UBCM is currently engaged on a variety of issues that impact RCMP and independent police services in BC.
Current Issues
Background
In January 2015, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that the RCMP had the right to collective bargaining, similar to other members of the public service. Bill C-7 received Royal Assent in June 2017, creating a new labour relations regime for reservists and members below the rank of inspector.RCMP members subsequently approved the National Police Federation’s (NPF) request to become their sole bargaining agent. In July 2019, the NPF served federal Treasury Board with a notice to bargain, beginning the process to negotiate a collective agreement.
Status
A six-year (2017-2023) collective agreement was concluded in June 2021, and ratified by RCMP members in August. The collective agreement outlines, among other things, new base compensation and retroactive payments due to RCMP members. Retroactive to April 1, 2017, RCMP members will receive an annual base salary increase of 1.75% per year plus an annual market adjustment ranging from 1.5% - 2.5% (to address wage differences between the RCMP and other police agencies).Despite continued calls for improved communication and consultation, the federal government, as of November 2021, still has not adequately briefed its local government partners regarding details of this agreement. The collective agreement also ignores key local government concerns, including the inability to absorb large one-time costs, and the need for partners to consider ability to pay. Local governments also face uncertainty regarding a potentially large lump-sum burden, to address retroactive costs, that could come due very soon. UBCM has delivered correspondence to the federal Minister of Public Safety in support of a request made by FCM, that the federal government absorb all retroactive costs associated with the new collective agreement.
Correspondence
UBCM to Minister Marco Mendicino re RCMP Collective Agreement (Nov. 2021)
UBCM to Minister Ralph Goodale re RCMP Collective Bargaining (Nov. 2018)
Public Safety Canada to UBCM re Bill C-7 (Jan 2018)
UBCM to Public Safety Canada re Bill C-7 (Oct. 2017)
UBCM to BC Senators re Bill C-7 (Oct. 2017)
Treasury Board of Canada to UBCM re Bill C-7 (Sept. 2017)
UBCM to Ministers Goodale & Brison re Concerns with Bill C-7 (Apr. 2017)Articles
RCMP Members Ratify Collective Agreement (Aug. 2021)
RCMP Union Agrees to Tentative Deal (June 2021)
Anticipating RCMP Unionization Costs (Jan. 2021)
RCMP Unionization Update (June 2020)
RCMP Elect Bargaining Agent (July 2019)Documents
Public Safety Canada - RCMP Collective Agreement FAQ (Apr. 2022)Background
The Police Act provides the framework for the delivery of police services throughout British Columbia, including responsibilities assigned to the Province and local governments. In 2020, the Province announced its intention to review this legislation, subsequently creating the Special Committee on Reforming the Police Act (SCRPA). The SCRPA has a mandate to research and make recommendations regarding the modernization and sustainability of policing; the role of the police with respect to complex social issues; the scope of racism within BC’s police agencies; and any measures necessary to ensure legislation is consistent with UNDRIP. The Special Committee’s recommendations and final report are due by April 28, 2022.Status
In January 2021, UBCM delivered and soon after presented a submission to the SCRPA. UBCM’s submission includes 17 recommendations that seek to address support for law enforcement; public trust and accountability; responsibility and resourcing for services; efficiency and effectiveness; coordination and communication; and, ongoing engagement. The SCRPA is currently working to complete its consultation phase, during which time it has already received over 300 submissions.Although the final report of the SCRPA is not due for some time, the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General is beginning policy work on a number of its own policing priorities. The Ministry has established the Local Government Policing Modernization Roundtable (LGPMR) as a forum for local government input into this process. Once the SCRPA has completed its final report, the LGPMR’s role will be expanded to include analysis and work related to the Special Committee’s recommendations. The LGPMR will also engage with other stakeholders and roundtables on an as-needed basis.
Documents
Preliminary Local Government Input into Public Safety Modernization (Aug. 2022)
Effectively Examining BC's Police Act (UBCM Submission) (Jan. 2021)
UBCM Presentation to SCRPA (Jan. 2021)Correspondence
UBCM to SCRPA re Follow-Up Questions (Mar. 2021)
Minister Mike Farnworth to UBCM re Police Act Review (June 2020)
UBCM to Minister Mike Farnworth re Police Act Review (June 2020)Articles
Appointments to Policing Modernization Roundtable (Nov. 2021)
Police Act Special Committee Seeks Input (Mar. 2021)
UBCM Police Act Submission (Feb. 2021)Background: RCMP Auxiliary Policing
The RCMP Auxiliary Program has existed in British Columbia for over 50 years, and is governed by provincial policy, although general policy guidelines are issued by RCMP National Headquarters (Ottawa).As part of an Auxiliary Program safety review that began in 2014, the RCMP has introduced a tiered model that will allow divisions and contract partners to choose one or a mixture of tiers based on local needs and circumstances. Activities will vary depending on tier chosen, but can include public safety education, crime prevention, assisting at major events, traffic control, and/or general duty operational patrols with RCMP Members.
