On June 8, 2022 the RCMP Local Government Contract Management Committee met with provincial government and RCMP representatives 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.
RCMP Labour Relations Update
Committee members received an update on the RCMP Collective Agreement, including recent meetings between Public Safety Canada (PSC) and BC local governments. These meetings provided an opportunity to convey local government concerns, as well as re-iterate the request that the federal government absorb all retroactive costs. PSC has advised that the billing process for retroactive costs will be paused until the federal government makes a final decision regarding this matter. The first Collective Agreement is set to expire on March 31, 2023.
Police Act / Special Committee Final Report
The LGCMC discussed the Special Committee final report, which is significant in scope and will require time for the Province and local governments to analyze. Local governments, through the Local Government Policing Modernization Roundtable, will be providing input to the Province.
Provincial Auxiliary Program Update
The Province continues to work with UBCM, RCMP, and a working group of local government representatives on this issue. LGCMC members re-emphasized the importance of having an Auxiliary Program in place even if it is on a temporary basis, while parties continue to work on a long-term solution.
Surrey Police Transition
To date, there are 85 Surrey Police Service (SPS) officers assigned into the Surrey RCMP Municipal Police Unit. With the potential departure of Surrey RCMP Members, an impact on shared RCMP administration costs is anticipated. The Province has sought information from PSC on the financial impacts to assist local government planning.
RCMP Initiatives/Updates
RCMP representatives provided information regarding the following key issues:
- Regular member demand / vacancies – E Division continues to work with the Province to determine a comprehensive understanding of vacancies across the 125 detachments. To manage vacancies, RCMP are utilizing reserve constables and the Provincial Support Team.
- Body worn cameras – The RCMP advised that in addition to the national project team, the Division has established a project team in preparation for the implementation of body worn cameras. The estimated cost per member is approximately $3,000.
- Major operational issues / initiatives – The RCMP provided an update on current issues across BC, including protests and gang violence.