New Alberta budget commits $6.9M for expanded First Nations police detachment

Alberta is investing $6.9 million to improve Indigenous policing in the Lesser Slave Lake area.

Public Safety Minister Mike Ellis made that announcement alongside local leaders Wednesday morning in Driftpile Cree Nation, about 300 kilometres north of Edmonton.

The money will be used to expand the detachment of the Lakeshore Regional Police Service (LRPS), which serves five First Nations.

“When officers operate in environments designed to support their wellbeing and operational needs, they are of course better equipped to serve and protect their communities,” Ellis said.

“We’re not just talking about officers,” added Stan Isadore, a Driftpile Cree Nation councillor. “We’re talking about people that work in the admin department, we’re talking about the Elders that are going to be brought forward to be an important part of this building, we’re talking about knowledge holders that are going to be an important part of this building and this expansion.

“There’s so much that is going to make this possible.”

The announcement comes about a month after the MLA for the area, Scott Sinclair, was removed from the UCP caucus for threatening to vote against the budget, saying there is not enough money for projects in his riding.

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“Although I have nothing but love and respect for MLA Sinclair, this is part of budget 2025,” Ellis said. “And I would hope and encourage all members of the legislature to support this investment and all of the investments that we’re making for northern Alberta, quite frankly.”

Budget 2025 has a total of $30.9 million for First Nations policing in Alberta – for new and expanded facilities, as well as operational support.

The LRPS covers five First Nations surrounding Lesser Slave Lake: Driftpile Cree Nation, Kapawe’no First Nation, Sawridge First Nation, Sucker Creek First Nation and Swan River First Nation.