Rocky Mountain House is among 32 Alberta communities that will see local police forces teams up with community peace officers (CPO) to crack down on fentanyl.

The province says that means roughly 800 peace officers from every corner of the province will join the initiative.

It comes following threats from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has demanded that Canada get tough on fentanyl or face tariffs on Canadian goods.

Officials say the measure comes in response to the province wanting to work with all levels of government to address concerns around fentanyl trafficking and border security.

Public Safety Minister Mike Ellis says the crisis demands immediate action and that having a unified command ensures a coordinated team response to combat the illicit drug trade.

The town discussed Minister Ellis’ request at its Feb. 18 council meeting, agreeing to support it’s goals.

CPOs will continue to work closely with RCMP, says Laura Button, communications coordinator for the town of Rocky Mountain House, as RCMP have more jurisdiction when it comes to criminal code violations.

A statement from Arthur Green, press secretary for Public Safety and Emergency Services, says local police will provide leadership under the program.

“The day-to-day responsibilities of community peace officers will be determined by the police agency of jurisdiction,” says Green. “While this initiative does not change the authority of community peace officers or RCMP officers, it ensures better coordination between municipal police services and community peace officers, allowing for improved communication, alignment of efforts and an increased law enforcement presence to help deter crime and social disorder related to the fentanyl crisis.”

Green adds that while municipalities are strongly encouraged to implement this approach to enhance community safety, participation is ultimately a local decision.

The province says it will monitor the effectiveness of these changes in improving public safety to “ensure the best path forward.”

Other communities presented with the proposal include Airdrie, Brooks, Camrose, Chestermere, Cochrane, Drayton Valley, Fort Saskatchewan, Lacombe, Leduc, Ponoka, Red Deer, Stony Plain and Whitecourt.

~ With files from the Canadian Press