Last month, 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
The Province advised that it intends to bring forward an update at the next LGCMC meeting regarding the Keep of Prisoners program, and issues related to prisoners attending court proceedings outside the area where they are being held. Committee members raised the need to re-visit the Keep of Prisoners funding framework, as local governments are not being compensated for the full cost associated with their duties.
Municipal Detention Guards
Legislative changes introduced in 2024 have expanded the authority of the Independent Investigations Office of B.C. to oversee all detention guards. In response to these changes, an LGCMC member raised the need to update associated RCMP policies related to roles and responsibilities; and, to provide additional information regarding the investigation process. RCMP representatives advised that the B.C. RCMP is in the process of developing training, communications materials, and other information for detention guards.
Decriminalization Update
Provincial representatives provided an update on British Columbia’s return to a pre-decriminalization state for police including:
- timeline of updates to police and health officials, as well as education related to harm reduction services operating in the current legal context
- feedback received from a policing working group; and
- ongoing issues related to enforcement.
Local government representatives asked that the Province and RCMP increase communication, publicly set expectations, and prioritize public education as part of the return to a pre-decriminalization state. This request was subsequently shared with provincial partners to inform ongoing communications regarding the updated policy transition.
Collective Bargaining Update
As part of a short update, the B.C. RCMP reminded the LGCMC of the non-contractual planning estimate for local governments, while noting that salary increases for police are trending above the national inflation rate. The National Police Federation, the union representing affected RCMP Members, and Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat, the employer, have recently concluded their seventh bargaining session, with another session scheduled for the beginning of April.
Local government representatives expressed concerns regarding the RCMP’s current sick leave policy and emphasized the importance of examining this issue as part of the collective bargaining process.
Implementation of Body Worn Cameras
RCMP representatives provided an update on the implementation of body worn cameras (BWCs) in British Columbia. Currently, BWCs have been implemented in 91 detachments, which is approximately 49% of all sites. 1,643 BWCs have been deployed to 46% of eligible B.C. RCMP Members. This month, BWCs will be rolled out for the B.C. Highway Patrol standalone units. This will be followed by a short break in the regular roll out as the RCMP shifts its focus to support demand for BWCs for the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup. The regular rollout will resume in September.
The RCMP are working with Crown Counsel and policing partners to address issues related to the unique disclosure requirements in B.C. The transcription and redaction support staff workload of the divisional support unit is also being reviewed. In response to a question about the amount of time it takes for the divisional support unit to complete its duties, RCMP representatives advised that while there is a prioritization system, most routine work typically takes 20-40 days (in alignment with standards set by Crown Counsel).
Local government representatives emphasized the importance of early notice and forecasting costs for contract partners. This is especially important for any unanticipated cost increases that may be associated with new BWC tools or software.
Auxiliary Program Update
The LGCMC discussed concerns regarding the ongoing delays in receiving national approval for the use of force training that is a prerequisite for implementation of the Auxiliary Program at the highest (Tier 3) level. Despite this barrier, some detachments have started to move forward at the Tier 1 level. There are currently 16 detachments participating. Other communities seeking to participate are asked to contact their Detachment Commander.
Divisional Administration Costs
RCMP representatives provided an overview of RCMP Divisional Administration costs, including factors that may be driving increases. Historically, administration, Health Services and Special Leave each represented an equal share of the total cost. This has changed over the years, where Special Leave now accounts for 55% of the total amount of Divisional Administration costs.
The LGCMC was advised that, for the coming year, Divisional Administration is forecasted to be $46,000. This puts British Columbia near the middle of the range among provinces and territories.
Local government representatives stressed the importance of containing these costs, which have increased substantially over the past 10-15 years.
RCMP Recruitment and Vacancies
The B.C. RCMP highlighted several notable statistics and developments related to recruitment and vacancies:
- B.C. has received 240 cadets so far during this fiscal year;
- E Division’s recruitment pilot project began on February 1, allowing the B.C. RCMP to manage recruitment in B.C. from start to finish;
- Former VPD Chief Constable Adam Palmer has been hired to further improve RCMP recruitment, including through shortening the process to six months;
- The Province has fulfilled its commitment to add 256 new Provincial Police Service Members and 80 Public Service Employees; and
- The Surrey police model transition is on pace to conclude as planned. As of March 13, there are approximately 200 Regular Members left from the former Surrey detachment.
LGCMC members appreciated the Province’s efforts to bring the Provincial Police Service to its Authorized Strength of 2602 through the $230 million investment. Committee members also discussed the process of budgeting for new police officers.
Major Events & Operational Issues – Impacts on Local Governments
RCMP representatives discussed the 2025 wildfire season, and preparation for the 2026 season; the progress made by the extortion task force; and ongoing efforts to monitor protests.
2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup
The LGCMC was advised that the B.C. RCMP continues to plan for a significant uptick in visitors to all areas of the province. While local governments remain responsible for any events they choose to plan, the RCMP will try to have backup support available if necessary.
The RCMP has received a commitment letter from the Province to draw on resources from outside E Division. There is a need for an estimated 800 RCMP Members from outside B.C. to manage FIFA Men’s World Cup responsibilities without impacting core operations.
Future of RCMP Contract Policing
Provincial representatives provided a status update on the future of RCMP contract policing, beginning with the federal government’s intention to seek a negotiation mandate. Contract partners are still waiting for a formal federal mandate. It was noted that previous Police Service Agreements took seven years to negotiate, and that there are only six years until the current agreements expire.
LGCMC members raised the need to amend the cost-share framework to provide more relief to local governments. Members also raised the importance of directly involving local governments as part of any negotiation process that might take place.
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.