During the summer, the Local Government RCMP Contract Management Committee (LGCMC) met with provincial government and B.C. RCMP representatives to discuss issues related to the Municipal Police Unit Agreements (MPUAs), and policing more broadly in British Columbia. Issues discussed at the meeting are summarized in this article.
Keep of Prisoners Program
Following the work of a provincial steering committee, a pilot project has been developed to address issues related to housing and transporting prisoners from remote locations to their court appearances. This pilot project is running in 10 hub locations in B.C., primarily in northern areas where issues are much more prevalent and there are fewer opportunities to house individuals awaiting court appearances. Individuals are supervised by a minimum of two B.C. Corrections staff members while in custody. It is anticipated that this new process will provide more time for RCMP Members to perform their core duties. The Province and RCMP advised that local governments involved in the pilot project will not incur any costs.
Cost Recovery
The Province and RCMP have been responding to a request from a UBCM member regarding cost recovery in situations where municipal staff members are performing work that falls outside their mandated duties. RCMP representatives advised that they have been meeting with the affected local government to address the community-specific issues. More broadly, the RCMP and Province have been working on a guidance document that outlines how local governments can work within the Municipal Police Unit Agreement framework to resolve these types of issues.
Collective Bargaining
RCMP representatives provided an update on the process to finalize the third RCMP Collective Bargaining Agreement. It was noted that the RCMP has included a non-contractual planning estimate in local governments’ Multi-Year Financial Plans (MYFPs). It was also noted that negotiated salary increases or those imposed through third-party arbitration could result in increases below or above the planning rate. Local governments are encouraged to build contingencies into their financial plans above what is included in MYFPs, to mitigate potential fluctuations in negotiated rates or the possibility of arbitration.
Parties are currently involved in mediation, RCMP representatives advised. The third Collective Agreement is expected to be finalized by the end of 2026. LGCMC members expressed a desire for the RCMP’s sick leave provisions to be amended through the collective bargaining process.
It was also noted that UBCM has delivered formal correspondence to the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat on several occasions, seeking a meeting to discuss B.C. local government priorities pertaining to collective bargaining. The federal government has not provided a formal response. Currently, the federal Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat is only providing updates to the national Contract Management Committee. This information is shared through The Compass. LGCMC members discussed opportunities for further outreach and advocacy to ensure local government priorities are adequately considered.
Implementation of Body Worn Cameras
RCMP representatives provided an update on the implementation of body worn cameras (BWCs) in B.C. The RCMP temporarily deployed 1,600 cameras in support of the FIFA World Cup 2026 while piloting a new feature, Axon Assistant, which provides in-field translation services in up to 50 languages. Following the World Cup, RCMP plans to resume implementation. Approximately 1,800 cameras are still to be deployed.
Unique disclosure requirements in B.C. lead to issues such as: the manner in which files are transferred between RCMP and the B.C. Prosecution’s digital evidence management systems, the high volume of work, and current capacity of the divisional support unit.
Detachments have been advised that if they are unable to wait for the Division to review and process footage, they have the option of processing the footage themselves. This is optional and at the discretion of Detachments. Committee members have noted concerns about the additional burden this would put on Detachments and local governments that choose to absorb these duties. RCMP continues to work with BC Prosecution Services and policing partners to address these issues.
Auxiliary Program
As of summer 2026, there were 17 Detachments across four districts engaged in the new Auxiliary Program. 110 applicants are enrolled in B.C. Tier 1 is operational and the first group of Auxiliaries completed their training earlier this year. Tier 2 and Tier 3 are expected to be ready before the end of the year. Any communities seeking to participate are asked to contact their Detachment Commander.
RCMP Recruitment and Vacancies
RCMP noted the following related to recruitment and vacancies:
- Assistant Commissioner Adam Palmer has been appointed to oversee recruitment and transformation.
- RCMP has developed a recruitment process whereby one-third of BC-based Cadets are being processed in E Division before heading to Depot Division for training. This has reduced the processing timeline.
- There are currently 37 active applications for the Experienced Officer Program.
- E Division has a location-specific recruitment effort underway whereby applicants are recruited from certain locations that they will return to for their post. It is anticipated this could help certain rural and remote areas.
LGCMC members expressed appreciation for the work being done to address the demand for officers in British Columbia.
Major Events & Operational Issues – Impacts on Local Governments
RCMP representatives discussed various protests taking place across B.C.; summer wildfire activity; collaboration with Canadian Border Services to remove individuals from Canada that have stayed beyond their VISA authorization; and ongoing collaboration with other jurisdictions as part of the Extortion Taskforce.
2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup
The World Cup was not designated as a Major Event under the Police Service Agreements, leaving the responsibility for this event to the Province, though the federal government did provide $100 million to support policing related safety and security. Local governments will not face additional costs beyond those associated with local events. It was also clarified that, consistent with the Police Service Agreements, local governments will not be reimbursed for any overtime costs associated with the World Cup.
Committee members raised questions regarding how redeployment decisions are being made to accommodate the additional demand for RCMP Members. RCMP representatives advised that they review a number of factors, and ultimately will not draw down below what the local Detachment Commanders identify as the minimum staffing level. The Police Service Agreements also outline limitations on how many members can be redeployed in these types of situations.
RCMP Pistol Procurement
RCMP is transitioning to a new pistol. The existing firearm is outdated and oversight bodies have raised concerns about the need for a new model. A new model has now been selected, and it is anticipated that it will take upwards of three years to for the staggered roll out to be completed. The firearm and training (estimated at 3-4 days) will cost approximately $1,760 per officer.
2026 Census and Impact on RCMP Policing
The Canadian Census is the basis for determining population as it relates to policing responsibility in B.C. The 2026 Census is underway, with results expected in 2027. The Province is actively monitoring population trends, and will engage with local governments that may be in a position to surpass the 5,000 or 15,000 population thresholds, as well as any communities that may fall below one of the thresholds. Provincial representatives clarified that once Census results are released, the Province will work with affected local governments and the RCMP on what resources will be required.
Future of RCMP Contract Policing
The Committee discussed the status of Police Service Agreement negotiations with the federal government, which remain a top priority for all impacted provinces, territories and local government associations. While the federal Minister of Public Safety has verbally acknowledged Canada’s intention to engage in negotiations, contract partners continue to wait for a formal federal mandate to negotiate. Discussions will not begin until the mandate is finalized.
Local governments seeking to discuss any of these issues with UBCM, the Province or B.C. RCMP are asked to contact Bhar Sihota, UBCM Senior Policy Analyst.