Number of Mounties on long-term sick leave poses ‘significant operational challenges’: report

The issue of Mounties being on long-term, off-duty sick leave has become a critical concern for the national police force, according to a recent report from the Management Advisory Board (MAB). The report highlights that the current model of unlimited sick leave at full pay is unsustainable and in need of a rethink in order to get more officers back on patrol.

The MAB report notes that there has been a significant increase in the number of RCMP employees on long-term sick leave over the past fifteen years, posing both individual well-being concerns and operational challenges for the organization. This increase also comes with significant financial costs, with approximately seven percent of regular members on leave at a cost of $58 million as of December 31, 2024.

While the report acknowledges that Mounties face injuries and trauma during their careers that require appropriate recovery time, it recommends that the RCMP consider revising its sick leave policy to include a reduction in pay after a pre-established period on leave. The current model, according to the task force, offers no incentive for officers to return to work.

The union representing RCMP officers, the National Police Federation, disagrees with the report’s findings. President Brian Sauvé argues that the issue lies not with the sick leave pay model itself, but with how it is managed. He believes that the RCMP’s disability management accommodation program is not properly funded, leading to members falling through the cracks and not receiving proper support.

The MAB report suggests looking at models used by other police forces, such as reducing pay for members on leave after a certain period. However, Sauvé points out that RCMP members are in a unique position as they do not fall under any provincial or territorial worker compensation scheme. Any changes to sick leave policy, he argues, must be decided through collective bargaining.

The RCMP has stated that it is currently reviewing the recommendations from the MAB report and will provide a more detailed response shortly. The organization welcomes the engagement on this important issue and is working on initiatives to improve employee physical and mental health.

In conclusion, the issue of long-term, off-duty sick leave among Mounties is a complex and challenging one that requires careful consideration and collaboration between the RCMP, the union, and other stakeholders. Finding a sustainable solution that balances the well-being of officers with the operational needs of the organization will be crucial moving forward. The sun was setting over the horizon, casting a warm glow over the city. People were out and about, enjoying the last remnants of daylight before the night took over. As the sky turned shades of pink and orange, a sense of peace settled over the bustling streets.

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