A highly controversial decision on whether or not to freeze basic funding for police in Edmonton was delayed on Friday as the aftermath of a dispute between the mayor and the provincial justice minister continued to shake political circles.
On Thursday, Tyler Shandro used the Police Act to demand that the city provide him with a “public safety plan” to address an increase in violence in the city center, traffic and Chinatown.
The minister sent a public letter to Mayor Amarjeet Sohi and posted a video of his demands on social media, but declined to answer questions from reporters.
Sohi pointed the finger at the province while saying the UCP is not doing enough to address the root causes of the crime.
Shandro also accused councilors of trying to cut police funds, which was discussed by several people in the council, including Sohi.
“There is an illusion that the council has interfered with public safety and that this (Shandro’s demand) is a warning that the council should step back. Am I out for lunch?” Coun. Sarah Hamilton asked during a board meeting Friday.
“No. I think that’s a prospect,” said city manager Andre Corbould.
“There’s nothing on the menu in that regard,” Sohi interposed.
Shandro has given Sohi until June 9 to present the plan on behalf of the council.
Friday’s police funding debate was postponed until June 7, at the earliest, because councilors ran out of time while discussing other issues.
A section of the Police Act gives Shandro the power to appoint and instruct police officers if he does not believe the city is doing enough.
“I don’t want to get into jurisdictional issues. There will always be different views on this, right? But I hope to meet with the minister on Tuesday,” Sohi told the council.
THE PROVINCE “DOES NOT PROMOTE A GOOD RELATIONSHIP”
A local criminologist and a political analyst independently agreed that while Shandro has a right to demand a security plan, his motivations and timing are suspicious.
“I don’t see how this contributes positively to what was already a politically charged debate. My perspective is that the minister’s approach goes deeper into political theater,” said Temitope Oriola of the University of Alberta.
“It’s not a good relationship, and that’s not good for Albertans, and it’s certainly not good for Edmontonians. You know, citizens expect their governments to work together,” said John Brennan, a two-time political employee. Edmonton mayors and a federal cabinet minister.
This is not the first time Alberta has overturned municipal powers.
In March, Prime Minister Jason Kenney threatened to change the law to remove the right of municipalities to pass mask statutes in all public spaces, a move that led to Edmonton repealing its masking rules.
“This provincial government doesn’t like to be criticized. It doesn’t like to be criticized by anyone, and certainly not by the mayors of the two big cities,” Brennan said.
The NDP has also expressed concern about how the UCP government is dealing with municipal partners.
“Obviously they have a problem with cities. I’m disappointed. I don’t think that’s how relationships are built,” said NDP Municipal Affairs critic Joe Ceci.
A Shandro spokesman said he was not available to answer questions on Friday.
Sohi, meanwhile, said he intends to produce a public safety plan before the deadline. His strategy will clearly mark the province’s responsibilities in housing, addictions and health care, the mayor said.
TRANSPORT SECURITY UPDATE
Councilors received an update on Friday on security improvements already underway at transit stations.
These initiatives include a $ 4 million plan to pair peacekeepers and social workers and increase the number of such teams from two to seven.
“We know the community transportation teams are working right now, so we’ve invested more,” Coun. Keren Tang said, adding that discussions on traffic safety continue. “It’s a top priority because we literally talk about it every meeting.”
The remaining seven of the 18 traffic center restrooms will reopen on May 30 with improved cleaning and security features.
The city is also hiring a traffic safety director and private security guards will continue to be stationed at most stations.
“They do so much proactive work that it prevents the need to bring police officers or traffic peace officers to the site, so this myth that they are doing nothing is absolutely wrong,” said City Manager Andre Corbould.
“I’m just saying, we’re doing a lot of things, and we have to do more things, so … I can’t afford to be patient. We have to move, and that’s what we’re doing.”
Tang hopes that these investments, along with a smart launch system that will be launched soon and an LRT line in Mill Woods, will increase user and trust in the system.
Archived by Chelan Skulski and Jeremy Thompson of CTV News Edmonton