UBCM is currently engaged on a variety of issues that impact RCMP policing and municipal police agencies in B.C.
Current Issues
View recent articles published in The Compass about policing.
The Police Act provides the framework for the delivery of police services in B.C., including responsibilities assigned to the Province and local governments. In 2020, the Province announced its intention to review this legislation, subsequently creating the all-party Special Committee on Reforming the Police Act (SCRPA). The SCRPA's final report was released in April 2022, and included 11 recommendations to modernize policing and public safety in B.C. UBCM provided input through a 2021 submission that included 17 recommendations addressing support for support for law enforcement; public trust and accountability; responsibility and resourcing for services; efficiency and effectiveness; coordination and communication; and, ongoing engagement.
Following the release of the SCRPA final report, the Province developed a three phase review process. The Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General also established the Local Government Policing Modernization Roundtable (LGPMR), which is a mechanism for local governments to provide input throughout the Police Act and public safety review. It is also a forum for local government priorities and concerns to be raised as part of broader work to research policing issues, explore options and advise on courses of action. The LGPMR is co-chaired by the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General (PSSG) and UBCM, and includes 15 local government members.
In April 2024, as part of phase one of this process, the Province introduced the Police Amendment Act. Following phase two discussions, which took place last year, the LGPMR is currently awaiting next steps regarding future work. All LGPMR discussions are covered under a confidentiality agreement.
Articles
Appointments Open for Policing Modernization Roundtable (May 2024)
Province Introduces Police Act Amendments (Apr. 2024)
Appointments to Policing Modernization Roundtable (Mar. 2023)
UBCM Submission on Public Safety Reform (Sept. 2022)
Legislative Committee Delivers Policing Recommendations (May 2022)
Appointments to Policing Modernization Roundtable (Nov. 2021)
Police Act Special Committee Seeks Input (Mar. 2021)
UBCM Police Act Submission (Feb. 2021)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)
In April 2024, an independent arbitrator awarded RCMP Members below the rank of Inspector and Reservists a 4% salary increase per year for two years, as well as a one-time allowance of $2,500 related to the performance of regular duties. This decision is the result of a binding arbitration process pursued to resolve outstanding collective bargaining issues, including compensation. The new compensation framework was included in the RCMP's second collective agreement, which expired on April 1, 2025. RCMP Commissioned Officers (rank of Inspector and above) also received a salary increase from the federal government that was structured similarly to the compensation framework awarded to unionized Members.
Local governments have been seeking opportunities for improved engagement, including a chance to share priorities and key concerns in advance of negotiations, when discussions can occur more freely. In August 2024, the federal government independently developed a confidential survey for consideration by contract partners, including local governments. Based on the input provided by the Local Government RCMP Contract Management Committee and the two B.C. local governments that responded to the survey, a UBCM submission was developed summarizing key priorities.
UBCM's President also wrote to the federal government, requesting a meeting with the Treasury Board of Canada Chief Negotiator, to discuss the third round of collective bargaining and re-iterate B.C. local government priorities and concerns. The federal government has not provided a formal response, although it has since indicated, via email, that discussions are only to take place at the national Contract Management Committee table and under the direction of Public Safety Canada.
Prior to the third round of negotiations, local governments received a new planning rate (i.e. non-contractual estimate) in their multi-year financial plans, to assist in planning for the impacts associated with collective bargaining. The planning rate is the same as was included in preparation for the second collective agreement. Negotiated salary increases or those imposed through third party arbitration could result in increases below or above the planning rate. If B.C. local governments wish to build contingencies that are higher than those included in their multi-year financial plans into their financial planning processes to mitigate potential fluctuations in negotiated rates or the possibility of arbitration, they are encouraged to do so.
The National Police Federation, the union representing RCMP Members below the rank of Inspector and reservists, submitted a notice to bargain in December 2024. As of April 2025, discussions have yet to take place, owing in part to the federal election.Correspondence
UBCM to Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat re Third Round of Collective Bargaining (Dec. 2024)
UBCM to Mayors, Chairs & CAOs of RCMP-Policed Communities re Opportunity to Discuss Collective Agreement (Apr. 2022)
UBCM to Public Safety Canada & RCMP re Billing & Collection of Retroactive Payments (Mar. 2022)
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
Salary Increases for RCMP Commissioned Officers (Sept. 2024)
Second RCMP Collective Agreement Ratified (Sept. 2024)
Arbitrator's Decision Sets RCMP Pay (Apr. 2024)
Canada and RCMP Union Proceeding to Arbitration (Mar. 2024)
RCMP Retroactive Costs for Small Communities (Aug. 2023)
Collective Bargaining for Second RCMP Collective Agreement (June 2023)
Extension Granted for RCMP Retroactive Cost Payment (Apr. 2023)
Local Governments to Pay RCMP Retroactive Costs (Apr. 2023)
Update on RCMP Collective Agreement (Mar. 2023)
Update on RCMP Retroactive Costs (Aug. 2022)
Collective Agreement Concerns Conveyed (May. 2022)
Salary Increases for RCMP Commissioned Officers (Apr. 2022)
Public Safety Canada, RCMP to Discuss Collective Agreement (Apr. 2022)
FAQ on RCMP Retroactive Costs (Apr. 2022)
Update on RCMP Collective Agreement (Feb. 2022)
UBCM Seeks Federal Action on Policing Costs (Nov. 2021)
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 - Second RCMP Collective Agreement (July 2024)
Public Safety Canada - RCMP Collective Agreement FAQ (Apr. 2022)Following an Auxiliary Program safety review that began in 2014, the RCMP has introduced a new 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. In April 2020, owing to the creation of this new tiered model, the legacy Auxiliary Constable Program was terminated.
