A Moment with the Mayor: Law and Order

I want to share some insight into the RCMP contract that guides policing in the City of Lloydminster. The City has a service agreement with the federal government for RCMP contract policing within our municipal limits. The cost of service is set by Provincial Divisions and the Federal Government, and municipalities have minimal input into that number. Expectations and staffing levels are largely determined by the RCMP at the national and divisional levels in Ottawa and Edmonton.

We often hear questions about safety in our community. The RCMP play an important role, but they are only one part of a much larger system of law and order. RCMP members enforce the Criminal Code of Canada, including new amendments such as recent bail reform measures that have been widely discussed. Officers continue to do their work day and night, arresting individuals who are charged with breaking the law. After that point, the court system determines who is held in custody and who is released on bail. This is where many of the broader challenges begin.

Canada’s court system includes both provincial and federal levels, depending on the nature of the offence. Across the country, there is a recognized need for more Crown prosecutors, public defenders, and judges. Long waits for court dates highlight the strain on the system and the need to ensure timely access to justice for everyone.

Another part of the law-and-order equation is the corrections system. As Canada’s population grows, so does the need for additional correctional facilities. This responsibility falls to both federal and provincial governments, which must address capacity pressures and the demands placed on the system.

No matter how many RCMP officers are on our streets, community safety depends on many factors beyond local policing. Many people and agencies are working to address these broader challenges, and there is a clear need for continued conversation and meaningful action. True community safety will come from improvements across the entire justice system, supported by all levels of government working together.

Mayor Gerald S. Aalbers
City of Lloydminster