Cranbrook is facing a nearly $1.03 million bill after the federal government passed retroactive RCMP costs onto municipalities.
City officials said they are disappointed to see the unbudgeted and unaccounted-for cost being forced onto local governments.
“Despite months of municipal advocacy led by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), provincial-territorial associations and local leaders across Canada, the federal government has indicated in the most recent federal budget it will not be meeting the request to absorb the retroactive costs associated with the latest RCMP collective bargaining agreement,” said city staff.
This means communities across Canada that rely on RCMP services for their police force, including Cranbrook, are on the hook for a tab they may not be able to afford.
“On behalf of Council, and the residents of this community, we truly appreciate the efforts of all of our hardworking RCMP members, and their dedication to Cranbrook,” said Mayor Wayne Price. “But we are disappointed with the Federal Government’s lack of support for all Canadian communities in this retroactive pay lump sum bill.”
Cranbrook is expecting a cost of $1,028,239 for retroactive pay, dating back to 2017. Some municipalities were given an estimate, which city officials said ended up being less than the final number.
This comes despite local governments not having a seat at the negotiation table.
“This decision is an example of a federal commitment that deeply impacts municipalities, without municipalities being properly consulted or involved,” said city officials. “Municipal governments are paying a growing share of policing costs, but they cannot run deficits and have limited revenue tools.”
“FCM has clearly reiterated the need for municipalities to be actively involved in any future processes regarding contract policing, calling this recent decision unacceptable,” said city officials. “This is a position supported in full by the City of Cranbrook.”