The Alberta government is cancelling funding for the Alberta Public Safety and Law Enforcement Training Centre in Fort Macleod.

“This was an extremely tough decision,” said Jonathan Denis, Minister of Justice and Solicitor General. “But in the end, Albertans expect their tax dollars to be invested wisely and the government is committed to this goal.”

Denis says police agencies across the province were asked to provide feedback on their expected use of the Fort Macleod facility after concerns about utilization were raised to the ministry.
    
The feedback was that a stand-alone facility would not be used to a point that it would be financially viable.
    
The feedback received from police also indicated that larger police forces were confident in their existing training facilities that have provided exceptional police training to date.

“I believe strongly that the Alberta Government has made the right decision, both as Chief of the Calgary Police Service and as a taxpayer,” said Calgary Police Chief Rick Hanson.

“Our cadet training is done in Regina, so we will not require any facilities or training in that regard,” said Dale McGowan, Commanding Officer of RCMP K Division. “Any specialized training needs are being met now at our existing facilities or at various locations throughout Canada.”