A group of Calgary councillors is calling for an urgent discussion about police funding following the local force’s claims of a $28-million shortfall.
Last week, Calgary Police Service (CPS) Chief Mark Neufeld told media the province’s decision to reduce photo radar has left the force with a massive budget gap.
On Tuesday, councillors Jennifer Wyness, Sonya Sharp, Andre Chabot and Terry Wong requested a notice of motion be added to March’s council meeting.
The group wants to talk about how the city can make up for the lost CPS revenue.
“The point of this motion is about safety,” Ward 1’s Sharp said.
“It’s not about being a cash cow when it comes to fines and how we support our front-line services.”
“We are aiming for advocacy,” Ward 2’s Wyness said.
“This could lead to a tax increase in the years coming forward. We have to fund the force to meet the needs of a growing population.”
A Calgary Police Commission statement says it appreciates the support.
“Our commission is grateful for council’s willingness to work closely with us to ensure that Calgary’s police are properly resourced,” it reads.
“Public safety is a top priority for Calgarians, and we are all committed to delivering the policing services that Calgarians expect.”
The group has asked city administration to present a report on funding options.
It will be presented in the March 18 council meeting.
The councillors say they hope the province rethinks its decision before then.
“We really need to send a signal to the province saying sometimes when you make gestures and remove things that you think are minor, it actually has a really big impact on our safety for Calgarians,” Sharp said.
“So, I would say this gives them an opportunity to think about what they did.”
Arthur Green, spokesperson for Alberta Public Safety and Emergency Services, said in a statement to CTV, “Municipalities are responsible for their own budgeting decisions, including how they allocate funding for policing.”
“Alberta’s government continues to make significant investments in policing across the province,” Green said.
“The province remains committed to working with our municipal partners to support community safety.”
