The RCMP will continue providing police services to six provinces and three territories for the next 20 years as part of a renewed Canada-wide agreement-in-principle announced Wednesday.

British Columbia, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador and the three territories say they have reached a deal with Ottawa, which will soon become final.

B.C. Attorney General Shirley Bond and Attorney General Andrew Swan of Manitoba said the agreement gives the provinces more input in RCMP decision making.

Vic Toews, Canada’s Minister of Public Safety, issued Wednesday the following statement marking the conclusion of contract negotiations with provinces and territories currently served by the RCMP.

“Following a committed effort by all parties, I am pleased to announce that the provinces and territories have concluded negotiations and have reached an agreement in principle that reflects the interests of all respective governments. The proposed 2012-2032 Police Services Agreement, which will take effect on April 1, 2012, addresses the key issues raised during negotiations, including governance, accountability, program sustainability and cost containment. It offers increased input into issues affecting the quality and standards of contract policing, as well as ensures a fairer sharing of the actual cost of operating a police service in each jurisdiction.

This Agreement represents a win-win situation for all jurisdictions:
—  Fair and equitable sharing of costs: All legitimate and actual costs to
deliver policing services will be appropriately shared to ensure
effective, sustainable policing.
—  Strengthened governance: The Agreement will provide for a balanced
approach – ensuring that the RCMP can manage and deliver its services by
engaging its contract partners on matters affecting the cost or quality
of policing before key decisions are taken at the federal level.
—  Sustainability: Collaborative planning with contract partners, including
a new building management program, will ensure that police assets are
properly maintained, providing for better officer and public safety.
—  RCMP Modernization: New, clear accountability mechanisms in the
Agreement will strengthen the RCMP’s relationship with its contract
partners and contribute to the broader modernization efforts of the
RCMP.