The Federal Public Sector Labour Relations Act currently does not allow “officers” as defined in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Act to unionize. Under the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Act, “officers” are listed as any rank above and including Inspector.

NPCOPA will be challenging this legislative prohibition on “officers” unionizing.

No outcome can be guaranteed. However, the Supreme Court of Canada has recently stated that employees are entitled to meaningful and independent representation, and the current exclusion of Commissioned Officers raises legitimate questions under those principles. While the form of any resulting framework cannot be predicted, the issue is sufficiently grounded in evolving labour law to warrant careful consideration.

NPCOPA has pursued a voluntary MOU framework with the Treasury Board since 2022, modelled on the senior officer arrangement used in Ontario. While discussions have been constructive, Treasury Board has indicated that the current federal labour relations framework already provides sufficient mechanisms for engagement and has not supported establishing a separate formal arrangement. Unlike provincial policing systems, federal compensation and labour relations policies are centrally governed and designed to maintain consistency across the core public administration. In that context, Treasury Board has preferred to maintain the existing approach.

Because NPCOPA is seeking to represent all Commissioned Officers, NPCOPA Members and non-Members will both be affected. Accordingly, NPCOPA must show that it has the support of the majority of Commissioned Officers, including non-NPCOPA Members.

The nominal fee confirms genuine participation and helps offset initial legal costs while maintaining transparency and accountability.

Yes! This sign-up process is specific to our membership drive and certification. We need to show maximum support from all commissioned officers and file it as part of the application process.

If you are not currently a member of NPCOPA, you can still show your support by signing the Membership Drive.

While signing the form supports the certification process, we also encourage you to consider becoming a member of NPCOPA so you can stay informed, receive updates, and support the association’s ongoing work on behalf of Commissioned Officers.

No. The certification drive is only open to commissioned officers from the ranks of Inspector to Assistant Commissioner.