Alberta Justice Minister and Solicitor General General Doug Schweitzer took some time to chat with the Trending 55 Newsroom after the Rural Crime Initiative was unveiled earlier this week. The main focuses on the initiative will tackle issues like: training peace officers from other enforcement branches to assist for calls, strengthening property rights, increased focus on stopping criminals who steal metals (like copper wire) and sell them for cash. In terms of fines for people trespassing on private property, there will be fines of up to $10,000 for a first violation and $25,000 for subsequent offences, as well as possible prison time of up to six months. Corporations that help or direct trespassers would face fines up to $200,000. In addition to these increases, a proposed change would increase the maximum amount a court can order for loss of or damage to property from $25,000 to $100,000.
The full interview with Schweitzer can be heard below.
-Kenny Trenton, Trending 55 Newsroom
