Canada 2020 Crime & Safety Report: Calgary - OSAC

Canada 2020 Crime & Safety Report: Calgary

This is an annual report produced in conjunction with the Regional Security Office at the U.S. Consulate in
Calgary, Canada. OSAC encourages travelers to use this report to gain baseline knowledge of security
conditions in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Northwest Territories. For more in-depth information, review
OSAC’s Canada country page for original OSAC reporting, consular messages, and contact information,
some of which may be available only to private-sector representatives with an OSAC password.

Travel Advisory

The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses
Canada at Level 1, indicating travelers should exercise normal precautions. Review OSAC’s report,
Understanding the Consular Travel Advisory System.

Overall Crime and Safety Situation

Crime Threats

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Calgary as being a LOW-threat location for crime directed at
or affecting official U.S. government interests. Calgary continues to have a relatively low crime rate, when
compared to similar-sized cities (pop: 1.3 million) in the United States, but there has been an increase
over the past year in property crimes and violent crimes. Through 2019, Calgary continued to see a high
volume of drug activity relating to fentanyl and methamphetamines, with most property crimes,
homicides, and gang violence related to these drug activities. Hate crimes declined in 2019, but continue
to take place at a higher rate in Calgary relative to other Canadian cities, according to Calgary Police
Service’s (CPS) dedicated hate crimes unit. Domestic violence has also declined but is still a problem. CPS
attributes these problems to the continued economic downturn in Alberta and the corresponding rise in
unemployment. CPS identified opioids, inner-city crime, and shootings as top priorities for 2020, and is
deploying resources to address these issues.

For the average resident or visitor, Calgary and the entire consular district continues to be safe. Law
enforcement support, both CPS and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), is very strong. Review
OSAC’s report, All That You Should Leave Behind.

The overwhelming numbers of crimes in Calgary continue to target property (e.g. vehicles and residences),
but there also has been an increase in gang- and drug-related crime. There were 20 confirmed homicides
in Calgary in 2019, and 5 deaths and multiple shootings in the first two weeks of 2020.

Crime across all of Canada, as measured by both the crime rate and the Crime Severity Index (CSI),
increased for the fourth consecutive year in 2018. (Nationwide 2019 statistics are not yet available.) The
CSI measures the volume and severity of police-reported crime in Canada and has a base index value
of 100 for the year 2006. The change in the CSI in 2018 was the result of higher police-reported rates of
numerous offenses. Ordered by their relative impact on the CSI, these offenses include fraud (+13%);
sexual assault without a weapon or evidence of bodily harm (+15%); shoplifting of $5,000 or under (+14%);
and theft over $5,000 (+15%). Decreases in other offenses (e.g. breaking and entering down 1%, and
robbery down 3%) partially offset these increases.

Canada 2020 Crime & Safety Report: Calgary

Police reported more than two million Criminal Code incidents (excluding traffic offences) in 2018, almost
70,000 more than in 2017. At 5,488 incidents per 100,000 population, the rate of crime reported to police
increased 2% in 2018, but was 17% lower than in 2008.

It is important to note that the police-reported crime rate and the CSI include only those incidents that
come to the attention of police, either through reporting by the public or through pro-active policing.
Results from the most recent General Social Survey on Victimization found that victims reported just
under one-third (31%) of violent and non-violent incidents.

The CSI increased in two-thirds of Canada's largest cities (census metropolitan areas [CMAs]) in 2018, with
the largest increases in Windsor, Ontario (+21%); Moncton, New Brunswick (+15%); and St. Catharines–
Niagara, Ontario (+15%). Breaking and entering was an important contributor to the increases in Windsor
and St. Catharines–Niagara, while fraud was an important contributor to the increases in Moncton and
Windsor.

After increasing in 2017, Canada's homicide rate declined 4% in 2018, from 1.82 to 1.76 homicides per
100,000 population. Police reported 651 homicides in Canada in 2018, 15 fewer than the previous year.
Despite the decline, the homicide rate was higher than the Canadian average over the previous decade.

