PAGC Shares Policing Model Study; Final Decision to Be Made at Annual Assembly

Press Release

(Pre-Confederation, Treaty 5, 6, 8 & 10) – At the Prince Albert Grand Council’s Chiefs Meeting held February 3–4, 2026, Chiefs passed an important resolution acknowledging, accepting, and endorsing the PAGC Policing feasibility study and planning document. This allows PAGC to share the study with all member First Nations and to use it to guide discussions with communities, federal and provincial partners.

The study examines whether a PAGC-led, First Nations police service is feasible, and how it could be structured, and what resources would be required. It responds to long-standing concerns raised by PAGC communities, including inconsistent police presence, delayed response times, staffing shortages, and increasing community safety pressures.

What the Resolution Does — and Does Not Do

The resolution does not approve the creation or implementation of a First Nation police service at this time.

Instead, it confirms that the study may be used to:

⦁ Inform PAGC communities of its future police service structure

⦁ Support engagement and dialogue
⦁ Guide discussions with federal and provincial governments
⦁ Assist in future decision-making

Chiefs were clear that no policing agreement will be supported if it is underfunded or requires communities to inherit a deficit service. Any future model must be funded on par with RCMP and provincial policing standards.

Why This Work Is Timely

⦁ Discussions are taking place now in part because the national RCMP policing contract expires in 2032. Several provinces have signalled they may not renew the agreement, creating urgency for First Nations to examine long-term, First Nations public/community safety options.

⦁ Chiefs emphasized the importance of a collective, unified approach from all partners, recognizing that decisions made today will affect community safety for decades to come.

Next Steps: Community Engagement

Over the coming months, PAGC will:

⦁ Share the study with all PAGC member First Nations

⦁ Hold community information sessions and presentations on future state of policing
⦁ Collect questions, feedback, and concerns from members
⦁ Support Nations in deciding whether to submit Band Council Resolutions (BCRs)

Communities will be asked to indicate whether they wish to opt in to a future policing model or remain with the current RCMP system. PAGC First Nations can start submitting their BCRs right away with the final deadline of August 24, 2026.

Final Decision at Annual Assembly

A final decision on the status of the study and whether PAGC First Nations move forward with PAGC First Nations police service will be made at the PAGC Annual Assembly, based on community input and the number of supporting BCRs received.

PAGC leadership encourages members to review the study, participate in engagement sessions, and share their perspectives. Community voices will play a central role in shaping the path forward.

Further details on engagement sessions and the Annual Assembly decision process will be shared as they become available.

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