New Poll: 75% of Albertans Want Referendum on Policing Before Advancing Alberta Sheriffs Police Service

July 21, 2026 

Edmonton, AB – As the Alberta government moves forward with establishing the Alberta Sheriffs Police Service (ASPS) and expanding its role in provincial policing, without releasing detailed costs or a clear implementation plan, Albertans are sending a clear message: major changes to policing must not proceed without a public vote.  

A new Alberta wide poll of 1,210 Albertans by Pollara Strategic Insights found that 75% want to have their say on retaining RCMP policing through a province-wide referendum. The same poll also found strong support for the province to focus on a stronger justice system, and better results from the system already in place over creating a new, costly, and duplicative police service. Albertans also shared broad concern about the costs of replacing the RCMP, and overwhelming demand for greater public input before any changes move forward. 

“Albertans are being asked to accept sweeping changes to policing without knowing the full cost, the plan, or the impact on their communities,” said Kevin Halwa, Prairie Region Board Director, National Police Federation. “If the government is confident in this direction, it should put the question directly to voters in a referendum this fall.” 

The poll found:  

• 75% support a province-wide referendum before any plan to replace the RCMP proceeds. 

• 71% say the public has not been adequately consulted about changes to policing in the province. 

• 76% of Albertans living in RCMP-served communities are satisfied with RCMP policing. 

• 78% in RCMP served communities want to retain the RCMP, or retain with improvements over replacing. 

• 83% want a detailed accounting of costs and service impacts before any policing changes move forward. 

• 76% agree Alberta has more important priorities than changing who polices local communities. 

• 73% say this is not the time to explore an expensive new police service. 

• 75% would rather see funding directed toward existing police services than spent creating a new provincial police service. 

“At a time when Albertans are focused on affordability, accessing health care, putting food on the table, and keeping their businesses viable, they expect their government to work with them, not against them,” said Halwa. “Rushing toward an unproven and potentially costly policing model, without public buy-in, is out of step with what Albertans are clearly saying.” 

Full Research available here: https://npf-fpn.com/app/uploads/2026/07/NPF-Alberta-W9-Media.pdf(opens in a new tab)