The report recommends that the province proceed with establishing its own police force and transition community policing services from the RCMP.

In a statement, president and CEO Brian Sauvé of the National Police Federation called the report a “politically driven attempt to revive a policing proposal that Albertans have repeatedly rejected.”

“These recommendations are non-binding, lack credibility and do not reflect the reality on the ground in RCMP-served communities across this province,” said Sauvé on Monday.

The United Conservative Party government has long questioned whether the province is getting value from its contract with RCMP, saying there would be more accountability through a provincial force.

“Alberta’s government is taking action to ensure our evolving public safety needs are met while also giving municipalities more options for local policing,” said a statement from press secretary Arthur Green with the Ministry of Public Safety and Emergency Services.

Green said that once fully operational, the Alberta Sheriffs Police Service will help fill gaps, reduce response times and support all law enforcement in the province, including RCMP, First Nations police services and municipal police.

The Alberta Next report said given that more than 80 per cent of Albertans already have community policing services provided to them by municipal police and Alberta Sheriffs, a provincial referendum would be “inappropriate.”

“Albertans were also explicitly promised a referendum before any fundamental changes to policing were pursued,” said Sauvé. “That commitment now appears to be quietly abandoned along with legitimate and authentic public consultation.”

RCMP Deputy Commissioner Trevor Daroux said Mounties serve another 20 per cent of Albertans through municipal policing contracts, including Red Deer and Brooks, making up about 40 per cent of Alberta’s population.

Daroux recognized that recruitment and retention remain challenges with RCMP, but police forces across North America are also facing the same issues.

“What is important is that we are seeing meaningful progress,” said Daroux in a statement Monday. “Since April 2024, we have received more than 4,600 applications, which are translating into additional officers in communities across the province.”

Ultimately, Daroux said it is up to the provincial government to determine whether or not it wants to pursue an Alberta Police Service ahead of the RCMP contract expiring in 2032.

“I want to reassure our communities that, regardless of what is ultimately decided, our priority remains unchanged,” said Daroux. “That priority is — and will always be — the people of Alberta.”

The province said it is reviewing the panel’s recommendations before determining next steps.