As Canadians head to the polls to determine the next leader of Canada, public safety must remain a priority. Safe communities are essential for a strong economy, social stability, and overall quality of life. While bold promises and sweeping commitments are common during campaigns, what Canadians want and need is sustained, reliable investments in public safety, beyond election headlines.
The reality is this: crime is evolving, and so too is the RCMP’s mandate. From rising cyber threats and organized crime to drug and human trafficking and border enforcement, the RCMP is responsible for delivering essential policing services at the local, provincial and national level. But for decades, the funding needed to meet these expanding responsibilities has not kept pace.
This isn’t about the RCMP doing less—it’s about supporting the RCMP doing things right. The RCMP’s integrated model, with seamless information sharing and coordination from local communities to international operations, is envied in the world law enforcement community. It is a strength that Canada should build on.
RCMP officers are highly trained, deeply embedded in their communities, and equipped to respond to today’s complex policing challenges. But to build on this level of service, the RCMP must be appropriately resourced across all business lines—not just in response to headlines or political promises.
Too often, new government public safety priorities are funded by redirecting resources from already under-resourced areas of policing. This creates a domino effect—plugging one gap by creating another. It’s an inefficient and short-sighted approach that ultimately puts more pressure on our Members and increases the risk to Canadians.
Take border security for example. After years of underinvestment, the federal government announced $1.3 billion in funding last year. While welcomed, the reality is that a steady, predictable investment over the years would have mitigated the need for such a catch-up commitment.
Public safety should not be governed by election cycles. It must be treated as a long-term, non-partisan priority. As voters, we must demand that public safety is not just a campaign talking point, but a genuine commitment backed by action and investment. This will ensure we maintain a strong, national police service capable of meeting Canada’s evolving needs today and well into the future.
RCMP Members are ready and willing to meet the evolving challenges ahead. The question is: will the next federal government provide the RCMP with the investment required to continue to keep Canadians safe?