Our Nova Scotia RCMP Members:
Here to Keep Our
Communities Safe.
Stay informed about public safety in Nova Scotia.
Nova Scotians Support Their RCMP Members
Nova Scotians have consistently expressed strong satisfaction with RCMP policing services. In fact, according to new independent public opinion research conducted in late 2024 , 70% of residents in RCMP-served areas reported being satisfied with the policing services they receive (Pollara, 2024). This survey also found that:
of residents in RCMP-served communities want to continue with the current RCMP policing model.
of Nova Scotians from across the province support keeping the RCMP as the province’s police service.
Only 1 in 10 respondents felt they would be safer if the RCMP were replaced by a new police service.
These results send a clear message: Nova Scotians trust and support their RCMP Members. This high level of satisfaction underscores the public’s confidence in the RCMP’s ability to effectively serve and protect Nova Scotians.
World-Class Policing Services at a Sustainable Cost
The cost of policing plays a significant role in the financial sustainability of public safety. The Nova Scotia RCMP is an affordable, effective, and sustainable model—saving the province approximately $50 million annually.
As outlined in the Provincial Police Service Agreement between Nova Scotia and Public Safety Canada, the federal government covers 30% of all provincial policing costs, while Nova Scotia covers the remaining 70%. This arrangement benefits all Nova Scotians as without this partnership policing costs would rise significantly and potentially disrupt the delivery of public safety services.
Numerous policing reviews across the country, Atlantic Canada, and in Nova Scotia have highlighted the financial value of RCMP contract policing, with a clear message: moving away from the RCMP would lead to much higher costs and risks in maintaining public safety.
RCMP Provides Municipalities With Specialized Policing Services
The NS RCMP is the only law enforcement agency in the province that provides a full suite of specialized police services throughout Nova Scotia. While other police agencies offer limited specialized equipment and services (e.g., air assets, tactical vehicles) the RCMP offers at least 24 specialized services across the province. These services include Major Crime Investigators, Air Support, Forensic Identification and Analysis teams, Police Dog Units, Marine Patrol units, Crisis Negotiation teams, Search and Rescue Operations, Mental Health and Crisis Intervention teams, and much more.
Although it’s not included in its policing agreement with the province, RCMP Members also provide these services to residents living with municipal police agencies. This arrangement has created a budget imbalance, as municipalities contracting the RCMP indirectly subsidize specialized services used by others. For instance, in 2021, the RCMP responded to 84 requests for specialized services from municipal police agencies. While RCMP officers consistently assist other police services, these calls divert resources from their mandated communities.
Given that many local police agencies rely heavily on the RCMP for specialized support, it is critical that the provincial government increases funding for RCMP specialized units to prevent the overextension of resources.
Invest in the RCMP to Match Population Growth and Tackle Evolving Crime
Over the past five years (2019-2024), Nova Scotia’s population has grown by 11% , yet the number of police officers per population (commonly referred to as “cop-to-pop”) has declined by 10%.
Reversing this trend will ensure that both local communities and the province as a whole remain safe, secure, and well-served by the RCMP. Investing in RCMP resources today will help enrich the vibrant, thriving Nova Scotia communities of tomorrow.
To maintain public safety and address the unique challenges faced by both urban and rural regions, the province should act now and:
- Invest to hire an additional 100 RCMP Members over the next three years to align with population growth.
- Increase funding for RCMP specialized units to prevent the overextension of resources, ensuring that RCMP Members are adequately supported and communities receive consistent policing services.
- Implement a coordinated provincial framework to integrate municipal and RCMP policing efforts, reducing duplication and improving efficiency.
The RCMP has proven itself to be a reliable, cost-effective, and essential force for Nova Scotia. From high levels of public satisfaction to the RCMP’s unmatched array of specialized services, the RCMP remains the policing service of choice for the province. By investing in and supporting the Members of the NS RCMP, our Members can ensure the safety, security, and prosperity of all communities across Nova Scotia.
Nova Scotia Must Capitalize on Surging RCMP Recruitment
The Province should act now to capitalize on surging RCMP recruitment efforts. RCMP recruitment is on the rise, with more than 17,500 applications in the last year alone, surpassing the average of the past decade. In 2024/25, Nova Scotia has already seen 388 applications, a significant increase that reflects the work of the NPF in promoting the RCMP as a top-tier employer.
