Alberta
Update: Bradley Duff Arrested in Grande Prairie
July 2, 2020
Whitecourt RCMP – police presence in Blue Ridge are in Woodlands County – Update #7 Duff Arrested
Grande Prairie, Alta. – Bradley Duff is in police custody in Grande Prairie after being wanted for 23 days and eluding police across multiple RCMP jurisdictions.
On July 1, 2020, at 8:30 a.m., Grande Prairie RCMP received a complaint of a break and enter to a rural business located east of Grande Prairie.
While Grande Prairie RCMP were responding to that location, further complaints were received of a male causing damage to the business and allegedly assaulting the complainant, then the suspect fled on foot.
Grande Prairie RCMP responded and attempted to contain the suspect to an area; however, the suspect stole a jeep and left towards the city of Grande Prairie. For reasons of public safety, no pursuit was initiated.
Grande Prairie RCMP received complaints from the public of a jeep being driven erratically within the city of Grande Prairie. The jeep was reported to have allegedly driven into a business, rammed a parked vehicle twice and was involved in a hit and run collision with a single vehicle before being observed heading westbound leaving Grande Prairie towards Beaverlodge, Alta.
While in the Beaverlodge area, Beaverlodge RCMP located the stolen jeep and after the vehicle entered the town of Beaverlodge, attempts were made to contain the jeep. The stolen jeep allegedly was used to cause further damage within Beaverlodge before fleeing on Highway 43 eastbound. Beaverlodge RCMP followed the stolen jeep and a tire deflation device was successfully deployed, stopping the stolen jeep. The suspect fled on foot a short distance before being arrested.
The suspect in this incident was identified as Bradley Duff, wanted on a several warrants of arrest as described in the background below.
As a result of the above noted incidents, Bradley Duff is facing the following charges:
- Flight from police (x2)
- Resist a peace officer
- Assault
- Operate a conveyance in a manner that was dangerous to the public
- Operate a conveyance while prohibited from doing so
- Possession of stolen property under $5,000 (x2)
- Possession of stolen property over $5,000
Following a judicial hearing, Duff did not speak to bail and was remanded into custody to attend court on August 5, 2020, in Grande Prairie Provincial Court.
The RCMP would like to thank the public and the media for your assistance as tips and calls with information regarding suspicious persons have been invaluable in assisting police in locating and apprehending Duff.
Background:
June 25, 2020
Whitecourt RCMP – police presence in Blue Ridge are in Woodlands County – Update #6 High Prairie arrests
High Prairie, Alta. – On June 25, 2020, following a lengthy search, High Prairie RCMP, along with the assistance of the RCMP Police Dog Service, arrested two males without incident. High Prairie RCMP continue to investigate this incident and the two male suspects remain in custody.
Bradley Duff remains at large and his warrants for arrest remain in effect.
The public are warned not to approach Duff as he is believed to be possibly armed and dangerous. If anyone has information about Bradley Duff’s whereabouts, please contact Whitecourt RCMP at 780-779-5900, 911 or your local police.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.”
June 25, 2020
Whitecourt RCMP – police presence in Blue Ridge are in Woodlands County – Update #5 High Prairie Public Safety Warning
High Prairie, Alta. – Earlier this morning, High Prairie RCMP received a report of an abandoned stolen vehicle and a sighting of an individual matching Bradley Duff’s description in the Gillwood area south of High Prairie. This area is further described as being near Township Road 740 and Range Road 170 south of High Prairie.
Area residents are cautioned to be on the lookout for Bradley Duff who has been sighted on area rural properties.
Duff continues to remain on outstanding warrants of arrest for the charges noted in the background below.
Bradley Duff (35) is described as:
- 6’2”
- 201 lbs
- Blue eyes
- Brown hair
- Multiple tattoos
High Prairie RCMP, along with the assistance of RCMP support services will have a heavy police presence in the area. RCMP are asking that the public please avoid the area and refrain from posting photos and/or video on social media.
The public are warned not to approach Duff as he is believed to be possibly armed and dangerous. If anyone has information about Bradley Duff’s whereabouts, please contact Whitecourt RCMP at 780-779-5900, 911 or your local police.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.”
