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“I am a Canadian, free to speak without fear, free to worship in my own way, free to stand for what I think right, free to oppose what I believe wrong, or free to choose those who shall govern my country. This heritage of freedom I pledge to uphold for myself and all mankind.” ~~ John G. Diefenbaker

UBCM Issues Update on the Future of RCMP Contract Policing

Although official confirmation has not yet been provided, the federal government has indicated its willingness to re-negotiate the 20-year RCMP Police Service Agreements (PSA) that are set to expire in 2032. This comes as local governments, including UBCM, continue to call on the federal government to directly involve local governments as part of any negotiations. 

Following the federal government’s 2022-2024 assessment of RCMP contract policing, the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs advised of the intention to work with provinces and territories on the renegotiation of the PSAs. However, a March 2025 white paper by former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, which recommended that the federal government end its contract policing program, combined with the subsequent federal election, re-introduced uncertainty.

In October, as part of the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Meeting of Ministers Responsible for Justice and Public Safety, the federal Minister of Public Safety, the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, “expressed a commitment to negotiate with interested jurisdictions on contract policing beyond 2032.” 

One week later, the Minister of Public Safety re-iterated this position to the Standing Senate Committee on National Security, Defence and Veterans Affairs.

While it appears that the federal government will seek new PSAs with interested contract partners, the role of local governments, as part of any negotiations, remains unclear. Local governments contribute more towards RCMP policing in BC than the federal and provincial governments. 

In 2024, this amounted to $855.5 million, up by 10% ($76.4 million) from the previous year. 

Despite this financial contribution, and the role that the RCMP plays in communities across Canada, the federal government has been unwilling to commit to directly including local governments in PSA negotiations.   

UBCM delivered a letter in September 2025, along with all Western Canadian local government associations, to the Prime Minister and Minister of Public Safety, requesting direct involvement in any upcoming PSA negotiations. Reasons given for this request included the financial impact on local governments, as well as their unique interests separate from provincial and territorial governments. 

One week later, at UBCM’s Annual Convention, members endorsed a special resolution calling on the Province and federal government to directly involve UBCM and BC local governments as part of PSA negotiations; and, that local government priorities be considered as part of this process. 

As the federal government ponders next steps in the process to negotiate new PSAs, the Province of BC is still considering recommendations made by the all-party Special Committee on Reforming the Police Act, including whether to implement a new provincial police service to replace the RCMP. 

UBCM continues to oppose this option, citing a lack of evidence to support such a significant change. 

 

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