Last year, 60 new Members were added to the NS RCMP, including 26 cadets from Depot and 34 experienced police officers from other police services. This surge in recruitment helps ensure that the RCMP can continue to meet the needs of Nova Scotia’s growing population while maintaining high standards of service.
RCMP Members Provide
Multiple Specialized Services in Nova Scotia
National Police Federation –
Mass Casualty Commission Recommendations
Following the mass casualty that took place in Nova Scotia on April 18-19, 2020 the Federal Government and the Nova Scotia Provincial Government created, by a joint mandate, an independent public inquiry – the Mass Casualty Commission (MCC).
In order to share the perspectives of our Members, who were directly involved in the RCMP response to the mass casualty, and to address public safety concerns, the NPF was granted formal partipant status by the Commission and has been deeply engaged throughout the MCC process. The following report shares our recommendations stemming from the MCC, considering Members’ perspectives and how to improve community and Member safety across the province and rest of Canada.
Many of the NPF’s recommendations are oriented toward ensuring its Members will be better resourced, equipped, and supported the next time they are called upon to respond to a major critical incident.
Recommendations
In total, we have advanced 28 recommendations to the MCC and Government focused on improving public safety in Nova Scotia. These recommendations are organized into seven main themes: police resourcing, provincial policing standards, Member mental health,
support for victims and families, air support, improved technology, and support for critical incident response.
1. Optimization of Police Resources in Nova Scotia
Conduct a police resourcing model and funding formula review to identify and maintain an effective level of police personnel, and related resources.
2. Implementation of Comprehensive, Consistent Policing Standards
Enhance the provincial police training standards, focusing on increasing the consistency of training standards and collaboration across different police services. The directive of training standards should include a basic set of standards that each police service is required to maintain.
3. Enhanced Support for Member Mental Health
Establish policies to define the role of the police family liaison officer with proper training and, clear guidelines, and protocols. Ensure that all needs that cannot be met by police are met by other agencies.
4. Multi-Agency Supports for Victims and Families
Take steps to address organizational stressors which contribute to the risk of OSI in its Members. Improvements to post-critical incident supports. The RCMP provide evidence-based training and peer support to spouses and families of RCMP Members.
5. An Emergency Air Support Strategy for the Atlantic
Develop and implement an Emergency Air Services Strategy to ensure air support is available to support all police services in Atlantic Canada during critical incidents, 24/7/365.
6. Improved Technology for Situational Awareness and Interoperability
Examine and implement encrypted radio and enhanced GPS systems that allow for increased situational awareness, including increased interoperability between police services and other public safety personnel.
7. Resources and Best Practices to Support Critical Incident Response
Provide the necessary tools, resources, and personnel to assist in critical incident response.
Latest News
Gunman’s Open-Secret History of Firearms Possession
Following is a statement from Brian Sauvé, President of the National Police Federation, regarding the gunman’s widely-known and long-time possession and use of firearms: “Today, the Mass Casualty Commission presented important information about who knew what, and when, about the gunman’s possession, illegal smuggling, frequent use, and deep fascination with firearms. Surprisingly, we learned that […]
Final Minutes of Mass Casualty Rampage – Enfield Big Stop
Following is a statement from Brian Sauvé, President of the National Police Federation, regarding the final minutes of the perpetrator’s movements before he was stopped by RCMP members: “Today, the Mass Casualty Commission reviewed the final minutes of the perpetrator’s movements before he was stopped by RCMP members. The Enfield Big Stop foundational document detailed […]
Mass Casualty Commission Reviews Death of Cst. Heidi Stevenson; Injury of Cst. Chad Morrison
Following is a statement from Brian Sauvé, President of the National Police Federation, regarding the Mass Casualty Commission reviews of the death of Constable Heidi Stevenson and the injury of Constable Chad Morrison: “Our hearts will be with the family, friends, and colleagues of our fallen Member Cst. Heidi Stevenson and those of 21 other […]
Incident at Onslow Fire Hall
Halifax, NS — Following is a statement from Brian Sauvé, President of the National Police Federation, regarding today’s Mass Casualty Commission testimony about the incident at Onslow Fire Hall:“The NPF acknowledges that the incident at Onslow Fire Hall was traumatic for everyone involved, and that the ongoing police response to an active shooter known to […]