June 23, 2020
Whitecourt RCMP – police presence in Blue Ridge are in Woodlands County – Update #4 Warrants
Whitecourt, Alta. – On June 23, 2020, at 8:30 a.m., Mayerthorpe RCMP received a complaint of a suspicious person in a rural area northeast of Mayerthorpe, Alta., in a pick-up truck with a dirt bike in the box. Mayerthorpe RCMP attended the location and located the stolen pick-up abandoned off road in the Connor Creek area. The stolen pick-up truck was linked to the June 18, 2020, incident in Barrhead, Alta., outlined in the background below.
A short time later information was received by Mayerthorpe RCMP of an individual matching Bradley Duff’s description, having been in the area seeking fuel for the dirt bike.
An extensive search of the area was conducted by Mayerthorpe, Evansburg, Whitecourt and Barrhead RCMP along with the assistance of RCMP Air Services, Police Dog Services and the Emergency Response Team; however, the search was unsuccessful in locating the suspect.
Whitecourt and Barrhead RCMP, along with the assistance of the RCMP Western Alberta Crime Reduction Unit, continue to investigate these incidents.
As a result of further investigation, RCMP have obtained warrants for Bradley Gordon Duff’s arrest in relation to the following charges:
- Break and enter to a residence
- Dangerous operation of a conveyance (x2)
- Flight from police
Bradley Duff is also facing an additional charge of assault relating to an incident that occurred on May 13, 2020, for which Whitecourt RCMP have obtained a warrant for his arrest.
A 28-year-old female from Whitecourt, Alta., is also charged with break and enter to a residence. She was released on an undertaking for Barrhead Provincial Court on September 22, 2020. Her name cannot be released as the information has not yet been sworn.
The public are warned not to approach Duff as he is believed to be possibly armed and dangerous. If anyone has information about Bradley Duff’s whereabouts, please contact Whitecourt RCMP at 780-779-5900, 911 or your local police.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.”
June 19, 2020
Whitecourt RCMP – police presence in Blue Ridge are in Woodlands County – Update #3 Barrhead Incident
Barrhead, Alta. – On June 18, 2020, at approximately 9 p.m., Barrhead RCMP received a complaint of a break and enter to a residence located in the area of Secondary Highway 658 near Fort Assiniboine, Alta. The suspect vehicle attempted to ram the complainant’s vehicle in an attempt to flee the property.
Barrhead RCMP attempted to locate the suspect vehicle and the suspect vehicle came to rest in a ditch in the area of the Athabasca river southwest of Fort Assiniboine, before both suspects fled into the forest. RCMP Air Services and the RCMP Police Service Dog was utilized and one of the suspects was taken into custody without incident. The second suspect remained at large.
Further investigation has resulted in the second suspect being identified as Bradley Gordon Duff 35, of no fixed address.
A 28-year-old female from Whitecourt, Alta. remains in custody awaiting a bail hearing.
Barrhead RCMP’s investigation into this matter continues.
The public are warned not to approach Duff as he is believed to be possibly armed and dangerous. Barrhead RCMP are seeking the public’s assistance in locating Duff’s whereabouts as he is a suspect in this break and enter investigation and has outstanding arrest warrants on unrelated matters.
If anyone has information about Bradley Duff’s whereabouts, please contact Barrhead RCMP at 780-674-4848, 911 or your local police. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.”
June 15, 2020
Whitecourt RCMP – police presence in Blue Ridge are in Woodlands County – Update #2
High Prairie, Alta. – On June 14, 2020, High Prairie RCMP received a report of a sighting of a male believed to be Bradley Duff during the night / early morning hours in the vicinity of Range Road 185 and Township Road 742 in Big Lakes County, Alta. This location is 3 km’s southwest of Triangle Hall, located 20 kms west of High Prairie on Highway 2, or 25kms south of Mclennan, Alta., on Highway 2.
Duff is believed to have been wearing all dark or black clothing and a red bandana covering his face and was in the process of removing items from a white Dodge truck parked off the roadway. The same white Dodge truck was later reported to Emergency Services by a passerby to be on fire on June 15, 2020, at 12:30 a.m.
