Bill 49: Alberta’s Response to Federal Plan to Phase Out RCMP Contract Policing by 2032

By Mindi Soren

On December 2, 2024, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith introduced Bill 49, in the Alberta Legislature. While primarily aimed at bolstering protections for critical infrastructure, the bill also reflects Alberta’s broader strategy to assert provincial autonomy amid growing tensions with the federal government. A significant catalyst for this legislation is the federal government’s plan, outlined in a 2025 Public Safety Canada policy paper, to phase out Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) contract policing by 2032, prompting Alberta to prepare for a potential transition to alternative policing models.

Federal Plan to End RCMP Contract Policing

The federal government’s policy paper, A New Policing Vision for Canada: Modernizing the RCMP, released in March 2025, proposes a significant restructuring of the RCMP’s role. It highlights that nearly two-thirds of RCMP resources are currently devoted to contract policing, where the RCMP serves as the provincial and municipal police force in eight provinces, including Alberta. With Police Services Agreements (PSAs) set to expire in 2032, the paper suggests that provinces should begin planning to assume full responsibility for their policing needs, allowing the RCMP to focus on federal mandates like national security, cybercrime, and transnational organized crime. The federal government argues that provinces are better positioned to design policing models tailored to their communities, supported by local expertise and social services integration.

This shift has sparked concerns across Alberta, where the RCMP has been the backbone of rural and municipal policing for decades. The federal plan, endorsed by outgoing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, has faced immediate pushback from RCMP leadership and some provincial officials. RCMP Commissioner Michael Duheme has argued that the force’s challenges stem from underinvestment rather than structural issues, warning that a fragmented policing model could undermine public safety. Brian Sauvé, president of the National Police Federation, has called the proposal “catastrophic,” emphasizing the cost-effectiveness of RCMP contract policing, where the federal government subsidizes 30% of costs in smaller communities.

Alberta’s Response: Bill 49 and Beyond

Bill 49 is part of Alberta’s multifaceted response to the federal plan, signaling the province’s intent to strengthen its control over critical sectors, including public safety. While the bill itself focuses on enhancing protections for infrastructure like oil and gas facilities, pipelines, and transportation networks, it aligns with Premier Smith’s broader push for provincial autonomy in anticipation of a potential RCMP withdrawal. The legislation is expected to include measures such as:

Expanded Infrastructure Protections: Broadening the definition of “critical infrastructure” to encompass energy, transportation, and agricultural assets, ensuring robust security regardless of policing changes.

Provincial Oversight: Reinforcing Alberta’s authority to regulate access to key infrastructure, potentially laying the groundwork for provincial agencies like the Alberta Sheriffs to take on expanded roles.

Penalties for Disruptions: Increasing fines and penalties for interference with critical infrastructure, which could serve as a deterrent in the absence of RCMP presence.

Premier Smith has been vocal about the federal plan, stating on April 23, 2025, that Alberta “won’t leave Albertans without service” and that municipalities will have options to fill the policing gap. Her government has accelerated efforts to expand the Alberta Sheriffs, a provincial law enforcement agency, as a potential replacement for the RCMP. Smith has suggested that municipalities could choose between establishing their own police forces or contracting “Sheriff Detachments” to provide local policing. This aligns with the Free Alberta Strategy, a UCP initiative to reduce reliance on federal institutions.

Political and Community Reactions

The federal plan and Alberta’s response have elicited mixed reactions. Supporters of Smith’s approach, including UCP members and some rural communities, argue that a provincial police force or expanded Sheriff service would be more responsive to Alberta’s unique needs. They cite past frustrations with RCMP response times in rural areas and perceived federal interference in local policing priorities.

Critics, led by Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi, argue that transitioning away from the RCMP could impose significant costs on Albertans. A 2021 PwC report commissioned by the province estimated that establishing an Alberta Provincial Police Service (APPS) would cost $734–758 million annually, plus a $366–371 million transition cost, compared to the current RCMP model, which benefits from federal subsidies. Nenshi has accused the UCP of pursuing the plan for political gain, potentially burdening municipalities with higher taxes or reduced services.

Municipalities, particularly smaller ones, have expressed concern about the uncertainty surrounding the 2032 deadline. Many rely on the RCMP’s subsidized services and fear the financial strain of establishing independent forces. The 2024 Public Safety Canada engagement report noted that most contract jurisdictions, including Alberta, prefer to maintain RCMP services due to their historical presence and the dedication of local officers. However, the report also acknowledged calls for greater provincial control and clarity on federal intentions.

Challenges and Considerations

Alberta faces several challenges in responding to the federal plan:

Cost and Logistics: Replacing the RCMP would require significant investment in recruitment, training, and infrastructure. The PwC report suggested a six-year transition period, underscoring the complexity of the shift.

Rural Policing: Rural communities, which rely heavily on RCMP detachments, may struggle to fund or staff independent forces, potentially leading to gaps in service.

Federal-Provincial Tensions: The RCMP’s dual role as a federal and provincial police force complicates the transition. Alberta’s push for autonomy, including through Bill 49 and the Alberta Sovereignty Act, risks escalating conflicts with Ottawa, especially with a federal election looming in 2025.

Public Trust: Scandals and criticisms of the RCMP, including allegations of systemic racism and harassment, have eroded trust in some communities, but the force remains a symbol of Canadian identity. Transitioning to a new model must address these concerns while maintaining public confidence.

Looking Ahead

As Alberta prepares for the potential end of RCMP contract policing, Bill 49 represents a proactive step to secure critical infrastructure and assert provincial control. The Smith government’s efforts to expand the Alberta Sheriffs and explore municipal policing options signal a long-term strategy to reduce dependence on the RCMP. However, the transition’s success will hinge on addressing financial, logistical, and political challenges while ensuring that Albertans, particularly in rural areas, are not left without adequate policing services.

The debate over Bill 49 and the RCMP’s future will likely intensify as the 2032 deadline approaches. For now, Alberta’s response underscores a broader push for sovereignty and self-reliance, setting the stage for a transformative shift in the province’s public safety landscape.

Mindi Soren is a freelance journalist and writer for Veritas Expositae

You can reach her at mindi.soren@veritasexpositae.com