The following update recaps NPF activities and incident outcomes involving our Members in the Atlantic/Central region in late June and July 2025.
News and Events
Central Region: Ongoing Support and Oversight
The NPF is closely monitoring the organizational and financial challenges currently impacting the Central Region and remains in active discussions with Senior Management. Atlantic/Central Region Director Patrick Flannery continues to meet regularly with the Commanding Officer to stay updated on progress, particularly regarding the region’s reorganization efforts. Member wellbeing remains a top priority for both the NPF and RCMP Senior Management. Director Flannery is ensuring that all decisions made during this period respect the Collective Agreement and applicable policies, and we will continue to advocate for Members throughout these changes.
Central Region Leave Directive
Central Region Management recently gave direction to Managers that Regular Members are to submit a leave plan to schedule their 2025-26 annual leave hours such that there is minimal carryover of hours into the next fiscal year. The intent of this is to reduce the hours that will be paid out at that time as per Article 36.15 of the Collective Agreement. The reality is that the Central Region is in a significant deficit position and leave payout is an unfunded liability on the books. It is paid from the operating budgets of Detachments and Units and impacts salary dollars. Reducing this unfunded liability has been identified as one way in which the financial situation is being addressed.
To promote Member wellness and work-life balance, Article 36.13 provides that Members are expected to take all their annual leave during the fiscal year in which it is earned. The pressures on Members from a full workload with extended hours, especially when taking into consideration the vacancy levels in some units, can easily lead to both mental and physical health issues. Regularly taking leave helps break up those pressures, allows Members to recharge their batteries and keep up the connections with family and friends. The NPF encourages Members to use their annual leave regardless of the current directive.
Under Article 36.10, the Employer reserves the right to schedule a Member’s accumulated earned but unused annual leave credits. This is what allows the Employer to make the request for a leave plan as they have done. Article 36.10 also adds that the Employer shall make a reasonable effort to follow certain guidelines:
- to grant a Member’s annual leave in an amount and at such time as the Member may request;
- to ensure that approval of a Member’s request for annual leave is not unreasonably denied;
- to schedule annual leave on an equitable basis and when there is no conflict with the interests of the Employer or the other Members, according to the wishes of the Member;
- not to recall a Member to duty after the Member has proceeded on annual leave; and
- not to cancel or alter a period of annual leave which has been previously approved in writing.
Should you encounter issues where you feel the Employer has not been reasonable in managing this process, reach out to [email protected] explaining the issue and provide any written documentation regarding decisions made by the Employer.
Collective Bargaining Sessions
NPF Vice President and Collective Bargaining Committee co-chair Dennis Miller and Directors Pat Bouchard and Steve Madden spent a week in Ottawa engaged in collective bargaining sessions with the Committee. We will keep you apprised of any developments.
New Brunswick
Opportunity for J Division Members: Atlantic Balloon Fiesta
On September 4-7, the Atlantic Balloon Fiesta — Atlantic Canada’s most colourful free outdoor celebration — returns to Sussex, New Brunswick at Princess Louise Park, featuring twice‑daily hot air balloon flights, an indoor market, live music, vintage car show, amusement rides and more. In recognition of our Members in J Division, the event is providing several free ticket opportunities, available to J Division Members through a draw.
- Two lucky Members will each win a VIP hot air balloon ride
- One will receive four passes to the Indoor Market
- One will receive an invitation for four to the Thursday night Hospitality Night
To participate, simply submit your name via email at [email protected] with the title being ‘’Atlantic Balloon Fiesta’’ — we’ll randomly select winners by August 20 and share details directly with you.
Backup and Member Safety in J Division
Backup continues to be a serious concern across J Division, with many Members responding to calls alone — a reality Atlantic/Central Region Director Pat Bouchard witnessed firsthand during recent detachment visits to Blackville, Neguac, Tracadie, and Woodstock. In Woodstock, a Member responded solo to what appeared to be a routine call, only to face an armed suspect with a samurai sword. Thanks to the Members’ skill and calmness under pressure, the situation was resolved without injuries once backup arrived. This is a commendable example of professionalism under high risk, and that no one should go to a call alone. Atlantic/Central Region Director Pat Bouchard had a constructive discussion with the Commanding Officer regarding backup and resource deployment.