Visitors to large cities and popular tourist destinations should be aware that criminals regularly target
parked cars for opportunistic smash-and-grab thefts. Avoid leaving any unattended possessions in a
vehicle, even in the trunk. Due to the high incidence of such crimes, motorists in Montreal, Toronto,
Vancouver, and other jurisdictions can receive fines for leaving their car doors unlocked or for leaving
valuables in view. Exercise precaution to safeguard property.

Review OSAC’s reports, The Overseas Traveler’s Guide to ATM Skimmers & Fraud and Taking Credit.

Review OSAC’s reports, Hotels: The Inns and Outs and Considerations for Hotel Security.

Cybersecurity Issues

Cybersecurity and internet-related crime issues are like those identified in the U.S. Travelers to Canada
should continue to practice smart internet use and guard all financial transactions.

Canada’s National Cyber Security Strategy, released in 2018, recognizes that robust cyber security is an
essential element of Canadian innovation and prosperity. The Strategy is adaptable and to account for a
continuously changing cyber landscape, introduces a new strategic direction, and defines goals to achieve
its vision of security and prosperity in the digital age.

Canada distributes cyber security operational capabilities across different departments and agencies.
Though measures are in place to ensure good communication and coordination, ambiguity concerning
roles and responsibilities and the inherent difficulty in coordinating multiple decision makers is a
problematic. The new Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (the Cyber Centre) within the Communications
Security Establishment (CSE) will address this gap as a single, unified team of government cyber security
technical experts that will be the definitive source of unique technical advice, guidance, services,
messaging and support on cyber security operational matters for government, critical infrastructure

Canada 2020 Crime & Safety Report: Calgary

owners and operations, the private sector, and the Canadian public. The Centre will also provide cyber
security expertise to support lead agencies in the delivery of their core functions, including collaborating
with the RCMP’s NC3 and its law enforcement efforts to address cybercrime.

The RCMP will establish the National Cybercrime Coordination Unit (NC3 Unit) to coordinate Canadian
police operations against cybercriminals and to establish a national mechanism for Canadians and
businesses to report cybercrimes to police. Additionally, the RCMP will also enhance its operational
capacity (e.g. investigations, intelligence, specialized technical investigative services, international
presence, and specialized cyber expertise) to take federal enforcement action against priority domestic
and international cybercrime activity.

Review OSAC’s reports, Cybersecurity Basics, Best Practices for Maximizing Security on Public Wi-Fi,
Traveling with Mobile Devices: Trends & Best Practices, and Satellite Phones: Critical or Contraband?

Transportation-Safety Situation

Road Safety and Road Conditions

Alberta’s road infrastructure remains good, with streets and highways similar to comparable cities in the
U.S. Drivers face no unusual hazards. Calgary has strict anti-jaywalking regulations and corresponding
fines, making road accidents involving pedestrians less common than in other Canadian cities.

All provinces except Ontario require drivers to keep their vehicle’s headlights on during the day. All ten
provinces have some form of cell phone/distracted driving legislation in place. Motorcycles cannot share
a lane, and safety helmets for motorcycle riders and passengers are mandatory. Running a red light is a
serious concern throughout Canada. Pause before proceeding when a light turns green. It is illegal to take
automobile radar detectors into Québec, Ontario, Manitoba, the Yukon, or the Northwest Territories,
regardless of whether they are in use. Police there may confiscate radar detectors, operational or not,
and impose substantial fines.

Winter travel can be dangerous due to heavy snowfalls and hazardous icy conditions. Quebec and British
Columbia require snow tires in the `winter. Winter conditions and wildfires may prompt the sudden
closure of highways. Provincial ministries of transport typically post closures and other alerts about road
conditions on their websites. Rocky Mountain passes are particularly susceptible to closures and
accidents.

