4.58°C Vancouver

Nov 17, 2023 7:45 PM - Connect News

Federal unit of RCMP faces staff crunch, many positions vacant

Share On
federal-unit-of-rcmp-faces-staff-crunch-many-positions-vacant
At present, the wing has 507 fewer police officers than a decade ago and 500 more posts are vacant. (Photo: The Canadian Press)

The RCMP's federal unit, which investigates Canada's serious crime cases, is facing staff shortages.

According to RCMP spokesperson Marie-Eve Breton, the federal policing wing is short about 1,000 positions.

At present, the wing has 507 fewer police officers than a decade ago and 500 more posts are vacant.

Breton said federal policing currently has about 5,000 employees.

The RCMP has two main policing units, one that provides local and regional law enforcement officers to the states and the other is a federal policing wing that investigates cases related to national and international crimes such as money laundering, foreign interference and drug trafficking.

The National Security Committee of Parliament has also expressed concern over the lack of staff in the RCMP's federal unit.

Lawmakers have asked Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc to direct the RCMP to address staffing issues, and if the RCMP doesn't do so, then consider a stand-alone federal policing agency.

Latest news

heavy-rain-warning-issued-for-b-c-north-coast-as-pacific-storm-moves-in
BCDec 29, 2025

Heavy rain warning issued for B.C. north coast as Pacific storm moves in

Environment Canada has issued a rainfall warning for British Columbia’s north coast, with some coastal communities expected to see exceptionally heavy rain through the day as a Pacific weather system pushes ashore. Forecasters say the most intense rainfall is expected around Prince Rupert, where totals could reach up to 200 millimetres. Haida Gwaii may receive as much as 110 millimetres, while areas near Kitimat are forecast to see about 100 millimetres of rain. The system is also bringing winter conditions inland. A winter storm warning remains in effect for Terrace, where nearly 25 centime
punjab-congress-announces-statewide-campaign-against-proposed-changes-to-mgnrega
IndiaDec 29, 2025

Punjab Congress announces statewide campaign against proposed changes to MGNREGA

The Punjab Congress has announced a statewide protest campaign opposing the Centre’s proposed changes to the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), including a reported move to rename the scheme and alter its funding structure. Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring said on Monday that the party will launch its agitation from January 8, beginning with a protest march from Gurdaspur that will conclude in Guru Har Sahai. He said the campaign is aimed at safeguarding the original intent of MGNREGA, which he described as a lifeline for rural households
WorldDec 29, 2025

At least 13 dead, dozens injured as Interoceanic Train derails in southern Mexico

At least 13 people were killed and nearly 100 others injured when the Interoceanic Train derailed on Sunday in southern Mexico, authorities said. The train, which connects the Pacific coast with the Gulf of Mexico, went off the tracks near a curve close to the town of Nizanda in Oaxaca, halting traffic along the route. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed the casualties on X, noting that five of the injured are in serious condition. She said the Mexican Navy reported the fatalities and injuries following the accident. Sheinbaum added that she has instructed the secretary of the navy
brampton-man-charged-after-alleged-firearm-threat-near-transit-stop
BCDec 29, 2025

Brampton man charged after alleged firearm threat near transit stop

Peel Regional Police say a 20-year-old Brampton man has been charged following an early-morning incident near a Brampton transit stop that left a victim fearing for their safety. Police allege the incident occurred shortly after 1 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 27, near Chinguacousy Road and Drinkwater Road. Investigators say the victim had just exited a transit bus when they were followed by an unknown individual, who then approached and claimed to be in possession of a firearm. The victim contacted police, who located a suspect nearby a short time later. Officers allege the suspect produced an imita
man-dies-after-single-vehicle-crash-into-power-pole-in-chilliwack
BCDec 29, 2025

Man dies after single-vehicle crash into power pole in Chilliwack

A 27-year-old Chilliwack man has died following a single-vehicle crash in the city’s east end, according to local RCMP. Police say officers were called Friday to a collision at the intersection of Yale Road and Banford Road, where a vehicle had struck a power pole. Investigators determined the driver was the sole occupant of the car and lost control before the impact. Emergency responders arrived at the scene, but the man was pronounced dead before medical aid could be provided. RCMP confirmed that his next of kin have been notified. Mounties say alcohol is not believed to have played a role

Related News