Further investigation determined the Dodge truck had been stolen out of Whitecourt, Alta., and Bradley Duff was the last person known to have been seen driving it.
High Prairie RCMP Detachment has deployed multiple police resources to the area, including RCMP Police Dog Services Unit to conduct a search for Duff.
RCMP are asking that the public please avoid the area and refrain from posting photos and/or video on social media.
An update will be provided when available.
The public are warned not to approach Duff as he is believed to be possibly armed and dangerous. Duff continues to have warrants for his arrest. If anyone has information about Bradley Duff’s whereabouts, please contact Whitecourt RCMP at 780-779-5900 or your local police. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.”
June 9, 2020
Whitecourt RCMP – police presence in Blue Ridge are in Woodlands County – Update
Whitecourt, Alta. – Whitecourt RCMP members are no longer in the area of Blue Ridge; however, their investigation continues.
On June 9, 2020, at 5:49 a.m., Whitecourt RCMP received a complaint of a vehicle in the ditch with a passenger unconscious with Emergency Services on scene. When the male became conscious, he fled into a forested area.
Whitecourt RCMP’s investigation revealed that the vehicle was stolen out of Edmonton in April 2020. Items in the vehicle and a description of the suspect who fled the scene led RCMP to believe that the suspect is Bradley Duff (35) of no fixed address. Duff is currently on outstanding warrants on other matters.
Whitecourt RCMP, with the assistance of RCMP Police Dog Services and RCMP Air Services conducted a lengthy search of the area and inquiries with residents of the area; however, were unable to locate the suspect.
Whitecourt RCMP are seeking the public’s assistance in locating Duff’s whereabouts as he is a suspect in the stolen vehicle investigation and has outstanding arrest warrants on unrelated matters. RCMP caution the public not to approach Duff as he is considered dangerous. Duff has been known to have access to firearms in the past; however, it is unknown if he is armed at this time.
If anyone has information about Bradley Duff’s whereabouts, please contact Whitecourt RCMP at 780-779-5900 or your local police. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.”
June 9, 2020
Whitecourt RCMP – police presence in Blue Ridge are in Woodlands County
Whitecourt, Alta. – Whitecourt RCMP would like to advise the public that there is a heavy police presence in the area of Blue Ridge in Woodlands County between Township Road 594 and 592 near Range Road 102 outside Whitecourt.
RCMP are asking that the public please avoid the area and refrain from posting photos and/or video on social media.
Alberta
Alberta’s fiscal update projects budget surplus, but fiscal fortunes could quickly turn
From the Fraser Institute
By Tegan Hill
According to the recent mid-year update tabled Thursday, the Smith government projects a $4.6 billion surplus in 2024/25, up from the $2.9 billion surplus projected just a few months ago. Despite the good news, Premier Smith must reduce spending to avoid budget deficits.
The fiscal update projects resource revenue of $20.3 billion in 2024/25. Today’s relatively high—but very volatile—resource revenue (including oil and gas royalties) is helping finance today’s spending and maintain a balanced budget. But it will not last forever.
For perspective, in just the last decade the Alberta government’s annual resource revenue has been as low as $2.8 billion (2015/16) and as high as $25.2 billion (2022/23).
And while the resource revenue rollercoaster is currently in Alberta’s favor, Finance Minister Nate Horner acknowledges that “risks are on the rise” as oil prices have dropped considerably and forecasters are projecting downward pressure on prices—all of which impacts resource revenue.
In fact, the government’s own estimates show a $1 change in oil prices results in an estimated $630 million revenue swing. So while the Smith government plans to maintain a surplus in 2024/25, a small change in oil prices could quickly plunge Alberta back into deficit. Premier Smith has warned that her government may fall into a budget deficit this fiscal year.
This should come as no surprise. Alberta’s been on the resource revenue rollercoaster for decades. Successive governments have increased spending during the good times of high resource revenue, but failed to rein in spending when resource revenues fell.
