Skip to Main content

14.84°^C Vancouver

News Entertainment Sports Videos Shows Podcast Contact Us

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

45-year-old man feared drowned in Okanagan Lake after falling from inflatable tube

A 45-year-old man is feared drowned after falling into Okanagan Lake while riding an inflatable tube being towed behind a boat, according to West Kelowna RCMP. Police said the incident happened Saturday afternoon when the man lost his balance and fell into the water. Investigators said he was not wearing a life jacket and struggled to stay afloat after entering the lake. According to RCMP, the boat operator jumped into the water in an attempt to rescue the man but was unable to reach him. The operator was later rescued by another boater who was passing through the area. A dive team has been de

calgary-landlord-charged-after-alleged-hidden-cameras-found-in-tenants-bedrooms-and-bathrooms

AlbertaJul 13, 2026

Calgary landlord charged after alleged hidden cameras found in tenants' bedrooms and bathrooms

Calgary police have charged a 41-year-old landlord after tenants allegedly discovered hidden cameras inside bedrooms and bathrooms at a southwest Calgary home. According to the Calgary Police Service, a tenant reported on June 7 finding a small camera concealed inside a surge protector in a bathroom and another camera attached to a smoke detector in a bedroom. After informing other tenants, they also located similar hidden cameras in their rooms and contacted police. Investigators executed a search warrant on June 12 at a home in the 200 block of Springborough Way S.W., where they seized sever

vancouver-police-seek-witnesses-after-unprovoked-assault-at-marpole-bus-stop

Vancouver police seek witnesses after unprovoked assault at Marpole bus stop

Vancouver Police are asking the public for information after a man was allegedly assaulted without provocation while waiting at a bus stop in the Marpole neighbourhood last week. According to a Vancouver Police Department news release, the incident occurred at about 9:25 a.m. on July 7 near Southwest Marine Drive and Ash Street. Investigators say the victim was waiting for a bus when a man approached from behind, pushed him and pulled the headphones from his head. Police allege the suspect then struck the victim several times with a longboard-style skateboard. The victim was able to flee the a

nearly-150-residents-displaced-after-apartment-fire-in-new-westminster

Nearly 150 residents displaced after apartment fire in New Westminster

Nearly 150 residents were displaced after a fire damaged an apartment building in New Westminster on Friday, with firefighters continuing suppression efforts through the weekend to extinguish remaining hot spots. According to New Westminster Fire and Rescue Services, crews responded to a fire at Pinecrest Manor, located at 905 Fourth Ave., at about 1:30 p.m. Firefighters used ladders to rescue several residents from their balconies as the blaze spread through the building. Officials said the roof above the main entrance was destroyed, and part of the structure collapsed. Mayor Patrick Johnston

alberta-ottawa-and-major-oil-producers-sign-mou-to-advance-pathways-carbon-capture-project

AlbertaJul 13, 2026

Alberta, Ottawa and major oil producers sign MOU to advance Pathways carbon capture project

The Alberta government, the federal government and five major oil producers have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to advance the multi-billion-dollar Pathways Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) project, according to the governments involved. The agreement outlines a framework for collaboration on one of Canada's largest proposed carbon capture initiatives. According to the Alberta government, the MOU establishes shared objectives aimed at supporting Canada's economy while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The project is designed to capture carbon dioxide from industrial operations and

Related News

Two killed, four injured in shooting at Toronto's Salsa on St. Clair festival

Two killed, four injured in shooting at Toronto's Salsa on St. Clair festival

Two people were killed and at least four others were seriously injured after a shooting during Toronto's Salsa on St. Clair street festival on Saturday evening, according to Toronto Police. Police said the shooting occurred at about 8 p.m. near St. Clair Avenue West and Arlington Avenue while approximately 13,000 people were attending the annual Latin street festival. Deputy Chief Frank Barredo said the preliminary investigation indicates the gunfire erupted during an exchange of shots between two groups who targeted each other. The sound of gunfire sent festivalgoers, including families, chil

New Brunswick confirms new measles case as Canada surpasses 1,000 confirmed infections in 2026

New Brunswick confirms new measles case as Canada surpasses 1,000 confirmed infections in 2026

New Brunswick Public Health has confirmed a new case of measles in the Moncton area. According to the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health, the infected individual had recently travelled internationally and tested positive for measles after returning to Canada. The latest case comes as measles continues to be reported across the country. On July 7, public health officials issued a public exposure notice for Toronto Pearson International Airport and two commercial flights after identifying potential measles exposure. Accordion their measles vaccinations and to seek medical advice if sy

West Vancouver's Gurinder Singh Deo arrested in France

West Vancouver's Gurinder Singh Deo arrested in France

West Vancouver resident Gurinder Singh Deo has been arrested in France, the RCMP's Pacific Region Federal Policing confirmed. Police said the 40-year-old is currently in custody in France while legal proceedings are underway to extradite him to the United States. According to the RCMP, Deo was identified in the recent joint FBI and RCMP investigation known as Operation Hard Ball. U.S. authorities have charged him in connection with a drug trafficking case, alleging he helped facilitate the movement of narcotics into Southern California through alleged links to the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria gang. U.S.

Legals

Journalism code of ethics

© 2021 AKASH Broadcasting Inc.

MANAGED BY STRATWIT

useful links

Accessibility Plan

Broadcasting Notice of Consultation

BC Children's Hospital