Skip to main content

“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. 

 

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

PECKFORD -- Authoritarian governments in our own time, from the Nazi period to the USSR, have crippled democracy and freedom and yet we have not learned

Just come right out and say it ... it’s China ... and it’s communist. So there ... I said it! And its a virus, the corona virus, that came from China — the China Virus. Oh, yah it has a fancy name —but this keeps it simple and identifies its origin. Imagine that!!! Of course, now that Trump has said it, he, being a virus to most China sensitive people (and that’ s just about everyone) none will say it now —- And the political correctness and hypocrisy of it all. The World Health Organization changed all that a few years ago and like sheep we all followed along. No more geographic naming —that’s an order —-George Orwell is turning over in his grave. Of course, this WHO is part of the UN that has a Human Rights Council full of human rights violators whose sole purpose in life is to bring resolutions against the only democracy in the Middle East. Nice civilized crowd don’t you think?? We all put up with this charade every day and conti...
Post a Comment
Read more

Okanagan Farmers Face NDP-Created Water Crisis ~~ BC Conservatives

Okanagan farmers are facing a water crisis as government-imposed restrictions threaten to kill their crops and destroy one of B.C.’s most important agricultural industries. In perhaps the most water-rich province in the country, our farmers have been left high and dry by the NDP government. For nine weeks, Okanagan and Shuswap farmers have proposed solutions, only to be met with NDP foot-dragging. Now forest fires have come to these regions as they are simultaneously reckoning with a water crisis that has been made worse through years of government inaction. Vernon-area farms have lost 70 percent of their water, while Kelowna and Summerland growers face severe restrictions. This situation is unacceptable and cannot continue. Ian Paton, Shadow Minister for Agriculture, said the NDP is once again forcing farmers to pay for its own failure to plan. "Farmers and ranchers must be listened to when decisions affecting their livelihoods are made, and under the NDP, they aren’t," said...
Post a Comment
Read more

Abbotsford-Mission MLA Reann Gasper to step down for Conservative Leader Hon. Kerry-Lynne Findlay to run in a by-election

Deputy Whip and MLA Reann Gasper has informed the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia of her decision to step down as MLA for Abbotsford-Mission, creating an opportunity for Conservative Party of British Columbia Leader Hon. Kerry-Lynne Findlay to seek the seat in a forthcoming by-election. Gasper said the decision was made carefully and deliberately, with the future of British Columbia firmly in mind. Abbotsford-Mission MLA Reann Gasper “This is a decision I have made after a great deal of careful consideration, and I believe it is the right decision for me, for our Party, and for the work ahead,” said MLA Gasper. “It has been a privilege to represent the people of Abbotsford-Mission, and I am deeply grateful to everyone who placed their trust in me. I am also grateful for the opportunity to serve alongside my colleagues in the Conservative Caucus and to contribute to our leadership team.” “I have confidence in Kerry-Lynne, in her leadership, and in her ability to ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Labels

Show more