Alcohol and cannabis related driving offenses, such as driving while intoxicated (DWI), driving while ability-
impaired, and driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or cannabis, are criminal offenses in Canada.
Penalties are heavy, and any prior conviction (no matter how old or how minor the infraction), is grounds
for exclusion from Canada. U.S. citizens with a DWI record must seek approval for rehabilitation from
Canadian authorities before travel to Canada, which requires several weeks or months to process.

Review OSAC’s reports, Road Safety Abroad, Driving Overseas: Best Practices, and Evasive Driving
Techniques; and read the State Department’s webpage on driving and road safety abroad.

Canada 2020 Crime & Safety Report: Calgary

Public Transportation Conditions

Public transportation in Calgary is safe, and similar to most public transportation systems found in the U.S.
Thefts and assaults can and do take place. Protect purses and bags while in crowds.

Aviation/Airport Conditions

Severe winter weather conditions may make air travel difficult at times. Harsh winter weather can cause
flight delays, cancelations, and re-routed flights. Remain updated on current weather conditions and the
status of individual flights when traveling during the winter, and be prepared for itinerary changes and
delays.

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Canada’s Civil Aviation
Authority as compliant with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for
oversight of Canada’s air carrier operations.

The United States conducts preclearance operations at Calgary International Airport (YYC), Edmonton
International Airport (YEG), and six other airports across Canada, more than in any other country. Canada
is the only country in the world with which the United States has signed a new Preclearance agreement
that covers all modes of transportation across the shared border.

Review OSAC’s report, Security In Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights.

Terrorism Threat

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Calgary as being a LOW-threat location for terrorism directed
at or affecting official U.S. government interests.

Canada’s Integrated Terrorism Assessment Centre (ITAC) assesses the terrorism threat in Canada to be
“Medium.” This means extremist groups and individuals located in Canada and abroad, have both the
intent and capability to carry out an act of terrorism in Canada. Such an attack could occur in Canada.
Terrorists have identified uniformed personnel as a particularly desirable target.

The issue of returning foreign fighters is an ongoing national security concern. The number of Canadian
citizens leaving to join terrorist causes decreased in 2019. Terrorism remains a threat as some of those
individuals return to Canada. 20% of these foreign terrorist fighters are female.

The Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) has publicly commented that there are international
terrorist organizations active in Canada, in part due to the porous southern border with the U.S. and
Canada’s political asylum policies.

The principal terrorist threat to Canada and Canadian interests continues to be that posed by individuals
or groups inspired by violent ideologies and terrorist groups, such as ISIS or al-Qa’ida (AQ). Fewer
Canadians are seeking to travel abroad to support groups like ISIS or AQ. A small number of individuals
maintain intentions to travel and some have made attempts. When authorities prevent travel plans, some
individuals may turn their extreme intentions to the domestic environment. Canada continues to be a

Canada 2020 Crime & Safety Report: Calgary

source country for recruitment, fundraising, and other activities that facilitate violent extremist activity
abroad. Social media also remains a key tool for individuals in Canada and abroad who wish to
communicate with other terrorists and violent extremist actors.

In the past year, individuals not formally connected to any terrorist group continued to conduct attacks.
These individuals, often inspired by other attacks, adopt terrorist methods when conducting a violent act.
Over the course of the last year, terrorist groups and their followers falsely claimed responsibility for
attacks, when in fact they had no involvement or foreknowledge of these acts. For example, in July 2018,
29-year-old Faisal Hussain opened fire in the busy Danforth neighborhood in Toronto. While law
enforcement officials confirmed that there was no terrorism nexus, ISIS falsely claimed responsibility for
the attack soon after it occurred.

Canada also continues to face threats from individuals that support terrorist groups, such as Hizb’allah.
Since the early 1980s, Hizb’allah has been responsible for, or linked to, multiple large-scale terrorist
attacks worldwide; none of these attacks have occurred in Canada.

