The Alberta government’s plan to establish its own provincial police service took a significant step forward Tuesday as Premier Danielle Smith introduced retired RCMP officer Curtis Zablocki as the head of the proposed Alberta Provincial Police Service (APPS).
Standing before reporters at the legislature, Smith presented Zablocki – who previously served as the RCMP’s commanding officer in Alberta until his retirement last August – as the transitional leader who would help shape the new force.
“It’s a pleasure to be here today and to be part of this important initiative for Albertans,” Zablocki said during the announcement. “I look forward to bringing my experience and knowledge to help build a police service that meets the unique needs of our communities.”
The government has positioned the transition as a measured approach, with Smith emphasizing that the province isn’t rushing implementation. “We are being very intentional about this work,” the premier noted, adding that public engagement will remain central to the process.
The provincial police initiative has been a controversial proposal since it was first floated several years ago. Critics, including many rural municipalities, have questioned the necessity and cost of replacing the RCMP, which currently provides policing to most of Alberta outside major urban centers.
Mike Ellis, Alberta’s Public Safety Minister, assured that the transition would be done carefully. “This is about improving public safety outcomes for Albertans,” Ellis explained. “Our approach has always been to build this in collaboration with communities.”
The province has earmarked $395 million in its latest budget for police funding, though it remains unclear how much the complete transition might ultimately cost taxpayers. A 2021 PricewaterhouseCoopers study commissioned by the government estimated the change could cost hundreds of millions more than the current RCMP contract.
For Zablocki, the appointment represents a curious career twist – moving from leading the RCMP in Alberta to potentially overseeing its replacement. His familiarity with Alberta’s policing landscape appears to be a calculated choice by the government to ease transition concerns.
“I’ve spent years working with communities across this province,” Zablocki remarked. “I understand the challenges our rural towns face, the needs of our growing communities, and where improvements can be made.”
Alberta’s rural crime issues have been a driving factor behind the push for a provincial police service. Justice Minister Mickey Amery highlighted how the proposed APPS would be more responsive to local needs. “This isn’t just about changing uniforms,” Amery said. “It’s about building a police service that answers directly to Albertans.”
The Rural Municipalities of Alberta organization has consistently expressed skepticism about the plan. Paul McLauchlin, president of the RMA, has previously noted that many communities remain concerned about costs and service levels during any transition.
Community engagement sessions are planned throughout the province in coming months, though a precise timeline for full implementation hasn’t been established. Smith suggested the transition could take several years to complete properly.
“Albertans deserve a police service that understands Alberta values and priorities,” Smith said. “Officer Curtis Zablocki will help us build that foundation while ensuring we maintain strong policing standards throughout any transition.”
The opposition NDP has criticized the move as unnecessary and potentially costly. NDP justice critic Irfan Sabir questioned the government’s priorities in a statement: “At a time when Albertans are struggling with high costs and stretched public services, the UCP is focused on an expensive rebranding exercise that nobody asked for.”
What remains uncertain is how the approximately 3,500 RCMP officers and staff currently working in Alberta would be affected. The province has suggested many would be offered positions with the new force, but transitions of this scale inevitably create workforce uncertainty.
For rural communities watching this unfold, questions about response times, local detachment staffing, and specialized services remain at the forefront of concerns. The RCMP currently provides integrated services across provincial boundaries that would need to be replicated or replaced.
As Zablocki steps into his new role, he faces the complex task of designing a provincial police service that addresses these varied concerns while convincing skeptical municipalities of its value. His experience provides credibility, but the political challenge remains substantial.
“This announcement marks the beginning of a conversation,” Zablocki concluded. “I’m committed to listening to communities, understanding their needs, and building a police service that truly serves all Albertans.”
The province has promised more details about the transition plan in the coming weeks, including community consultation dates and more specific budget allocations.
