RCMP news: Trudeau Liberals eye improvements [Video]

The Liberal government is looking for ways to improve policing services provided under contract by the RCMP across Canada — eyeing everything from overall cost and sustainability to stronger oversight and accountability.

Among the possibilities are “more responsive” police service models that could involve closer integration of the RCMP and community social services, say internal Public Safety Canada notes.

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The notes, obtained through the Access to Information Act, are a discussion guide for wide-ranging consultations on options to strengthen the RCMP’s contract policing.

The RCMP provides front-line policing services through contracts with all provinces and territories, except Ontario and Quebec, as well as some 150 municipalities. Current agreements don’t expire until March 31, 2032.

Provinces and territories pay 70 per cent of RCMP costs and the federal government covers the remainder. Municipal agreements vary, sometimes depending on population size.

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