Alberta's commitment to supporting Indigenous-led policing emphasizes the importance of culturally responsive law enforcement and community-driven safety measures. This investment will help ensure First Nations police services have the modern facilities needed to provide effective policing and keep their communities safe, while promoting empowerment and self-determination within Indigenous communities.
That is why Budget 2025 invests $6.9 million over three years to expand the existing Lakeshore Regional Police Service detachment building, ensuring it can better serve the five First Nations surrounding Lesser Slave Lake. This expansion project will increase their capacity to effectively address the unique needs of their communities and foster stronger relationships with the residents they serve.
“Alberta wants to improve public safety through new approaches to local policing. This funding will help ensure Lakeshore Regional Police Service has the modern facilities needed to provide effective policing and keep its communities safe. No one knows a community better than the people who live there. By investing in this expanded building, we are strengthening public safety and supporting the long-term growth of First Nation police services. We are excited to work with them and empower them in true reconciliation.”
“It is important for Indigenous communities to have responsive law enforcement. An Indigenous police service can provide families with safe places to grow and strengthen their communities, which is the goal for every community across Alberta. With this $6.9-million investment, our government reaffirms its commitment to protecting communities and creating opportunities for all Albertans to live in a save community, no matter where they live in our province.”
In total, Budget 2025 provides $30.9 million to support policing in First Nations communities with new and expanded facilities, as well as operational support. With this investment, Alberta’s government is reaffirming its commitment to empowering Indigenous policing services and ensuring First Nations communities have access to reliable, well-resourced police services.
"This commitment from the Government of Alberta affirms what we have always known—our people have the inherent right and responsibility to protect our own, as our ancestors intended when Treaty was made. Self-administered Indigenous policing is an expression of our sovereignty, our laws, and our way of keeping our communities safe. We lift up this investment as a step toward honoring the true spirit and intent of Treaty, and we acknowledge Alberta for walking with us on this path toward self-determination and safety rooted in our own ways."
“Today’s announcement is a positive step forward to ensure all First Nations receiving these policing services are a step closer to a healthy, vibrant and secure community, as desired by all communities in Canada.”
"The expansion is more than just the addition of space and facilities; it is a testament to the government’s commitment to the safety and well-being of the nations we serve. It reflects government’s understanding that First Nations policing plays a critical role in ensuring that our communities remain secure, and that we have the resources necessary to serve effectively."
Budget 2025 is meeting the challenge faced by Alberta with continued investments in education and health, lower taxes for families and a focus on the economy.
Quick facts:
- The three-year funding breakdown includes $1.8 million in 2025-26, $3.6 million in 2026-27 and $1.5 million in 2027-28.
- The Lakeshore Regional Police Service covers five First Nations surrounding Lesser Slave Lake including Driftpile Cree Nation, Kapawe’no First Nation, Sawridge First Nation, Sucker Creek First Nation and Swan River First Nation.