Internal RCMP review finds northern detachments chronically understaffed

Northern and isolated RCMP detachments are "chronically and at times critically" understaffed, according to an internal evaluation completed in June 2026 and made public last month. Hard vacancy rates, covering positions left open by retirements, resignations or permanent transfers, exceeded 20% in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut during the third quarter of this fiscal year; Manitoba was just below 20% and Saskatchewan near 15%. The report cites isolation, family obligations, severe violence and a 2023 change letting recruits choose their division. The RCMP says it accepted the recommendations, including a co-ordinated northern staffing strategy and modernized incentives for remote postings.