Alberta justice minister demands answers from Edmonton on crime
Posted May 26, 2022 3:52 pm.
Last Updated May 27, 2022 9:39 am.
Alberta’s justice minister says the city of Edmonton is failing to keep people safe from violent crime, particularly on public transit, and he’s ordering Mayor Amarjeet Sohi to provide answers.
Tyler Shandro has told Sohi in a letter that he is invoking his powers under the province’s Police Act to demand a report within two weeks on what the city will do to arrest a spike in serious crime.
He says the province is responsible for ensuring people receive effective police services and Edmonton residents are not getting that.
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He cites an increase in downtown crime, as well as aggressive encounters and drug use on light-rail rapid transit.
City councillors are debating whether to set this year’s police budget at $385 million, which would be a drop of $22 million if police could not secure extra funds from declining photo radar revenues.
Shandro said earlier this week he would be concerned if the Edmonton police budget were to be cut.
