Earlier this summer, the Local Government RCMP Contract Management Committee met with representatives from the provincial government and BC RCMP to discuss issues related to the Municipal Police Unit Agreements, and policing more broadly in British Columbia. Key issues discussed at the meeting are summarized in this article.
Next Generation 911
The Committee received an update regarding the implementation of Next Generation 911 (NG911) in British Columbia, including:
- The process for regional districts to sign new Local Government Authority (LGA) service agreements with the service provider, TELUS;
- Meetings hosted by the Province to provide more information on the transition, receive input, and answer questions; and,
- GeoBC’s work to support new local government GIS requirements.
LGCMC members raised a variety of concerns related to the transition, and the process to sign new LGA service agreements.
The CRTC’s deadline for telecommunications companies to have NG911 infrastructure in place is March 4, 2025, although many stakeholders, including the Province, have requested that an extension be granted.
Contract Management Committee update
The LGCMC received an update from the Province regarding the June 2024 Contract Management Committee (CMC) meeting.
Roundtable discussion: The CMC co-chair shared collective issues on behalf of provinces and territories, including concerns related to vacancies, cost containment, and the importance of receiving direction from the federal government regarding the future of RCMP contract policing. BC’s local government representative noted concerns that the federal government did not fulfil its commitment to share draft documents related to the assessment of contract policing. They also re-iterated that local governments continue to seek improved opportunities to provide input towards key issues, such as collective bargaining and body worn cameras.
RCMP National Headquarters representatives reported that they are on a positive trajectory for recruitment and demand. They are also forming an internal group in anticipation of negotiations of the next Police Service Agreements.
Public Safety Canada’s Assistant Deputy Minister advised that pressure on police resources is increasing as their duties expand, and that alternative or innovative service models may play a role in the future. With the increased cost of policing, contract partners and the RCMP should be focusing on measures to ensure program sustainability (e.g., technology, tiered policing) rather than cost containment.
Federal policing & future of contract policing: The federal Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs recently wrote to provincial and territorial ministers outlining his vision for a Federal Policing Program that will be distinct from the RCMP’s contract policing mandate. Some CMC members questioned this decision, given the ongoing concerns with the RCMP’s ability to meet the current demand of both federal and contract policing.
Correspondence also noted the federal government’s commitment to engaging in renegotiation of the PSAs beyond 2032. To date, no government—federal, provincial, or territorial—has sought or secured a mandate to enter into negotiations for new PSAs. However, given upcoming provincial and federal elections, negotiations may not begin until 2025/26. The federal government has committed $21 million in funding over five years to support police model transitions and the negotiation of new PSAs.
- Policing transitions: Representatives from Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, Alberta and BC shared information related to policing transitions in their jurisdictions. All speakers noted the importance of engagement with communities and policing partners, while acknowledging the destabilizing impact policing transitions have on police agencies and their members. The RCMP advised that they have created a transition team to support current and future police model transitions, noting the complexity and time required to complete this work.
- Recruitment and Vacancies: RCMP NHQ representatives delivered a presentation on recruitment objectives, including filling troops at Depot Division, reducing processing times, increasing retention within the recruitment process, and representing the communities served by the RCMP. Applicant processing times are currently taking 180 days, with the target goal of three months. Depot Division is running 40 troops, and the RCMP is seeking funding for an increase to 50 troops to meet demand and attrition.
- Cadet Recruitment Allowance (CRA): The RCMP is exploring the possibility of increasing the CRA from $520/week to $1,200/week, which would be in alignment with many police agencies in Canada; and, targeting fall 2024 for implementation. The RCMP estimates the financial impact per FTE to be $401 in fiscal year 2025/26, $822 in 2026/27, and increasing to $1336 in 2028/29. Contract partners, including CMC local government representatives, have expressed concerns with these proposed changes, notably due to the potential for increased costs and uncertainty over the effectiveness of the proposed policy change.
- Local Government Costs: The Association of Manitoba Municipalities delivered a presentation on the financial impacts of policing on local governments. The presentation examined policing as one of many cost pressures local governments are struggling to manage. It also included recommendations for improved communication with local governments, federal funding for body worn cameras, and the application of a cost containment lens when new policing programs and policy changes are under consideration.
Any local governments receiving RCMP policing services that wish to receive more comprehensive information regarding CMC discussion items may email Bhar Sihota, UBCM Senior Policy Analyst, to request a copy of the national Contract Management Committee’s Records of Discussion.
