Resolutions

Whereas the Government of Canada has announced its intent to equip all front-line RCMP officers with body-work cameras, to improve transparency and accountability; and

Whereas the Government of Canada has committed funding for the initial equipment costs, but intends to transfer responsibilities and costs for the cameras to provinces and municipalities in 2024/25; and

Whereas Public Safety Canada estimates the annual cost per unit to be $2,000 to $3,000, to account for ongoing hardware replacements, archival storage and administration; and

Whereas municipalities have had no say in the vendor procurement process and have received minimal communication from either Public Safety Canada or the RCMP on the project;

Therefore be it resolved that SUMA advocate the Government of Canada to maintain responsibility for body-worn cameras and absorb all costs related to them; and

Further be it resolved that SUMA advocate the Government of Canada and the RCMP to engage in meaningful engagement and consultation with municipalities when making decisions that will directly affect them.

ACTS AFFECTED: None

REGION/SECTOR AFFECTED: All