(Ottawa) The union representing members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has asked the federal government for $24 million a year to increase training pay for RCMP cadets to attract the best recruits.
Posted at 8:11 p.m.
Jim Bronskill The Canadian Press
The RCMP must pay cadets adequately during their training to remain competitive with other forces, the National Police Federation says. She hopes for an increase in funding in the federal budget, which is expected next spring.
The association notes that cadets are not considered RCMP employees until they complete their 26 weeks of training at the Regina Depot Division and are therefore not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.
During this time, cadets receive a stipend of $525 per week and the RCMP covers the cost of room, board, uniforms, training, insurance and limited travel expenses.
The association says the $525 allowance has not changed or been adjusted for inflation since 2008, meaning cadets earn less than the minimum wage in most countries.
The RCMP said it welcomes the association's proposal to increase compensation. Commissioner Michael Duheme and the federation “continue discussions to explore options,” police said in a statement.
“We are looking for ways to ensure that cadets receive competitive and meaningful compensation during their training at (Division) Depot. »
Recruits who train in most provincial and municipal police services are employees from the first day of their training, the association explains in a briefing document on the subject.
“The current allocation does not take into account the needs of RCMP cadets who have financial responsibilities and obligations, such as providing for their families, paying their mortgage and student loans,” the document states.
“Working at (Division) Depot is both mentally and physically demanding: cadets should not have to bear an additional financial burden during their training. »
The federation does not represent all cadets, but only those who graduate and join the force, stressed its president Brian Sauvé. Therefore, the union cannot officially negotiate on behalf of the cadets.
“We must therefore do this outside of negotiations, through our lobbying, through our federal budget proposals and others,” Mr. Sauvé said.
He said the federation had spoken to several MPs and senators about the proposal and “there was strong cross-party support for this proposal”.