthier by opting for honey as a substitute for sugar. A dab of honey on oatmeal or cereal, or a bit in tea or coffee is just as tasty, and because honey is generally sweeter than sugar, you will require less. Like anything else though, use honey in moderation. Try switching out your normal fries with homemade sweet potato fries. Just clean then thinly slice a sweet potato, add some no-sodium herbs and spices (cajun is a great choice), sprinkle with light olive oil and bake on a baking sheet in a 380°F oven for about 25 minutes. Serve with homemade greek yogurt ranch dip. Try shopping the gluten free aisle, too. There are dozens of great choices for gluten-free products from baked goods to crackers and snacks. Eating healthy does not have to equate to bland or tasteless. In fact, it is quite the opposite. Try healthier twists on foods and add flavour with natural herbs and spices. You will not only be happy with the taste results, but also with the numbers on your bathroom scale.
