The Government of Alberta has made changes to the PFM engagement process since RMA’s previous bulletin released on May 30.
The Government of Alberta (GOA) is conducting a review of the Police Funding Model (PFM) from May to July. An independent contractor (MNP) is leading the review process.
Last week, RMA shared information provided by the Government of Alberta related to in-person engagement sessions in Grande Prairie, Ft. McMurray, Red Deer and Airdrie. Earlier this week, the GOA informed RMA that they are changing their engagement approach and will likely shift engagement to primarily virtual mechanisms, although some in-person sessions may still be held in late June or early July.
It is RMA’s understanding that MNP will share new engagement details either directly with municipalities by email and/or through updates to the PFM review website as they become available. RMA will also share updated information with members when it becomes available. RMA has stressed to the GOA the importance of providing members adequate notice of engagement sessions as well as a general overview of the session.
It is also RMA’s understanding that municipalities received a PFM survey link from MNP earlier this week, which includes a variety of questions related to the PFM itself and policing service levels and costs more broadly. If your municipality has not received information about in-person or virtual engagement sessions or a survey link, please contact RMA as we have heard from some members that they have not received information from the GOA and/or MNP.
Also note that that it is RMA’s understanding that municipalities within the Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills provincial electoral riding may not receive information from the province on the engagement until after the by-election due to pre-election government communication restrictions. Municipalities within the riding that are seeking more information on the engagement process are encouraged to contact RMA.
Note that RMA has shared concerns about the rushed and confusing nature of the engagement process with Government of Alberta staff. We encourage members to participate in formal engagement activities as much as possible, as well as to share PFM-related positions directly with the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services through a letter or written submission.
RMA Member Supports
RMA has created a member guide to facilitate member participation in the engagement process.
RMA has also released other PFM-related resources in recent months that will support member involvement in the engagement process including the following:
- PFM Member Resource – A detailed overview of the current PFM formula as well as priority areas for change.
- PFM Member Survey: What we Heard – A summary of RMA’s member survey responses in relation to impacts of the PFM on community safety and municipal finances.
RMA will provide further details and resources to members as more information about this review become available.
Kallie Wischoff
Policy Advisor
825.319.2245
kallie@rmalberta.com
Wyatt Skovron
General Manager of Policy & Advocacy
780.955.4096
wyatt@rmalberta.com