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2mo ago

Alberta Announces Nearly $8-Million Grant to Boost Police Fight Against Organized Crime

The one-time funding will buy modern surveillance, intelligence and digital-forensics tools to help police tackle more coordinated, technology-driven criminal networks.

Mike Ellis, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services, announces $8 million in new funding to target organized crime, extortion and gang activity during a press conference at McDougall Centre in Calgary on Thursday, May 28, 2026.
The Calgary police, Edmonton police, Alberta RCMP and ALERT are getting an $8-million boost in funding to fight organized crime, gang activity and extortions that have terrorized members of the province's South Asian community recently.
Ranbir Singh Parmar from the Dashmesh Cultural Centre speaks during an $8-million provincial funding announcement to target organized crime, extortion and gang activity. The press conference took place at McDougall Centre in Calgary on Thursday, May 28, 2026.
Calgary Police Service Chief Katie McLellan speaks during an $8-million provincial funding announcement to target organized crime, extortion and gang activity. The press conference took place at McDougall Centre in Calgary on Thursday, May 28, 2026.

Overview

  • The province is providing a nearly $8-million one-time grant split between ALERT, the Alberta RCMP, Calgary Police Service and Edmonton Police Service with specific allocations to each agency.
  • Funding amounts are ALERT $1,505,000, Alberta RCMP $2,000,000, Calgary Police Service $2,240,535 and Edmonton Police Service $2,245,550 to buy specialized investigative resources.
  • Officials say the money will pay for surveillance systems, intelligence platforms and digital-forensics equipment to handle more complex, technology-enabled and transnational organized-crime investigations.
  • The announcement singles out extortion schemes that have targeted South Asian-owned businesses in Calgary and Edmonton and includes police calls for victims to come forward for help and protection.
  • Government and police describe the grant as a move to improve coordination across municipal, provincial and federal agencies, but note it is a one-time investment rather than ongoing funding.