Alberta police: Creation of local RCMP oversight committees step closer to reality [Video]

The creation of committees to oversee policing in Alberta communities served by the RCMP took a step closer to becoming reality Wednesday.

With the signing of the order in council — a symbolic step taken by the lieutenant governor to formally move a piece of legislation towards becoming law — the Police Amendment Act, which was introduced and passed by the UCP government almost two years ago, is slated to take effect March 1.

The amendment will require such municipalities to appoint people to committees to oversee and set local policing priorities.

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Each municipality served by the RCMP with a population greater than 15,000 will require its own committee, according to the act’s amendment, while those between 5,000 and 15,000 will need to appoint members to regional committees.

“By creating new civilian governance bodies, we’re …