Alberta ministers head to Texas to meet with police, justice officials

Alberta Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services Mike Ellis answers media questions as Alberta Premier Danielle Smith looks on at an availability in Calgary on Aug. 25, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Dave Chidley

Two Alberta government ministers are going to Texas to meet with police and justice officials and share ideas and strategies for public safety.

The province says Public Safety Minister Mike Ellis and Justice Minister Mickey Amery could use what they learn in developing future policies or programs.

An itinerary says the ministers are scheduled to meet next week with Dallas Police Department officials, the state prosecuting attorney, emergency management officials and drug trafficking investigators.

Amery says Alberta and Texas have a similar history and shared values.

And Ellis says the province needs to keep an open mind when it comes to public safety issues and how to address them.

The ministers have four days of meetings lined up before they return Jan. 9.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 2, 2025.