Historical perspective: RCMP and CPS provide coverage during demonstrations in the city. Past
demonstrations have been held on a wide range of issues including local and global concerns. Protests are
typically smaller than those held in other cities across Canada and generally peaceful. A permit from the
City of Calgary is required to legally hold a protest or demonstration. Most protests in Calgary occur at the
Calgary City Hall Plaza, which is located one block from the Consulate General.

Regional terrorism and organized crime: Organized crime continued to be targeted by the Alberta Law
Enforcement Response Team (https://www.alert-ab.ca/about-alert/teams/organized-crime-and-gangs),
RCMP, and Provincial Municipal Police agencies with great success in 2019. Most groups targeted were
involved in the drug trade.

Political, Economic, Religious, and Ethnic Violence

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Calgary as being a LOW-threat location for political violence
directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.

Civil Unrest

The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees the right to protest, as well as the rights of
freedom of conscience and religion, expression, association, and peaceful assembly.

The RCMP and CPS actively monitor and control civil unrest. However, demonstrations in Calgary are
typically nonviolent. Review OSAC’s report, Surviving a Protest.

Canada 2020 Crime & Safety Report: Calgary

Religious/Ethnic Violence

Right-wing extremism (RWE) is traditionally driven by hatred and fear, and includes a range of individuals
and groups. Often coming together in online communities, right-wing extremists back a wide range of
issues and grievances, including, but not limited to anti-government and anti-law enforcement sentiment,
advocacy of white nationalism and racial separation, anti-Semitism and Islamophobia, anti-immigration,
male supremacy (misogyny), and homophobia. The threat of violence from any individuals, including
those holding extreme right-wing views, may manifest in terrorist activity or other forms of criminal
violence. However, while those espousing racism, bigotry, and misogyny may attempt to undermine the
fabric of Canadian society, ultimately, they do not usually result in threats to national security.

In Canada, individuals who hold extreme right-wing views are active online, leveraging chat forums and
online networks to exchange ideas, as opposed to openly promoting violence. These individuals leverage
online chats and forums in attempt to create an online culture of fear, hatred, and mistrust by exploiting
real or imagined concerns.

Traditionally, violence in Canada linked to the far-right has been sporadic and opportunistic. However,
attacks perpetrated by individuals who hold extreme right-wing views and other lesser-known forms of
ideological extremism can occur. A recent example is a 2018 van attack in Toronto, which resulted in the
deaths of ten people and alerted Canada to the dangers of the online “incel” movement.

Right-wing extremism is not unique to Canada. Some European RWE groups have established chapters in
Canada. Likewise, some Canadian RWE groups have far-right connections in Europe.

Anti-U.S. Sentiment

Although protest activity against U.S. government policies occurs, there is little anti-U.S. sentiment among
the Canadian populace.

Post-Specific Concerns

Environmental hazards

Two rivers (the Elbow and the Bow) converge in Calgary. Flooding is a concern in low-lying areas, including
the downtown core. In June 2013, a catastrophic flood in Calgary forced the evacuation of 75,000
residents and the temporary relocation of the U.S. Consulate. Forest fires in northern Alberta forced the
evacuation of some 90,000 residents from Fort McMurray in 2016. Avalanches can occur in the Rocky
Mountains and backcountry areas of Alberta. Visitors should check avalanche conditions and forecasts
prior to undertaking recreational activities including skiing and snowmobiling.

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change produces an hourly Air Quality Index report, with
forecasts ranging from good to moderate air quality, similar to moderately sized U.S. cities.

Critical Infrastructure

Canada 2020 Crime & Safety Report: Calgary

Public Safety Canada identifies ten sectors of critical infrastructure (i.e. Health, Food, Finance, Water,
Information and Communication Technology, Safety, Energy and Utilities, Manufacturing, Government,
and Transportation). Canada’s critical infrastructure is massive, geographically dispersed, and owned by
many different players, mostly in the private sector. Public Safety works with its partners to manage risks
and reduce vulnerabilities across these sectors. Federal, provincial, and territorial governments, together
with critical infrastructure owners/operators, share responsibility for critical infrastructure. Individuals
also have a responsibility to be prepared for disruption and ready to cope for at least the first 72 hours of
an emergency.