Assessment of RCMP contract policing
An update was provided regarding Public Safety Canada’s (PSC’s) assessment of RCMP contract policing. PSC released its “What We Heard” report on May 27. LGCMC members discussed PSC’s reluctance to share the draft report with local governments, despite sharing it with other contract partners months before the document was released. The UBCM LGCMC Co-Chair stated that the manner in which the report was withheld from local governments was disrespectful, and that it could negatively impact future engagement.
Collective bargaining update
The LGCMC received an update on collective bargaining, delivered by BC RCMP representatives. The discussion focused on the April 2024 decision issued by an independent arbitrator, which awarded RCMP Members below the rank of Inspector and Reservists a 4% annual salary increase for two years, as well as a $2,500 one-time allowance. The Collective Agreement was signed soon after and is now in effect. The Agreement expires on March 31, 2025, although the National Police Federation can give notice to bargain for the next Collective Agreement as early as December 2024. It was noted that Commissioned (non-unionized) Members will receive a similar increase.
Auxiliary Program Update
BC RCMP representatives provided an update on their new Auxiliary Program, which officially launched in April 2024. There is an expectation that by the end of this calendar year, Tier 3 Auxiliaries should be operational in BC. In response to questions about communities where the Program has not been established, it was noted that if any local governments feel that their detachment is not supportive of the Program, they can reach out directly to the BC RCMP.
In response to an LGCMC question about differences in provincial funding for communities above or below 5,000 in population, the Province clarified that that it will provide implementation funding regardless of the size of a community, or whether its Auxiliary Program is operating out of a provincial or municipal RCMP detachment.
Body Worn Cameras
The BC RCMP provided an update on the implementation of body worn cameras (BWCs), noting that the contract was recently finalized by all parties. The projected cost of BWCs currently remains under the $3,000 per FTE utilization cost previously established by the federal government. The initial BC locations for rollout will include Tofino, Mission, Cranbrook (including the City and BC Highway Patrol), Kamloops, and Prince George. BC RCMP representatives also confirmed that support staff will be provided at the Divisional level to conduct transcription, redaction and other services at no additional cost.
In response to questions raised about Crown disclosure requirements across different Court regions in BC, and potential impacts on timely disclosure and workload, the BC RCMP advised that it has a disclosure MOU with the BC Prosecution Service, and that this issue will be raised at the Crown/Police Liaison Committee.
RCMP Recruitment and Vacancies
BC RCMP representatives noted that E Division has seen a net increase in the number of Members in the Division for the first time in four years. This result is being attributed in part to recent recruitment efforts and strategies. Overall, BC is receiving approximately 35% of Cadets from Depot Division, and contributing the bulk of recruits.
Vacancies remain a challenge in rural and unincorporated areas, and the BC RCMP continues to work with the Province to identify and manage these areas. Committee members discussed the need to address these issues through the Province’s investment into the Safer Communities Action Plan.
Other strategies and programs that were discussed included the Flexible Posting Agreement, Experienced Police Officer Program, Diverse and Inclusive Candidate Experience, and a new Indigenous youth program.
Major events and operational initiatives: Impacts on local governments
The BC RCMP provided an update on several major events and operational issues, including wildfire support, protests, Indigenous policing, and gang violence.
Surrey transition
Provincial representatives provided a status update on the Surrey Police Model Transition. Following the court decision upholding legislative amendments that require Surrey to be policed by its municipal police agency, the Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General has set November 29, 2024, as the date when the Surrey Police Service will become the police of jurisdiction. After November 29, the RCMP will remain active in Surrey, providing temporary transition support during the transition period.
LGCMC members continued to raise previously stated local government concerns regarding the hiring impacts of the policing transition on other communities and police agencies. Provincial representatives noted that hiring is being monitored for impacts, the transition will continue to be gradual, and the Minister’s expectation that the RCMP will prioritize vacancies within BC when Members are released from the Surrey RCMP.
Committee members also sought additional information regarding the Surrey Police Service’s hiring plan, which includes adding 135 experienced officers this calendar year. Provincial representatives noted that the experienced officers previously hired have come from a variety of BC police agencies, the RCMP, and other police agencies across Canada; and, that this hiring trend is expected to continue.
Following feedback received from the LGCMC, the Province has drafted a Divisional Administration backgrounder, which was subsequently shared with the UBCM membership.