Regina City Council has officially approved the police budget for the upcoming year, following a heated debate and public outcry over calls to defund the police.
The decision was made during a virtual council meeting on Tuesday, with a vote of 8-3 in favor of the budget. The approved budget includes a 2.5% increase in funding for the Regina Police Service, bringing their total budget to $96.7 million.
This decision comes after weeks of passionate discussions and protests, both in person and online, regarding the role and funding of the police in the city. Many community members have been calling for a reallocation of funds from the police budget to other social services, in light of recent incidents of police brutality and systemic racism.
During the council meeting, Mayor Michael Fougere acknowledged the concerns and frustrations of the community, but ultimately defended the decision to approve the budget. He stated that the increase in funding is necessary to maintain the current level of service provided by the police and to address growing demands for their services.
However, some council members expressed their disappointment with the decision, citing the need for more accountability and transparency within the police force. They also emphasized the importance of investing in alternative programs and services to address the root causes of crime and promote community safety.
Despite the approval of the budget, the debate surrounding the role and funding of the police in Regina is far from over. Many community members and organizations have vowed to continue advocating for change and pushing for a more equitable distribution of resources.
The approved police budget will now be submitted to the provincial government for final approval.
