The NDP opposition has come out with a plan that they believe will address rising crime and social disorder in Alberta.
David Shepherd, the Shadow Minister for Public Safety, says their “Public Safety Blueprint” came about after hearing concerns from people in communities both big and small.
“Pretty much every mid-sized city that I was looking at in the province was starting to deal with the same kinds of issues we had been seeing in downtown Edmonton. Not only that, the issues of rural crime and the sorts of property crime that have been flying for years have not been improving. After six years of UCP government, we don’t seem to be making progress. In fact, a lot of folks feel less safe in their communities.”
Shepherd feels that a more comprehensive plan is needed by the provincial government to deal with the growing crime issues and tackling the root causes of crime are needed for the increasing amount of social disorder in many communities.
“In Peace River for example, we want you to be able to have what we have in downtown Edmonton. Where police officers are paired with social workers. Where they are paired with folks who have mental health experience and who are able to go out there and work with these individuals and connect them to services and supports. I know in a lot of rural areas, they lost local support in the COVID era.”
Shepherd also says he was also disappointed that the provincial budget cut funding for Community and Public Safety Services and Legal Aid.
You can listen to the full interview below.
– Kyle Moore, Trending 55 Newsroom