Canada and the United States share cross border critical infrastructure that govern the movement of
people and goods. With refineries, nuclear facilities, large manufacturing operations, and other
infrastructure located in close proximity to the border, as well as energy, critical supply and transportation
networks that cross the border, impacts from disruptions can and do cross international jurisdictions. The
Canada-United States Action Plan for Critical Infrastructure promotes resilience and an integrated
approach to critical infrastructure protection by enhancing coordination of activities and facilitating
continuous dialogue among cross-border stakeholders.

For the last decade, Alberta has consistently had the highest worker fatality rates in the country, spiking
at 166 deaths five years ago. The province revamped its workplace safety enforcement system in 2010,
including hiring more inspectors, posting company safety records online, and targeting specific industries
that are more prone to accidents. A major Canada Pacific rail line runs through downtown Calgary. Local
law enforcement and municipal/provincial authorities have prepared disaster plans in the case of a
derailment or incident that could cause a chemical or industrial spill in the downtown core.

Economic Concerns

The RCMP, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and other Canadian law enforcement agencies are
responsible for undertaking coordinated action to counter the threats posed by intellectual property
crime within Canada. The RCMP is a partner agency at the U.S. National Intellectual Property Rights
Coordination Center. In 2019, the York Regional Police charged eight individuals related to a 2018 seizure
of thousands of counterfeit goods at the Pacific Mall near Toronto. This investigation received support
from CBSA, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and the New York Police Department.

According to INTERPOL, Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) crime has confirmed links to organized crime
and terrorism. In addition to the tremendous losses to government tax revenues and the legitimate
Canadian economy, recent seizures of counterfeit goods (e.g. pharmaceuticals, electrical products, auto
parts, contaminated shampoo/food products) show that unscrupulous counterfeiters can jeopardize the
health and safety of consumers.

Canada remains the only G7 country identified in the Office of the United States Trade Representative
(USTR) 2019 Special 301 Report on IPR. Canada’s Priority Watch List standing reflects a failure to resolve
longstanding deficiencies in protection and enforcement of intellectual property. The most significant step
forward Canada has taken is its agreement to important IPR provisions in the U.S.-Mexico-Canada
Agreement (USMCA). After implementation, these commitments will substantially improve the IP
environment in Canada, including with respect to areas where there have been long-standing concerns

Canada 2020 Crime & Safety Report: Calgary

with enforcement against counterfeits, inspection of goods in transit, transparency with respect to new
geographical indications (GIs), national treatment, and copyright term.

There is relatively low risk to privacy concerns in Canada. Canada has two federal privacy laws. Oversight
of both federal Acts rests with the Privacy Commissioner of Canada, who receives and investigates
complaints.

The Privacy Act governs the personal information handling practices on some 250 federal institutions. It
limits the collection, use, sharing, and disclosure of individuals’ personal information. It also gives
individuals the right to access and request correction of personal information about themselves held by
the federal government.

The Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) applies to the collection, use,
or disclosure of personal information (e.g. age, name, ID number, ethnic origin) in the course of
commercial activity. Organizations and businesses must obtain an individual’s consent before collection,
and individuals have the right to access and challenge the accuracy of their personal information held by
an organization. PIPEDA is exempt in provinces that have similar provincial privacy legislation; Quebec,
British Columbia, and Alberta have adopted private-sector legislation deemed substantially similar to the
federal law.

