Transfer Public Safety Staff to New Police Service

Summary#

• This bill changes Alberta’s police and public safety laws to move some provincial employees into a new independent agency police service. It sets clear rules for job transfers, union representation, and ongoing workplace disputes. It also lets the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods (SCAN) Director delegate work to staff in that new police service.

• The main goal is to make the transfer of staff smooth and keep services running.

• Allows the Minister to transfer government employees to the new independent agency police service by order.

• Says transferred employees keep continuous service (no break in employment).

• Blocks severance or termination pay if the new job is substantially the same.

• Carries over the same union and collective agreement to the new employer, with quick certification.

• Keeps existing grievances and arbitrations going, with parties swapped to the new employer where needed.

• Lets the SCAN Director delegate powers to staff (including the chief) of the independent agency police service.

What it means for you#

• Workers in affected public safety roles

  • You may be moved from the Government of Alberta to the new independent agency police service.
  • Your years of service continue without a break. This can matter for vacation, benefits, and pensions.
  • You will not receive severance, termination pay, or notice if your new role is substantially the same as your old one.
  • Your current union remains your bargaining agent, and your existing collective agreement stays in place with the new employer.
  • Any active grievances, arbitrations, or Labour Relations Board matters will continue. The new employer and union will step in as needed.
  • Transfer orders can be made public, but your name will not be published.

• Union members and representatives

  • Certification with the new employer is automatic for the existing bargaining agent and unit.
  • The Labour Relations Board can adjust the collective agreement only as needed to make the transfer work or fix transfer-related issues.
  • The original bargaining unit and agreement stay in place for anyone not yet transferred.

• Residents and communities

  • SCAN work (addressing problem properties tied to crime or serious disorder) may be delegated to staff of the new police service. This could help with capacity and coordination.

• Employers and managers in public safety

  • Clear legal path to transfer staff by class or individually on a set date.
  • Ability to publish transfer orders without naming employees.

Expenses#

No publicly available information.

Proponents' View#

• Creates an orderly, fast transition to the new police service without disrupting public safety.
• Protects continuity for workers by keeping service time, unions, and contracts intact.
• Avoids large severance or termination costs when jobs stay the same.
• Reduces legal uncertainty by clearly carrying over grievances and labour board matters.
• Expands SCAN’s ability to act by allowing delegation to the new police service, which could improve response to nuisance properties.

Opponents' View#

• Lets the government override individual employment contracts and move staff without consent.
• Removes severance or termination pay when roles are “substantially the same,” which some may see as unfair or unclear.
• Centralizes power in the Minister to order transfers, raising concerns about transparency and worker choice.
• Could create confusion during the shift about who handles complaints, discipline, and oversight.
• May involve setup and administrative costs for the new police service, with limited public detail on the budget or impacts.