B.C. gains more control over local RCMP

Ottawa’s decision to give the RCMP control over its spending lead to negotiations with British Columbia about keeping Mounties within the province.

Six months ago, B.C. politicians said they would rid the province of Mounties if Ottawa did not give it more control over local RCMP operations.

They threatened to instate their own police force if their demands were not met.

B.C.’s justice minister signed a new 20-year deal yesterday with the federal government, Canadian Press reported.

Shirley Bond says giving the province power to manage its own costs is unprecedented.

She says it will allow the justice department to tailor its spending to the specific needs of the province.

Alberta and Saskatchewan formed their own deals with the federal government last year.

Ontario and Quebec have their own police forces and are not covered by the deal.

Negotiations began in September of this year with back and forth threats between Ottawa and B.C.

The two provinces hammered out a deal in November.

A contract management committee must sign off on any changes made to RCMP policies and procedures.

The committee will also have a say in the hiring of senior management.