Alberta RCMP on the lookout for possible changes due to Bill C-18

Posted on August 31, 2023 by admin

By Fernando Moreno
Southern Alberta Newspapers
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Alberta RCMP does not expect to change its methods of communicating with the public in spite of Meta-owned platforms blocking of Canadian news content in response to Bill C-18, or the Online News Act.

“It shouldn’t affect RCMP websites or our social media accounts” says Fraser Logan, media relations manager for the Alberta RCMP.

“Any content we post should be unaffected.”

Saskatchewan RCMP told The Canadian Press that Meta’s decision will affect the way it relays information to the public, and it’s currently working toward ways to maximize the distribution of public safety messages.

Logan admits there is a relationship between the police and traditional media.

“Social media is one avenue we can directly go to the public,” says Logan.

“We always ask people to use our original posts.”

For now the tools and practices of passing on information will remain the same for police through their own social media accounts and organization websites

“We’re probably going to continue on with our centre-operated procedures as per usual,” assures Logan.

“If we do have to adjust the way we do business we certainly will to that.”

RCMP Corporal Kim Chamberland says a variety of social media tools are used to address Canadians at the federal level.

“We use a variety of Government of Canada-approved social media platforms to reach a wider audience, and in the event that one platform ceases operation or has changes that affect its use,” says Chamberland.

“We advise Canadians to check the RCMP’s website for official statements and verified information.”

The approach taken by the Alberta RCMP is one of maintaining prior practices while also monitoring for the need for any necessary changes.

“At the end of the day it’s just about getting that information to the public as soon as possible,” says Logan.