Province aims 800 peace officers at fentanyl crisis

By Al Beeber - Lethbridge Herald on February 27, 2025.

LETHBRIDGE HERALDabeeber@lethbridgeherald.com

The provincial government is dropping the gloves in the fight against fentanyl and other deadly drugs.

Mike Ellis, deputy premier and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services, said Wednesday that more than 800 community peace officers from 34 large- and mid-sized communities are being deployed immediately to co-ordinate activities with local police forces in an effort to more effectively fight social disorder stemming from the use of deadly drugs such as fentanyl.

The province says a more unified response among law enforcement agencies is needed to effectively address what it calls a fentanyl crisis.

Speaking to reporters from the Edmonton Police Service downtown division headquarters, Ellis said the new initiative will improve public safety across the province as part of a “Team Canada” approach to the fight against fentanyl.

“We all know that this drug is devastating our countries,” said Ellis. “Communities have been torn apart and, sadly, lives have been lost. Social and civil disorder and the rise of fentanyl trafficking and production, of course, are problems that we’re not going to tolerate in Alberta. We must work together with urgency and purpose to protect Albertans and eliminate harmful drugs from our streets.”

The government and Alberta municipalities are working together to get those 800 CPOs under operational command at their local police services to combat fentanyl and social disorder in a unified approach, Ellis added.

“This is a necessary measure that will enhance co-ordination and ensure a stronger, more effective response to crime.”

CPOs will integrate their communication and dispatch systems while on patrol and while responding to calls.

“Doing so will create the operational consistency needed to combat fentanyl crime as well as social disorder with compassion as well as efficiency,” said Ellis. “Officer presence matters and this will make a significant difference in social disorder and open air drug use. We will also ensure law enforcement approach this with compassion for those who are suffering from the illness of addiction.”

Fentanyl trafficking is an issue facing both the U.S. And Canada, Ellis noted, while mentioning the federal government’s efforts to strengthen border protection.

“Here in Alberta we’re doing our part for a strong Team Canada solution with a visible law enforcement presence to deter illegal activity.”

The distinction between CPO authorities and those of police will remain in place, he said, but integrating efforts will ensure all available law enforcement resources are working together under a unified command.

The initiative won’t be indefinite, he said. Its effectiveness will be evaluated and the government will work with municipalities and law enforcement agencies to assess its impact.

“Our goal is to take the strongest possible approach to public safety while ensuring our measures are effective, they’re practical and they’re responsive to the needs of communities right across Alberta,” said Ellis, noting the government has seen how fentanyl endangers Albertans and puts pressures on families as well as the most vulnerable people in communities.

Minister of Municipal Affairs Ric McIver said the right people are being put in the right place to do the right job to maximize the ability that the province has to keep Albertans safe.

Westaskiwin Mayor Tyler Gandam, president of Alberta Municipalities, said ABMunis is “very pleased to collaborate with the Government of Alberta on this very important initiative.”

Gandam’s association represents 260 communities in which more than 85 per cent of Albertans live.

“We acknowledge that the crime and social disorder caused by drugs, including fentanyl, trafficked across the international border and inter-provincial boundaries, are immense. It puts a strain on policing, public safety and family and community support services in communities of all sizes and locations across Alberta.”

Gandam called CPOs talented and hardworking professionals who support police, firefighters and EMS crews. Those CPOs have been working closely with municipal police officers for some time and association members recognize that a “joint integrated approach is the most effective way to maintain and improve public safety.”