I was honored to introduce the Police Amendment Act 2022 during the fall sitting of the Alberta legislature. The Police Amendment Act 2022 improves police accountability and enhances public confidence by reforming policing practices and strengthening ties to the community. The Act amends the Police Act to establish an independent agency to manage complaints against police, expand the Alberta Serious Incident Response team (ASIRT) mandate, foster greater collaboration between police and communities, and encourage diversity and inclusion. The Act also mandates the creation of formal civilian governance bodies in jurisdictions policed by the RCMP and gives these communities a greater role in setting policing priorities and performance goals. This responds to a long-standing desire from those communities. Changes reflect the modern role of the police serving as a responsive extension for the community and marks the first major reform to the Police Act in 34 years. Amendments to the Act were developed following extensive engagement with Albertans, law enforcement, health and social services sectors, Indigenous communities, and communities representing cultural and ethnic diversity.
I believe strongly that police should have a strong connection to their community, functioning as a police service that is an extension of the people it serves, rather than as a strong arm of the government. This first major update to the Police Act in generations is a blueprint for building police services in Alberta that embody that principle, along with reforms that strengthen accountability, while giving communities more input and promoting diversity.
Another major milestone has been achieved in Calgary. Now that construction on The Calgary Cancer Centre has been completed, Alberta Infrastructure has handed over the $1.4 billion cancer centre to AHS to complete the final stages of the project. The Centre is among the newest, most technologically advanced medical facilities in Canada. It will serve as a hub for medical education and research activities and will provide jobs and educational opportunities for Albertans. Further, cancer care capacity will be increased through consolidation and expansion of existing services. AHS is preparing the hospital for clinical services, including installing equipment and furniture, and training staff. Once operational, the 186,000 square meter facility will have 160 patient beds, and 100 patient exam rooms.
MLA – Calgary West Mike Ellis proudly serves the following Communities: Aspen Estates, Aspen Woods, Christie Park, Discovery Ridge, Signal Hill, Springbank Hill, Strathcona
