Official languages watchdog concerned over future of French language policing if Alberta drops RCMP

“I am concerned that French language services to Albertans could be adversely affected," wrote Commissioner of Official Languages of Canada Raymond Théberge.

Canada's official languages commissioner has written to Alberta’s justice minister expressing concern over the future of French-language policing should the province create its own provincial police service.

The apprehension is outlined in a January 2022 briefing note to the Commissioner of Official Languages of Canada Raymond Théberge.

“If Alberta creates its own provincial police service, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) would be replaced by a police force that will no longer have the obligation to offer services in French,” the note reads.

“We suggest you send a letter to the minister of justice of Alberta to bring this issue to his attention.”

The document was obtained by CTV News via an access to information request.Théberge’s office confirms the letter was sent on Jan. 20, 2022.

“I am concerned that French language services to Albertans could be adversely affected,” he wrote in an email in response to further questions from CTV News.

Théberge pointed to his 2020 report on the impact of emergency situations on official languages that highlighted “the crucial importance of communicating with Canadians in their first official language during emergency situations which often involve police forces, in order to inform them, reassure them and give them instructions that they can understand and carry out.”