Alberta justice minister demands answers from Edmonton on crime

Alberta's justice minister says the city of Edmonton is failing to keep people safe from violent crime, particularly on public transit, and he's ordering Mayor Amarjeet Sohi to provide answers.

Tyler Shandro has told Sohi in a letter that he is invoking his powers under the province's Police Act to demand a report within two weeks on what the city will do to arrest a spike in serious crime.

He says the province is responsible for ensuring people receive effective police services and Edmonton residents are not getting that.

The mayor of Edmonton Amarjeet Sohi says the problems are directly linked to the lack of provincial funding in houselessness, the mental health crisis and the drug poisoning crisis. The mayor adds, he will meet with the minister next week to outline his concerns and explain how the city is doing its part to address the issues.