HOBBEMA (Alberta), August 9, 2007 — Today, Ken Epp, Member of Parliament for Edmonton Sherwood Park, on behalf of the Honourable Stockwell Day, Minister of Public Safety, joined Richard Marz, Member of the Legislative Assembly for Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills, on behalf of the Honourable Fred Lindsay, Solicitor General and Minister of Public Security of the Government of Alberta, to break ground on a new detachment of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) near Hobbema, Alberta. “The construction of this new RCMP detachment is yet another example of Canada’s New Government’s ongoing commitment to ensure that law enforcement agencies have the tools and resources needed to keep our Aboriginal communities safe,” said Mr. Epp. “This investment will provide the residents of Montana, Ermineskin and Samson First Nation communities with enhanced policing services.” “Every Albertan deserves safe and secure communities in which to live, work, and raise a family,” said Fred Lindsay, Solicitor General and Minister of Public Security. “The officers and the people in this community will work together to build a better future that will make a real difference.” Located on the Samson Cree Nation reserve, the new state-of-the-art facility will accommodate up to 50 RCMP personnel. Construction of the detachment will begin at the end of this month and will cost approximately $10 million. Financing was arranged by the Samson Cree Nation, which will recover 70 percent of the cost from the Government of Alberta and 30 percent from the Government of Canada. The RCMP will enter into a 20-year lease for the new detachment, with the Samson Cree Nation, beginning June 1, 2008.Information:Christine WronkoSolicitor General and Public SecurityGovernment of Alberta (780) 427-6171 Media Relations Public Safety Canada 613-991-0657Mélisa Leclerc Director of Communications Office of the Honourable Stockwell Day Minister of Public Safety 613-991-2863