Your safety is our priority, and we urge all Members to use the tools available under OM 16.9. Backup which should not be reserved only for violent calls. If your risk assessment indicates you need a partner, then plan to work in proximity or in pairs. If you’re told you cannot work with a partner, document the interaction and contact the NPF Member Services Centre at [email protected] or 1-833-NPF-TEAM. We’ve been assured by RCMP management that your safety remains a top priority — and we will continue to hold them to that.
Quebec
Volleyfest in Quebec City: Kudos to Members Involved
Atlantic/Central Region Director Lucas Bedard had the privilege of attending Volleyfest in Quebec City, alongside Local Area Representative Eric Pagé. The event brought together the RCMP Band, numerous RCMP Members, and nearly 200 Indigenous youth from across Quebec for a day of sport, connection, and community building. The NPF was proud to sponsor the event, providing participating youth with new volleyball equipment to support our Members in building connections with communities.
Strengthening Our Voice on Pensions & Benefits
Director Bedard recently attended the 2025 Canadian Public Sector Pensions and Benefits Conference, where he took part in several informal training sessions focused on the current landscape of pensions, benefits, and related administrative matters. The conference also explored emerging challenges and future developments that may impact Members in the years ahead.
This experience provided valuable insights that will directly support the NPF’s ability to advocate effectively for Members, particularly in areas of pension security, benefit access, and long-term planning. Engagements like this reinforce our commitment to staying informed, proactive, and ready to protect your interests.
Newfoundland and Labrador
Medical Discharges in B Division
The NPF is aware of a concerning practice that has emerged in B Division involving the medical discharge of Members on long-term ODS (Off Duty Sick). While we acknowledge that, in some instances, such discharges may be appropriate and justified, we are deeply concerned to see this being applied to some Members with temporary rather than permanent medical profiles. This practice is not supported by the NPF, and we believe it may constitute a violation of the Canadian Human Rights Act. Members discharged under temporary profiles are also at risk of losing access to certain benefits during the Canada Life reassessment phase.
We are actively engaged with Occupational Health & Safety at the national level and are working to address and resolve this issue as quickly as possible. If you are considering a medical discharge, we strongly urge you to contact the NPF first to ensure your benefits are protected and your rights are upheld.
It’s important for Members to familiarize themselves with benefits available through Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC), and to consider these applications as soon as you feel you’re eligible throughout your career. Please reach out to the NPF if you have any questions.
Detachment Visits
Nova Scotia
During his recent visit to the Eskasoni Detachment, Atlantic/Central Region Director Jake Foran heard firsthand the challenges Members are facing following the April decision to require commuting to the detachment and leaving police vehicles on-site, replacing the previous arrangement. We recognize the added hardship this change has created. He also met with Division CROPS, and they’ve agreed to move forward with productive meetings with the District management team to continue addressing this issue collaboratively.
The NPF’s Atlantic/Central Region Board Directors will have opportunities to visit detachments throughout the summer. To request a visit or meeting at your detachment, unit, or location, please contact the NPF’s Member Services Centre at [email protected].
Atlantic/Central Region Oversight Investigation Decisions
June 30: SiRT has found no reasonable and probable grounds to believe that an RCMP Officer in Newfoundland and Labrador committed a criminal offence on September 6, 2024.
July 2: SIRT has charged an RCMP Officer in Nova Scotia with a criminal offence following an incident that occurred in January 2023.
July 22: SiRT has charged an RCMP Officer in Nova Scotia following an incident that occurred in May 2025.
If you are involved in an incident that results in an investigation by the oversight body of your region, please contact the NPF immediately, and an NPF representative will guide you through the process and provide support. If you need support at any time, do not hesitate to reach out to us through the NPF Member Service Centre, available 24/7 at [email protected] or at 1-833-NPF-TEAM (1-833-673-8326).
Get to Know Your Regional Representation Team
Click on each name below to learn more about the Vice President and the Directors representing you.
- Vice President Dennis Miller
- Director Pat Bouchard
- Director Lucas Bédard
- Director Patrick Flannery
- Director Jake Foran
- Director Steve Madden
In addition to your elected representatives, you can find your Local Area Representatives names and contact information here.
Sincerely,