Alberta
Alberta commitment to border security should satisfy US concerns
Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services Mike Ellis and Minister of Justice and Attorney General Mickey Amery released the following statement on Alberta’s swift and unequivocal action to secure the shared Alberta – U.S. border:
“On Nov. 25, President Trump publicly warned that he would impose tariffs on Canada unless we take action on critical border issues, such as cracking down on drug smuggling, human trafficking and illegal border crossings.
“Yesterday, I met with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), the RCMP and the Alberta Sheriffs at the Coutts border point of entry. In our meeting, we agreed on the importance of continued collaboration to ensure our border is secure.
“Our government has been clear from the beginning that we must take President Trump’s statements on border security seriously and take action immediately.
“That is why I joined a Fox News crew at the Coutts border to showcase the important work Alberta has been doing to secure the Alberta – U.S. border. This critical work includes the establishment of a new Interdiction Patrol Team (IPT) within the Alberta Sheriffs to combat drug smuggling, gun trafficking and other illegal activities along Alberta’s 298-kilometre international boundary. The IPT will be supported by:
- 51 uniformed officers equipped with carbine rifles (weapons for tactical operations).
- 10 support staff, including dispatchers and analysts.
- 4 drug patrol dogs.
- 10 cold weather surveillance drones capable of operating in high winds, with dedicated pilots.
- 4 narcotics analyzers to test for illicit drugs.
“I want to thank the federal government for accepting Alberta’s request to send a Black Hawk helicopter to the border yesterday, further demonstrating the actions we are taking to secure our border.
“We are also calling on the federal government to immediately appoint a Canadian border czar to work with the new American border czar to jointly crack down on fentanyl and illegal migrants.”
Mike Ellis, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services
“The incoming US administration has valid concerns related to illegal activities at our shared border.
“Our government is committed to enhancing border security with Montana and the U.S. by collaborating with federal authorities to tackle cross-border crime, drugs, illegal migrants and human trafficking.
“As part of these efforts, Alberta has designated a two-kilometre-deep border zone north of the entire Alberta – US border as essential infrastructure to help protect public safety and Alberta’s economic prosperity.
“We will not stand for illegal activities that put lives and livelihoods at risk on both sides of the border.”
Mickey Amery, Minister of Justice and Attorney General
Premier Danielle Smith issued the following statement following the implementation of U.S. tariffs:
“The tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump are an unjustifiable economic attack on Canadians and Albertans. They also represent a clear breach of the trade agreement signed by this same U.S. President during his first term. These tariffs will hurt the American people, driving up costs for fuel, food, vehicles, housing and many other products. They will also cost hundreds of thousands of American and Canadian jobs. This policy is both foolish and a failure in every regard.
“This is not the way it should be between two of the world’s strongest trading allies and partners. We would much rather be working with the U.S. on mutually beneficial trade deals than be caught in the middle of a tariff war.
“Alberta fully supports the federal response announced today by the Prime Minister. I will be meeting with my cabinet today and tomorrow to discuss Alberta’s response to these illegal tariffs, which we will announce publicly tomorrow.
“Now is the time for us to unite as a province and a country. We must do everything in our collective power to immediately tear down provincial trade barriers and fast-track the construction of dozens of resource projects, from pipelines to LNG facilities to critical minerals projects. We must strengthen our trade ties throughout Europe, Asia and the Americas for all our energy, agricultural and manufactured products. We also need to drastically increase military spending to ensure we can protect our nation. There is no time to waste on any of these initiatives.
“I will have more to say tomorrow.”
Alberta
Former Chief Judge of Manitoba Proincial Court will lead AHS third-party investigation into AHS procurement process
Deputy Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade Christopher McPherson has issued the following statement on an independent third-party investigation into procurement and contracting processes used by the Government of Alberta and Alberta Health Services (AHS):
Deputy Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade Christopher McPherson has issued the following statement on an independent third-party investigation into procurement and contracting processes used by the Government of Alberta and Alberta Health Services (AHS):
“While serving as Acting Deputy Minister of Executive Council, Premier Danielle Smith asked me to establish a credible, independent, third-party investigation into the procurement processes used by the Government of Alberta and AHS and their outcomes.
“I have informed Premier Smith that the Honourable Raymond E. Wyant, former Chief Judge of the Provincial Court of Manitoba, will lead this investigation. I asked Premier Smith to issue a ministerial order to facilitate his work and she has done so. Judge Wyant’s work on this matter begins immediately.
“Judge Wyant was appointed to the Manitoba bench in 1998 before becoming Chief Judge in 2002. Prior to his service on the bench, Judge Wyant worked as a criminal defence lawyer and Crown attorney and was acting deputy director of Manitoba prosecutions at the time of his appointment to the Bench. He has also taught law for many years at Robson Hall at the University of Manitoba.
“Judge Wyant will review the relevant legislation, regulations and policies related to procurement typically used by Government of Alberta departments and agencies, specifically AHS, and their application to the procurement of pharmaceuticals and to services offered by chartered surgical facilities. Questions that Judge Wyant will consider are outlined in the attached terms of reference, and include whether or not any elected official, Government of Alberta or AHS employee, or other individuals, acted improperly during the procurement processes. Judge Wyant will make recommendations to the government for improvement or further action as appropriate.
“Appointed under the Government Organization Act, Judge Wyant will operate independently of government. The Government of Alberta will provide Judge Wyant with access to all relevant documents held by its departments and AHS, as well as facilitate interviews with relevant individuals.
“Judge Wyant has been given a budget of $500,000 to undertake this important work, including to retain legal and audit assistance at his discretion. He is being paid $31,900 per month, which is the same remuneration rate as the Chief Justice of the Alberta Court of Justice.
“To ensure additional independence, Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction will hold the budget for this third-party investigation.
“Judge Wyant will deliver an interim written report by May 30, 2025. A final written report and recommendations will be delivered by June 30, 2025, and it will be posted on alberta.ca.”
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