Provincial leaders urge Ottawa to start talks on RCMP policing contracts

During a gathering in Charlottetown, provincial and territorial premiers urged the federal government to provide a definitive stance on the RCMP’s role in local policing and to commence negotiations on new service agreements. They cited chronic staffing shortages, vacancy rates, escalating expenses and governance concerns as reasons for urgency. The current contracts, under which provinces cover about 70% of costs, are set to end in 2032, and leaders want clarity to plan recruitment, infrastructure and budgeting.

While Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree has reiterated support for day-to-day policing by the Mounties, provinces such as Alberta and British Columbia are weighing the creation of their own forces. The Northwest Territories and Atlantic provinces also seek swift talks to address unique regional challenges. The federal department has said it is actively consulting jurisdictions but gave no timeline for formal negotiations.