New RCMP Contract Reached for Newfoundland and Labrador

A new agreement reached between the Federal Government and the Provincial Government will continue Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) services in Newfoundland and Labrador for the next 20 years. The new policing agreement changes the relationship for delivering public safety with the Federal Government from a client-based model to a partnership and, in addition, it provides the province with enhancements and more control with respect to financial reporting, accountability and cost-containment.

“The RCMP has been a positive and well-respected policing presence in Newfoundland and Labrador for over 60 years,” said the Honourable Felix Collins, Minister of Justice and Attorney General. “I am pleased that we have negotiated a successful contract with the Government of Canada that will continue for another 20 years.”

The contract provides the province with more input and control into staffing levels, policing standards and construction of new detachments over the 20-year deal. In addition, the 70-30 cost-share arrangement with Ottawa remains unchanged.

“Today is a significant milestone for RCMP contract policing,” said Canada’s Public Safety Minister Vic Toews. “I am very pleased to announce that the Government of Canada and the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador have reached an agreement that will continue the relationship between the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the people of Newfoundland and Labrador for the next two decades.”

The new agreement runs from April 1, 2012 to March 31, 2032.

The Provincial Government has supported both the RCMP and the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC) in Newfoundland and Labrador and this is proven in the resources that have been added since 2004. Policing budgets have increased by over $46.7 million and there are an additional 144 uniformed police officers on the street. The RCMP operates in approximately 50 locations in the province with over 440 uniformed members in addition to numerous civilian members and public service employees. The RNC operates in the Northeast Avalon, Corner Brook area and Labrador West.

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2012 03 27                        2:30 p.m.