In early 2023, an MOU was signed by the Province and B.C. RCMP. Both sides agreed to implement the new Auxiliary Program at the highest level available (Tier 3), applicable province-wide where the RCMP is the police agency of jurisdiction.
The Province has set aside a budget to absorb costs associated with implementation of the program, including insurance, training, uniforms, and medical expenses. Local governments that implement the new Auxiliary Program will be responsible for all ongoing costs associated with operations. These local governments will also be able to request new Auxiliaries on an annual basis, with the Province acting as final decisionmaker based in part on available funding and other requirements.
The new Tier 3 Auxiliary Program soft launched in B.C. on September 6, 2023. As part of the soft launch, the B.C. RCMP commenced a process to recruit and train those who had been part of the legacy program. The full launch of the Auxiliary Program took place on April 3, 2024. Other interested individuals are now able to apply to become Auxiliaries.
The UBCM Executive has previously endorsed a motion seeking the temporary implementation of the new Auxiliary Program at the Tier 3 level, while also requesting that a BC-only program be established. This motion reflects the important role that Auxiliaries play in many BC communities that rely on their services to address seasonal demands, events, and other enforcement needs; as well as the long-term objective of implementing a provincial program that meets the needs of BC local governments.
Articles
B.C.'s New Auxiliary Program Has Started (May 2024)
New Auxiliary Program (Feb. 2023)
RCMP Auxiliary Program Update (Sept. 2021)
Input Sought on Auxiliary Policing Options (June 2021)
BC Considering Auxiliary Policing Options (July 2020)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)In June 2020, the Prime Minister and RCMP Commissioner offered their support to equipping officers with body worn cameras (BWC), with the intent to increase transparency, accountability and trust in police.
While the federal government originally committed $238.5 million towards funding this initiative for the first three years following implementation, it eventually revised its position and only offered funding until April 2024 regardless of when implementation occurred. As a result, B.C. local governments will assume financial responsibility for BWC at the applicable cost-share rate upon implementation in their communities. The billing methodology will see BWC related costs billed at a per capita rate, to be calculated after each fiscal year. The billing formula captures the three main BWC costs: cameras, digital evidence management system, and support.
The RCMP has confirmed that costs will be reduced to a projected rate of $1,640 per FTE for the 2024/25 fiscal year. Contract partners will only face costs for 2024/25 if cameras are implemented in their detachments prior to the end of the fiscal year (March 31, 2025). For those that do receive BWCs in 2024/25, costs will be pro-rated based on implementation timelines and the ratio of cameras received in each jurisdiction. Communities will not be billed for any surplus cameras beyond what is required. The RCMP’s BWC multi-year plan indicates that the cost will remain under the initial $3,000 per FTE estimate for the first three years. However, the federal government has advised that this cost will rise throughout the duration of the six-year contract, and will likely exceed $3,000 per FTE at some point. The total cost for contract partners includes all redaction, transcription and translation duties, which will be completed by divisional support staff.
On November 23, 2024, E Division began implementation with a small group of priority (‘Wave Zero’) sites, including Tofino/Ahousaht, Mission, Cranbrook (City and B.C. Highway Patrol), Kamloops and Prince George. These Wave Zero sites received approximately 300 cameras as part of the initial phase of deployment. As part of the national deployment, the RCMP expects 50% of frontline members to receive cameras by the end of the 2024/25 fiscal year. National deployment is expected to be completed by early 2026.
Articles
Phased Implementation of RCMP Body Worn Cameras (Dec. 2024)
RCMP Body Worn Cameras Nearing Implementation (Apr. 2024)
Update on Body Worn Cameras (Dec. 2023)
Update on Federal Decision on BWC Costs (Aug. 2023)Correspondence
UBCM to Minister Marco Mendicino re Implementation of Body Worn Cameras (Dec. 2021)In 2022, the federal government began an assessment of RCMP contract policing, consistent with a request in the mandate letter for the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs. The review period was also marked by uncertainty regarding Canada's future mandate for contract policing beyond 2032, and whether it would seek to negotiate new Police Services Agreements (PSAs). In response, Minister Dominic LeBlanc delivered correspondence (in June 2024), committing to work with provinces and territories on the renegotiation of the PSAs.
The letter from Minister LeBlanc also advised of the federal government’s intention to improve federal policing by making it separate and distinct from contract policing. This would involve the federal policing program receiving its own dedicated funding, resources and RCMP Members. This response came after recent reports indicated that federal policing was being compromised by, among other things, competing demands from contract policing.
Following these actions, in March 2024, the outgoing Prime Minister published a white paper advocating for the federal government to end its RCMP contract policing program, and focus on federal policing priorities. This white paper specifically recommends that the federal government work with provinces to support a transition out of the RCMP contract policing program. Contract partners are awaiting further clarity from the federal government.
Articles
Canada Releases Summary of Contract Policing Assessment (June 2024)
Assessment of RCMP Contract Policing (July 2023)
Input into RCMP Policing Assessment (Mar. 2023)Documents
A New Policing Vision for Canada: Modernizing the RCMP (Mar. 2025)
Contract Policing Assessment: What We Heard (Government of Canada) (May 2024)
Additional Policing Resources
- Local Government RCMP Contract Management Committee Webpage
- Local Government Policing Communications Portal
(includes presentations and videos from the Policing 101 and MPUA Agreements webinars) - UBCM Policing Factsheet (updated 2022)