In one of his final moves as prime minister, Trudeau argues for bold RCMP reform

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is making bold moves in his final hours in office by calling for a major overhaul of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), one of Canada’s most iconic institutions. In an exclusive interview with CBC News, Trudeau explained his vision for the RCMP to shift its focus from boots-on-the-ground policing to federal priorities such as national security, violent extremism, cybercrime, and organized crime.

Trudeau emphasized that the RCMP is facing unprecedented challenges in today’s world and that its resources would be better utilized in tackling high-level threats rather than routine policing duties. He expressed his belief that the RCMP’s current structure is not suited for the complex security landscape of the 21st century.

The prime minister’s proposal, outlined in a white paper, would see the RCMP eventually end its contracts with provinces, territories, municipalities, and Indigenous communities, allowing the police service to concentrate solely on federal policing priorities. This shift would require a legislative overhaul, a new training academy, budget updates, and negotiations with various stakeholders.

The call for RCMP reform is not new, with mounting pressure for change following the 2020 mass shooting in Nova Scotia, the worst in Canadian history. A public inquiry into the incident criticized the RCMP’s response and called for radical transformation. Additionally, a special intelligence and security committee warned the government about the need to prioritize federal policing to safeguard national security.

Trudeau’s proposal is likely to face opposition from the RCMP’s union, the National Police Federation, and some provinces that rely on the RCMP for policing services. While the cost implications of transitioning away from RCMP contracts may pose challenges, Trudeau believes it is necessary to reevaluate the current funding model.

The white paper encourages provinces to consider alternative policing solutions and emphasizes the importance of working with territorial leaders and Indigenous partners to develop a new policing model that meets the unique needs of different communities. Trudeau highlighted the historical significance of the RCMP in Canadian culture and expressed his commitment to ensuring that the institution’s capacity aligns with the dedication of its personnel.

As Trudeau prepares to hand over the reins to his successor, he remains steadfast in his belief that the RCMP’s role must evolve to address the evolving security landscape. His vision for RCMP reform represents a significant step towards modernizing Canada’s law enforcement capabilities and ensuring the safety and security of all Canadians.