Personal Identity Concerns

Police-reported hate crimes targeting sexual orientation rose 16% in 2017 (the most recent data available)
to 204 incidents. The law prohibits discrimination against LGBTI+ persons in housing, employment,
nationality laws, and access to government services, including health care, and the government enforced
the law. The law prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender
expression, and the criminal code provides penalties for crimes motivated by bias, prejudice, or hate
based on personal characteristics, including sexual orientation. There are no legal restrictions on same-
sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTI events in Canada. Review the State Department’s
webpage on security for LGBTI+ travelers.

The B’nai Brith Canada League for Human Rights received 2,041 reports of anti-Semitic incidents in 2018,
a 16% increase from 2017. There were 1,809 incidents of anti-Semitic harassment in 2018, up 28% from
2017. Quebec, for the first time, had the greatest number of anti-Semitic incidents, with more than one-
third of all occurrences in the country, despite Ontario having the largest Jewish population of any
province. Review OSAC’s report, Freedom to Practice, and the State Department’s webpage on security
for faith-based travelers.

The constitution and law prohibit discrimination against persons with physical, sensory, intellectual, and
mental disabilities, including their access to education, employment, health services, transportation, the
judicial system, and other state services. Federal and provincial governments effectively implement laws
and programs mandating access to buildings, information, and communications for persons with
disabilities, but regulation varies by jurisdiction. The federal Accessible Canada Act became law in June to
“identify, remove, and prevent” accessibility barriers in areas that fall under federal jurisdiction. Review
the State Department’s webpage on security for travelers with disabilities.

Canada 2020 Crime & Safety Report: Calgary

In 2018, over 2,000 incidents motivated by hate were reported to police, an increase of 47% over the
previous year. The increase was largely attributable to an increase in police-reported complaints
motivated by hatred of a religion or of a race or ethnicity. Hate crimes targeting the black population
represented 16% of incidents.

The overall violent victimization rate (which includes sexual assault, assault, and robbery) for indigenous
persons in 2014 was more than double the rate of nonindigenous persons.

Drug-related Crime

Canadian law prohibits trafficking of controlled substances and narcotics, including those that may be
legal to possess under the law of certain states. Even though Canada legalized the personal consumption
of recreational cannabis in 2018, Canadian law prohibits taking cannabis across Canada’s national borders,
whether you are entering or leaving Canada. Smugglers risk substantial fines, a permanent bar from
Canada, and imprisonment.

Drug use and sales are a key issue in Calgary’s downtown core. Due to the redevelopment of the city’s
East Village, drug activity in 2015 migrated to the downtown area, particularly around City Hall and the
vicinity of the U.S. Consulate. Though gang violence has increased in recent years, narcoterrorism is not a
dominant concern in Calgary. CPS has identified this as a priority and continues to target those involved
with noticeable success.

Canada is a producer of cannabis for its domestic drug market and for export to U.S.; the use of
hydroponics technology permits growers to plant large quantities of high-quality marijuana indoors.
Canada has increasing ecstasy production, some of which is destined for the U.S.

Kidnapping Threat

Kidnapping for ransom is rare. However, dozens of international parental child abductions occur each year
between the United States and Canada, with courts in both countries applying the Hague Abduction
Convention. All provinces have their own central authority, which have strong relationships with the
United States. They generally coordinate directly with the Department of State’s Office of Children’s Issues
on international child abduction cases, so the Embassy rarely becomes involved.

The National Centre for Missing Persons and Unidentified Remains is an RCMP unit that maintains a
national database for finding missing people and identifying human remains that links investigators
nationwide when their cases match. The database provides support to police, coroners, and medical
examiners and lets them compare their findings.

Review OSAC’s report, Kidnapping: The Basics.

