Alberta Unites 34 Communities Against Fentanyl Crisis

The Alberta provincial government is launching a coordinated effort involving 34 municipalities to combat the fentanyl crisis by unifying community peace officers with local police forces. Over 800 community peace officers will begin integrated operations, enhancing communication and dispatch systems to improve efficiency and public safety in addressing the illicit drug trade. Minister of Public Safety Mike Ellis emphasized the need for operational consistency to effectively tackle fentanyl crime and social disorder. This initiative comes in response to pressures from U.S. President Donald Trump regarding tariffs on Canadian goods linked to inadequate action against fentanyl and illegal border crossings. Mayors from various municipalities, including Cochrane, support the plan, highlighting the importance of a unified approach to ensure community safety and confidence in local law enforcement. The integration of officers aims to create a strong front against the growing drug crisis while maintaining the existing powers of community peace officers.