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Alberta’s legislature building in Edmonton now has extra armed sheriffs on duty amid public protests around the world over the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.

Speaking to reporters in the legislature ahead of question period Thursday, Alberta Public Safety Minister Mike Ellis confirmed that security had been stepped up.

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He said a protest Monday calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, which disrupted assembly business in the Saskatchewan legislature, was a factor in the decision.

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“With the geopolitical state of the world right now, we have to make sure that the Government of Alberta is functioning properly,” he said.

“It’s not necessarily about the type of protest that was occurring. The reality is everybody needs to feel safe within this building, all governments right across this country, if they haven’t been, I’d certainly recommend they do take precautionary measures to make sure that everybody feels safe,” he said.

While he said he didn’t have the operational details, Ellis said “everybody’s doing a bit of double duty.”

Specifics about how many more sheriffs, for how long they are expected to be posted in the building, and at what cost were not immediately provided to Postmedia by Ellis’ office, which said it was unable to share security matters related to the building and that a spokesperson from the sheriffs was unavailable to comment Friday.

Alberta Sheriffs have seen their role expanded under Ellis’ ministry, including as part of a pilot program patrolling the city’s core areas with Edmonton Police. February’s budget set out an extra $27.3 million to hire 245 more sheriffs, who provide security at the legislature and in courthouses.

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On Wednesday evening, more than 50 people came to the legislature grounds to protest the screening of video depicting the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks, with the vigil hosted by the Edmonton Chapter of Independent Jewish Voices. The screening, presented by the Consul General of Israel to Western Canada’s Office, and co-facilitated by Speaker Nathan Cooper’s office, drew invitees to the legislature, including some MLAs who spoke with the media.

“All members of the assembly and members of the press gallery were invited as well as the Jewish Federation of Edmonton. Similar screenings have taken place in over 30 countries,” a statement from the speaker’s office said.

On Tuesday, legislative security in Regina introduced new temporary rules, limiting public gallery access at the Saskatchewan legislature and requiring visitors to pre-register with names and addresses three days in advance. Those are set to remain until at least Nov. 30, when they will be reassessed.

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At the Alberta legislature, the speaker’s office told Postmedia Friday it is currently working with the sergeant-at-arms to review the policy and procedures that govern access to the building.

Members of the public must pass through security when entering the legislature. Visitors can watch chamber proceedings, including debates or question period, from the gallery when the legislature is sitting, but access is limited to invitees during special events and ceremonies.

“Demonstrations are welcome on the grounds and are prohibited inside,” according to the assembly’s protocols.

— With files from David Bloom

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X: @reportrix

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