Canada 2020 Crime & Safety Report: Calgary

Other Issues

Firearms control is stricter in Canada than in the United States. Violation of firearms restrictions may result
in prosecution and imprisonment. Visitors bringing any firearms or ammunition into Canada must declare
the firearms in writing using a Non-Resident Firearm Declaration form. Visitors planning to borrow and
use a firearm in Canada must obtain a Temporary Firearms Borrowing License in advance. You must
present these forms in triplicate and sign them in front of a CBSA officer at the border; it is not possible
to make photocopies at the border. Full details and downloadable forms are available at the Canadian
Firearms Program website, under the heading "Visitors / Non Residents." Canadian law requires that
officials confiscate any firearms, ammunition, and other weapons from persons crossing the border who
do not declare having the items in their possession. Authorities will not return confiscated firearms,
ammunition, or weapons. Inspect all belongings thoroughly prior to travel to Canada to avoid the
accidental import of firearms or ammunition. Read the State Department’s webpage on customs and
import restrictions for information on what you cannot take into or out of other countries.

In recent years, there has been an increase in random checks of electronic media of travelers entering
Canada. Canadian officials may search your computers, cell phones, and other electronic devices without
a warrant at the border and illegal content can result in the seizure of the device as well as detention,
arrest, and prosecution of the bearer.

Police Response

The emergency line in Canada is 911. Calgary Police Service (CPS) and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police
(RCMP) handle local, provincial and federal law enforcement issues in Alberta along with several other
municipal police agencies. These services are professional and responsive when addressing criminal
activity. The City of Calgary has modern emergency services along with a state-of-the-art Emergency
Operations Centre that was used during the 2013 flood. This Operations Centre greatly assisted in an
organized response from city, provincial, and federal emergency services during the crisis.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) is the national police service and an agency of the Ministry
of Public Safety Canada. RCMP is unique in that it is a national, federal, provincial, and municipal policing
body. RCMP provides a federal policing service to all Canadians and policing services under contract to
the three territories, eight provinces (all except Ontario and Quebec), more than 190 municipalities, 184
Aboriginal communities, and three international airports.

Medical Emergencies

The emergency line in Canada is 911. A high level of medical care (comparable to that in other
industrialized countries) is available throughout the country, although medical care in remote areas may
be inadequate or not meet international standards. Adequate medical care for routine minor-care medical
situations and stabilization prior to evacuation is available in remote areas. Find contact information for
available medical services and available air ambulance services on the Embassy’s Medical Assistance
webpage.

Canada 2020 Crime & Safety Report: Calgary

Hospitals generally require up-front payment by cash or credit card, up to the total of all anticipated
charges, from foreigners prior to services or treatment. Hospitals may waive up-front payment of other
than a modest deposit if they have existing cashless agreements with at least some major international
insurance providers. All hospitals provide some services free to Canadian citizens. All hospitals must
provide emergency stabilization without regard to ability to pay. The U.S. Department of State strongly
recommends purchasing international health insurance before traveling internationally. Review the State
Department’s webpage on insurance overseas.

The CDC offers additional information on vaccines and health guidance for Canada.

Review OSAC’s reports, The Healthy Way, Traveling with Medication, I’m Drinking What in My Water?,
Shaken: The Don’ts of Alcohol Abroad, Health 101: How to Prepare for Travel, and Fire Safety Abroad.

OSAC Country Council Information

There is no Country Council in Calgary. Interested private-sector security managers should contact
OSAC’s Western Hemisphere Team with any questions.

U.S. Consulate Contact Information

615 Macleod Trail SE, 10th Floor, Calgary, Alberta, T2G 4T8
Main Line: (403) 266-8962
Post Security Officer: (403) 618-8787 (c), (403) 351-7753 (o)
Regional Security Officer (coverage provided by Vancouver): (604) 642-6670
After-hour emergencies: (403) 266-8962

Other U.S. Diplomatic Posts In Canada

Embassy Ottawa, Consulate Halifax, Consulate Montreal, Consulate Québec, Consulate Toronto,
Consulate Winnipeg, Consulate Vancouver

Helpful Information

Before you travel, consider the following resources:

    •   OSAC Risk Matrix
    •   OSAC Travelers Toolkit
    •   State Department Traveler’s Checklist
    •   Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
    •   Canada Country Information Sheet