EDMONTON – Alberta sheriffs are seeking answers from the provincial government after yesterday’s surprise announcement about the creation of a new policing agency.
“Sheriffs perform vital work, as the government acknowledged yesterday, so we are disappointed that there was no consultation with their union before the announcement was made,” says Bobby-Joe Borodey, vice-president of the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE).
“Sheriffs want to know that their rights will be protected and that they will be properly supported in their duties,” she says.
“All of our law-enforcement members are passionate about their work and keeping Albertans safe. They deserve to be treated with respect - and that means they need to be given reassurances,” says Borodey.
“How will the duties of these sheriffs change? Will they be paid at the appropriate rate? Will they receive more training if needed? Will this program be expanded to include others in the RAPID program, such as Fish and Wildlife officers?”
AUPE is western Canada’s largest union, standing over 95,000 members strong.
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Bobby-Joe Borodey is available for media interviews.
For information, please contact Terry Inigo-Jones, communications officer at 403-831-4394 or t.inigo-jones@aupe.org.