October 7, 2024
Ottawa, ON — The National Police Federation recently published National Public Safety Plan: A Safer Canada for All urging the federal government and political parties to adopt key public safety initiatives including recruitment, federal policing resources, and improved communications and equipment for RCMP Members across Canada.
“The current threat landscape in Canada requires a modern, well-resourced, and agile RCMP. By implementing the recommendations outlined in our plan, the federal government can effectively address the evolving public safety needs of Canadians,” said Brian Sauvé, President and C.E.O. of the National Police Federation.
Crime is increasing across Canada, and new public safety threats are emerging. The RCMP and other police services are facing rising demands, yet resources have not kept pace. The National Police Federation is calling on the federal government to invest in a comprehensive public safety plan including investments to adequately address the future of RCMP policing in Canada:
Recommendation 1
- Increase the RCMP Cadet Training Allowance to $1,200 per week to remain competitive with other police services and attract recruits.
The RCMP must remain a competitive employer to attract recruits, maintain baseline staffing levels and to recruit specialized skills needed for both federal and contract policing services. Investing in officers, improving compensation, and increasing the RCMP cadet training allowance are essential steps in this direction.
Recommendation 2
- Invest $200 million over four years to hire 1,000 RCMP officers to modernize the RCMP’s Federal Policing Program and $100 million to bolster overall resources.
The RCMP’s Federal Policing Program is critical to safeguarding Canada’s national security, yet it remains significantly underfunded. Despite this, the program continues to play a vital role in tackling organized crime, financial crime, cybercrime, border security, and other specialized operations.
“The RCMP’s current policing model, including its Federal Policing Program, has been consistently proven the most effective framework for maintaining public safety across Canada,” said Brian Sauvé. “Recent successes in identifying and stopping terrorism plots recently in two separate incidents: one in Canada and one in the United States demonstrates the vital role the RCMP plays in mitigating serious threats.”
“The RCMP model is admired worldwide for its ability to keep Canadians safe. Countries like Finland, Scotland, and Denmark have all seen the value in operating with an integrated national policing system, including municipal services. The RCMP are envied internationally and considered ahead of the curve with integrated federal, provincial, and municipal services under the RCMP.”
Recommendation 3
- Implement a nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network by leveraging existing mobile network infrastructure through a multi-operator collaboration model. Invest an initial $1 billion to Improve communication during emergencies.
The RCMP and other public safety personnel rely on secure, interoperable communication networks to maintain public safety. Without this network, responders rely on manual processes and disparate equipment, leading to incomplete situational awareness and communication silos. With the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters and multijurisdictional police responses in Canada, and as operations require more data, the current situation is unsustainable.
Investing in RCMP human resources, enhancing the Federal Policing Program, and communication networks is essential to keeping Canadians safe and ensuring the RCMP remains one of the top police agencies in the world. We urge all political parties to consider these recommendations as they prepare their platforms and throughout budget consultations for 2025 and beyond.
About the National Police Federation
The National Police Federation (NPF) represents ~20,000 RCMP Members serving across Canada and internationally. We are the largest police union in Canada. The NPF is focused on improving public safety for all Canadians, including our Members by advocating for much-needed investment in the public safety continuum. This includes investments in police resourcing and modern equipment, as well as social programs including health, addiction, and housing supports to enhance safety and livability in the many communities we serve, large and small, across Canada.
Media contact:
Sarah Kavanagh
Communications and Media Relations Advisor
[email protected]
