Alberta Premier Jason Kenney has requested that the province’s police watchdog investigate the recent clearing of an encampment on the University of Alberta campus.
The encampment, known as “Camp Pekiwewin,” was set up last summer by homeless individuals and advocates to protest the lack of affordable housing in the city. However, on March 19, the university and the City of Edmonton issued a joint statement announcing that the encampment would be dismantled due to safety concerns.
This decision sparked backlash from community members and activists, who argued that the encampment provided a safe and supportive space for those experiencing homelessness. The situation escalated when police officers were called in to assist with the clearing of the encampment, resulting in several arrests and injuries.
In response to these events, Premier Kenney has asked the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) to investigate the actions of the police during the encampment clearing. ASIRT is an independent agency responsible for investigating incidents involving police that result in serious injury or death.
In a statement, Premier Kenney expressed his concern over the use of force during the clearing of the encampment and emphasized the need for a thorough and impartial investigation. He also acknowledged the complex issue of homelessness and the need for collaboration between all levels of government to address it.
The University of Alberta has also announced that it will be conducting its own internal review of the encampment clearing, in addition to working with the City of Edmonton to find alternative housing solutions for those who were living in the encampment.
This situation has sparked a larger conversation about the ongoing issue of homelessness in Edmonton and the need for more affordable housing options. It also highlights the importance of addressing these issues with compassion and collaboration, rather than resorting to force and violence.
The ASIRT investigation is ongoing and the results will be made public once it is completed. In the meantime, the University of Alberta and the City of Edmonton have committed to working together to find a long-term solution for those experiencing homelessness in the city.
