Background
The current model does not work for NPCOPA and its Members
The Memorandum of Understanding: A good start
Since 2022, and especially over recent months, NPCOPA has engaged in discussions with Treasury Board to explore establishing an Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that would recognize NPCOPA as the representative for its Members. This MOU was also to provide a structured mechanism for consultation and arbitration to resolve any issues related to our terms and conditions of employment.
Our objective was practical and collaborative: an MOU to formalize engagement and consultation processes while respecting existing labour relations structures, modelled on the Ontario Provincial Police Senior Officers' Memorandum of Understanding with the provincial government. Unfortunately, an agreement could not be reached.
While discussions were respectful and informative, the absence of a formal framework leaves Commissioned Officers without a clear and recognized mechanism to collectively address matters that directly affect their professional interests and working conditions, particularly wages and benefits.
Exclusion from the Legislative Framework
Commissioned Officers are excluded from the federal legislative framework that provides collective bargaining rights.
As a result, the current exclusion from the legislative framework means that Commissioned Officers have:
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No statutory mechanism for collective representation;
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No formal bargaining structure for compensation or working conditions
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No mandatory process to consultation and outcomes – all consultations and outcomes occur at the employer’s discretion;
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No structured dispute resolution mechanism; and,
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Limited access to representation in workplace matters.
Ultimately, Treasury Board has the statutory, and unilateral, authority to determine and implement any changes to our wages and benefits.
This exclusion distinguishes the RCMP officer cadre from the representation structures available to most senior municipal and provincial police commissioned officers across Canada.
NPCOPA’s Goal: The National Police Federation Model
As the certified bargaining agent under the Federal Public sector labour relations framework, the National Police Federation (“NPF”) has statutory authority to represent Regular Members and Reservists below the rank of Inspector. NPCOPA would be seeking its own Collective Bargaining Unit, separate and distinct from the NPF.
Certification provides Members of the bargaining unit with:
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Exclusive representation in labour relations matters;
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The ability to negotiate binding collective agreements that set out the terms for compensation, benefits, and working conditions;
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Access to binding arbitration to resolve bargaining impasses;
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Representation in grievances and dispute resolution;
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Participation in labour-management consultation processes; and
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Access to employer information necessary for bargaining and representation.
Because policing is an essential service, disputes are resolved through independent binding arbitration rather than strike action, ensuring both representation rights and continuity of public safety services.
Not an NPCOPA Member?
Signing the Membership Drive - Certification Process is separate and distinct from becoming a member of the National Police Commissioned Officers Professional Association (NPCOPA).
You may choose to support the Certification Process without becoming a member of NPCOPA.
However, we strongly encourage you to also consider becoming a member so you can stay informed, receive updates, and support the association's ongoing work on behalf of Commissioned Officers.
How Other Jurisdictions Approach Senior Police Officer Representation
Across Canada, representation models for senior officers are not uniform.
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In several municipal services, based on provincial legislation, senior officer associations represent inspectors and/or superintendents and negotiate agreements tailored to their roles and responsibilities.
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Through an MOU, the Ontario Provincial Police Senior Officers Association represents and collectively bargains with the Ontario Provincial Treasury Board on behalf of Inspectors, Superintendents and Chief Superintendents.
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In all jurisdictions, Deputy Chiefs and Chiefs of Police are excluded from collective bargaining but negotiate their own contracts with their employers.
These variations demonstrate that representation models for senior leadership continue to evolve and are shaped by governance structures, operational responsibilities, and legislative design.
NPCOPA as a Professional Association vs. Collective Bargaining Agent
NPCOPA is a professional association, not a union or certified collective bargaining agent.
A professional association exists to advance its Members' professional interests and to strengthen leadership effectiveness within the organization it serves. In its current role, NPCOPA:
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Advocates on matters affecting commissioned officer leadership;
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Promotes fairness, transparency, and sound governance practices;
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Provides a collective professional voice on policy and workplace issues;
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Supports professional standards and leadership effectiveness; and
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Engages in ongoing consultation and dialogue with the Treasury Board and RCMP leadership on issues related to terms and conditions of employment, including pay and benefits.
However, a professional association cannot engage in collective bargaining or participate in labour disputes. We also have no access to dispute resolution.
By contrast, a collective bargaining agent is a legally recognized representative under labour legislation. A bargaining agent negotiates binding collective agreements, represents employees in labour relations and grievance processes, and bargains wages, benefits, and working conditions within a statutory labour relations framework. NPCOPA wants your support to become certified as the collective bargaining agent for all Commissioned Officers.
Why we need your participation
The first step of the process requires that NPCOPA show that the majority of the officer cadre supports NPCOPA becoming their bargaining agent. NPCOPA will attach the Membership Cards to their Application for Certification to show the support of its Members.
We need to show as much support as we can. Given that the legislation does not currently allow the Commissioned Officers to unionize, we will challenge the constitutionality of this legislation as a part of the application process. Showing the support of as many Members as possible will strengthen our case and show the decision-maker that we are united in this effort.
Because NPCOPA is seeking to represent all Commissioned Officers, participation will be open to all Commissioned Officers, whether or not they are current NPCOPA Members. To be clear: if you are a current NPCOPA Member, we still need to you pay the $5 and esign a Membership Card.