Previous research has shown that, in Alberta, a $1 increase in resource revenue is associated with an estimated 56-cent increase in program spending the following fiscal year (on a per-person, inflation-adjusted basis). However, a decline in resource revenue is not similarly associated with a reduction in program spending. This pattern has led to historically high levels of government spending—and budget deficits—even in more recent years.
Consider this: If this fiscal year the Smith government received an average level of resource revenue (based on levels over the last 10 years), it would receive approximately $13,000 per Albertan. Yet the government plans to spend nearly $15,000 per Albertan this fiscal year (after adjusting for inflation). That’s a huge gap of roughly $2,000—and it means the government is continuing to take big risks with the provincial budget.
Of course, if the government falls back into deficit there are implications for everyday Albertans.
When the government runs a deficit, it accumulates debt, which Albertans must pay to service. In 2024/25, the government’s debt interest payments will cost each Albertan nearly $650. That’s largely because, despite running surpluses over the last few years, Albertans are still paying for debt accumulated during the most recent string of deficits from 2008/09 to 2020/21 (excluding 2014/15), which only ended when the government enjoyed an unexpected windfall in resource revenue in 2021/22.
According to Thursday’s mid-year fiscal update, Alberta’s finances continue to be at risk. To avoid deficits, the Smith government should meaningfully reduce spending so that it’s aligned with more reliable, stable levels of revenue.
Author:
Alberta
Premier Smith says Auto Insurance reforms may still result in a publicly owned system
Better, faster, more affordable auto insurance
Alberta’s government is introducing a new auto insurance system that will provide better and faster services to Albertans while reducing auto insurance premiums.
After hearing from more than 16,000 Albertans through an online survey about their priorities for auto insurance policies, Alberta’s government is introducing a new privately delivered, care-focused auto insurance system.
Right now, insurance in the province is not affordable or care focused. Despite high premiums, Albertans injured in collisions do not get the timely medical care and income support they need in a system that is complex to navigate. When fully implemented, Alberta’s new auto insurance system will deliver better and faster care for those involved in collisions, and Albertans will see cost savings up to $400 per year.
“Albertans have been clear they need an auto insurance system that provides better, faster care and is more affordable. When it’s implemented, our new privately delivered, care-centred insurance system will put the focus on Albertans’ recovery, providing more effective support and will deliver lower rates.”
“High auto insurance rates put strain on Albertans. By shifting to a system that offers improved benefits and support, we are providing better and faster care to Albertans, with lower costs.”
Albertans who suffer injuries due to a collision currently wait months for a simple claim to be resolved and can wait years for claims related to more serious and life-changing injuries to addressed. Additionally, the medical and financial benefits they receive often expire before they’re fully recovered.
Under the new system, Albertans who suffer catastrophic injuries will receive treatment and care for the rest of their lives. Those who sustain serious injuries will receive treatment until they are fully recovered. These changes mirror and build upon the Saskatchewan insurance model, where at-fault drivers can be sued for pain and suffering damages if they are convicted of a criminal offence, such as impaired driving or dangerous driving, or conviction of certain offenses under the Traffic Safety Act.
Work on this new auto insurance system will require legislation in the spring of 2025. In order to reconfigure auto insurance policies for 3.4 million Albertans, auto insurance companies need time to create and implement the new system. Alberta’s government expects the new system to be fully implemented by January 2027.
In the interim, starting in January 2025, the good driver rate cap will be adjusted to a 7.5% increase due to high legal costs, increasing vehicle damage repair costs and natural disaster costs. This protects good drivers from significant rate increases while ensuring that auto insurance providers remain financially viable in Alberta.
Albertans have been clear that they still want premiums to be based on risk. Bad drivers will continue to pay higher premiums than good drivers.
By providing significantly enhanced medical, rehabilitation and income support benefits, this system supports Albertans injured in collisions while reducing the impact of litigation costs on the amount that Albertans pay for their insurance.
“Keeping more money in Albertans’ pockets is one of the best ways to address the rising cost of living. This shift to a care-first automobile insurance system will do just that by helping lower premiums for people across the province.”
Quick facts
- Alberta’s government commissioned two auto insurance reports, which showed that legal fees and litigation costs tied to the province’s current system significantly increase premiums.
- A 2023 report by MNP shows
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