‘It Ends Now’: Alberta Premier Addresses Report of Gang Infiltration in Homeless Encampments

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has vowed to restore public safety throughout the province following reports that gang members have infiltrated sprawling homeless encampments in Edmonton. “Guns. Deadly fentanyl. Sexual assaults. It ends now! Violent and organized gangs are terrorizing our vulnerable populations within encampments,” Ms. Smith said in a Jan. 3 post on X. “This is not safe for anyone. My government will continue to do what is necessary to restore public safety throughout Alberta.” Ms. Smith’s comments come as Edmonton police officers and city workers clear out a total of eight homeless encampments considered to be “high-risk.” Edmonton Police Chief Dale McFee said gang activity is one of the reasons homeless encampments in the city are not safe, in addition to fires and drugs. Mr. McFee said gangs have been taking advantage of those living in the encampments by controlling access to city-supplied water fountains and charging homeless people money to use them....