The new tiered model replaces the old Auxiliary Program, which was terminated in April 2020. However, Public Safety Canada has yet to come to an agreement with the provinces and territories regarding administration of the new tiered program, meaning there is currently no auxiliary policing option for RCMP-policed local governments.
Historically, the Province, UBCM and many BC local governments have opposed the new tiered program, largely due to concerns regarding the proposed uniform. UBCM has previously requested that the RCMP introduce a new uniform that visually conveys the professionalism and authority held by Auxiliary Constables. Other concerns relate to costs and training requirements.
Background: Auxiliary Policing - BC Model
Consistent with recommendations made by the UBCM Executive, the Province has begun work on developing a BC-only auxiliary policing program. This has entailed creating a working group, with UBCM and local government participation, to develop a vision, goals and direction for a new auxiliary program; provide advice on key deliverables (e.g. stakeholder engagement); review policy options and make recommendations; and, provide feedback regarding key components of a new program. UBCM has been advised that creating and operationalizing this program could take upwards of 18-24 months, and would require legislative amendments.Status
The UBCM Executive’s position is to accept the temporary implementation of the new federal Auxiliary Program, to ensure some form of auxiliary policing is available in BC while the long-term solution, a provincial auxiliary program, is under development.Correspondence
Province of BC to Affected Mayors re Auxiliary Policing Options (June 2020)
Minister Mike Farnworth to UBCM re Options for Auxiliary Policing (May 2020)
UBCM to Minister Mike Farnworth re Options for Auxiliary Policing (Mar. 2020)
Minister Mike Farnworth to UBCM re Auxiliary Program (Aug. 2019)
UBCM to Minister Mike Farnworth re Auxiliary Program (July 2019)
UBCM to Minister Mike Farnworth re Auxiliary Uniform (Apr. 2019)
RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki to UBCM re Auxiliary Uniform (Nov. 2018)
UBCM to RCMP re Auxiliary Uniform (Aug. 2018)Articles
Input Sought on Auxiliary Policing Options (June 2021)
BC Considering Auxiliary Policing Options (July 2020)Background
UBCM and its members have consistently requested that the provincial government analyze and review its resource commitment to provincial policing. The Province’s insufficient resourcing level has left local governments indirectly paying a disproportionate share of front line policing costs.Status
In addition to formally requesting additional provincial policing resources, UBCM has raised this issue as part of its 2021 submission to the Special Committee on Reforming the Police Act:Over the past decade, UBCM and its members have expressed concerns, through endorsed resolutions, correspondence, and in-person meetings with MLAs, with the lack of increase in provincial policing resources. This issue is especially troublesome in integrated detachments that support local and provincial police units. In these detachments, police officers paid for by local governments are subsidizing the provincial share of policing costs by covering for the shortfall in provincially funded police officers. The Special Committee is asked to ensure that resourcing needs are determined using up-to-date needs analysis methodologies that take into account local service needs.
Over the past year, the Province has approved 40 additional provincial policing resources. This includes 28 new officers added to provincial detachment units, and 12 positions as part of a new Provincial Support Team. Despite these new resources, many local governments remain concerned regarding the staffing level of the provincial police force.
Correspondence
Minister Mike Farnworth to UBCM re Prov. Policing Resources (Oct. 2018)
UBCM to Minister Mike Farnworth re Prov. Policing Resources (Sept. 2018)Background
The Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General is developing a transition evaluation framework in order to evaluate requests from local governments seeking to transition to an independent police force. UBCM and the RCMP Local Government Contract Management Committee (LGCMC) were identified as stakeholders, and have delivered submissions to the Province that note key considerations, and potential impacts on local governments. This framework is being developed as the City of Surrey seeks to implement a new police service to replace the RCMP.In February 2020, the provincial government authorized the creation of the Surrey Police Service (SPS). The Province has also established a new Surrey Policing Transition Trilateral Committee (SPTTC) to support, negotiate and implement a phased transition from the RCMP to an independent police force. This phased transition will involve a duel force operating until a full complement of SPS officers are hired and able to serve the community.
Status
As the beginning of the phased transition approaches, with the first 50 officers expected to be seconded to the Surrey RCMP in November 2021, many contract partners have sought a better understanding of projected impacts on staffing, services and overall policing costs (e.g. divisional administration, national programs, etc.). In response to these requests, the Province has provided a more thorough update (see November 2021 article below) examining milestones, next steps and potential impacts of the Surrey Policing Transition.Correspondence
PSSG to UBCM re Surrey Policing Transition (July 2021)
UBCM to PSSG re Financial Impacts of Surrey Police Transition (June 2021)
PSSG to UBCM re Surrey Police Board (Aug. 2020)
Minister Mike Farnworth to UBCM re Transition Evaluation Framework (Sept. 2019)
Minister Mike Farnworth to LGCMC re Transition Evaluation Framework (Sept. 2019)
UBCM to Minister Mike Farnworth re Transition Evaluation Framework (Aug. 2019)
LGCMC to Minister Mike Farnworth re Transition Evaluation Framework (Aug. 2019)
PSSG to UBCM re Transition Evaluation Framework (May 2019)Articles
Provincial Update on Surrey Policing Transition (Nov. 2021)