In a significant decision that defies cross-party consensus, the British Columbia government has firmly closed the door on establishing a provincial police force to replace the RCMP.
Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth announced the province will maintain its current policing arrangement with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, despite recommendations from a special legislative committee that included members from all three major political parties.
The Cost Factor
Financial considerations played a decisive role in the government's thinking. Minister Farnworth emphasized that transitioning to a provincial police service would require massive upfront investment.
"The cost of transitioning to a provincial police service is in the billions of dollars," Farnworth stated. "At a time when we're focused on affordability for people, that is not a direction we are prepared to go."
Committee Recommendations Overturned
The all-party committee had spent months examining policing models across Canada and internationally. Their comprehensive report suggested that a made-in-B.C. police force could better address local needs and improve police-community relations.
However, the government concluded that the practical challenges outweighed the potential benefits. Farnworth noted that while the committee's work was valuable, the government must consider broader provincial priorities.
Focus on Reform Within Existing System
Instead of creating a new police service, the province will concentrate on enhancing the current model through additional reforms and resources.
"We are committed to improving policing and strengthening public safety through the model we have," Farnworth assured. The government plans to implement other committee recommendations that don't require transitioning to a provincial force.
The decision represents a victory for continuity in British Columbia's law enforcement approach, though it may disappoint reform advocates who saw the provincial police proposal as an opportunity for meaningful change in community safety delivery.
