Federal Government Exploring Improved Models for RCMP Contract Policing Nationwide

The Liberal government is looking for ways to improve policing services provided under contract by the RCMP across Canada—eyeing everything from overall cost and sustainability to stronger oversight and accountability.

Among the possibilities are “more responsive” police service models that could involve closer integration of the RCMP and community social services, say internal Public Safety Canada notes.

The RCMP provides front-line policing services through contracts with all provinces and territories, except Ontario and Quebec, as well as some 150 municipalities. Current agreements don’t expire until March 31, 2032.

“What principles should guide future discussions around how and which costs are shared between contract jurisdictions and the federal government?” asks one of the discussion guide questions.

Public Safety said the department, in collaboration with the RCMP, held in-person meetings from spring to fall 2023 of last year with officials from provinces and territories that participate in the contract policing program.

In recent years, some jurisdictions have pondered alternatives to the RCMP, with Surrey, B.C., and Grande Prairie, Alta., opting to create their own municipal police services.

“The nature of the risks and threats covered by federal policing are growing in complexity and significance,” says a May 2023 memo to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, released under the access law.

Mr. Duheme said the force also respects that some communities have decided to set up their own police forces, adding it’s up to the RCMP to come to the table with the information for them “to make an informed decision.”