The Alberta Provincial Government is cracking down on rural crime.

Alberta Justice Minister Doug Schweitzer announced a handful of new policies and acts on Wednesday, November 6, that he says will deter and deliver swift justice to those committing crimes in rural communities.

New legislation includes amendments to the Occupiers Liability Act, which ensures that a criminal trespasser has no right to civil action against a law abiding property owner, who is protecting their family and home.

Schweitzer also introduced stiffer penalties for those who choose to trespass.

"To further strengthen property rights, our government will introduce legislation to deter those who trespass on property of law abiding Albertans." He says "We'll be raising maximum fines for trespassing up to $10,000 for first instances, $25,000 for subsequent offences as well as jail time up to six months."

The legislation also includes an increase to the amount of property and financial damages that courts can order, up to a maximum of $100,000.

Schweitzer also introduced proposed legislation aimed at animal rights activists, as it creates stiffer offences and penalties to those who enter agricultural operations without explicit authorization.

Organizations who trespass on farms and ranches could now be subject to $200,000 in fines, which Schweitzer says is a first for all of Canada.

Other legislation targets proceeds of crime, as the UCP government makes it harder to sell stolen goods, copper wire and commercial metals.

"You don't appreciate this in a city." says Schweitzer, "You don't appreciate copper wire thefts and the extent of damage it's doing, not only to industry stakeholders but how it's being monetized for organized crimes and feeding addictions."

The Scrap Metal Dealers Identification Act will target those types of crimes, and will deter theft by making it difficult for criminals to monetize stolen goods and selling for scraps.

The Act requires recycler's and dealers to report any stolen property to authorities, and also develops regulations for the requirement to I-D sellers and keep records of all transactions for potential future police investigations.

Courts will now be accepting community impact statements, where communities and victims will tell their stories about rural crime and how it impacts them emotionally, economically, and physically, with an area for mental health impacts.

Schweitzer says it's the Government's hopes these additional impact statements read by the victims during sentencing will change sentencing precedents throughout the Province.

He says during town hall tours, many residents suggested the Province's laws don't work for rural municipalities.

"One of the things I've heard loud and clear, is that our laws are written for downtown Toronto, not for rural Alberta." He says "We're hopeful that by giving communities evidence before the courts, we'll get different decisions and precedents throughout Alberta, that's our goal." The Province will also include additional support to victims through a better restitution and recoveries program.

Schweitzer also announced plans to expand the duties of supporting policing agencies like Sheriffs and Peace Officers.

"Police can be stretched across longer distances, which can lead to longer response times." He adds "To put more first responders in rural areas we're creating the Rapid Alberta Provincial Integrated Defense Force or RAPID."

By granting additional roles and responsibilities to Alberta Sheriffs, Fish and Wildlife Enforcement branches and the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Branch, the Government plans to provide an additional 400 "boots on the ground."

"They will assist the RCMP and other Police services to ensure security is deployed in response to 9-1-1 calls more quickly and as effectively as possible." Says Schweitzer.

He also committed to creating a regime that doesn't discriminate against people who are protecting their properties and families, saying this is just the beginning and the government will adjust and continue to listen to the needs of Albertan's.

More information on new rural crime legislation in Alberta can be found on the Government's Website.

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