British Columbia is working on a new contract proposal to keep the RCMP
in the province and hopes to have something to present to Ottawa by the
end of the week. Peter Fassbender, the mayor of Langley who is an observer at the
negotiating table, wouldn't specify what will be in the proposal, but
says it includes a list of outstanding issues. He says once Ottawa has the proposal, both sides can establish a process to move forward and set dates for further talks. Last week, B.C. Solicitor General Shirley Bond announced the federal
government had threatened to withdraw RCMP services in 2014 if the
province doesn't sign a proposed 20-year policing contract by the end of
November. Days later, B.C. Conservative member of Parliament James Moore said he was optimistic both sides could reach a deal. Bond has said British Columbia wants more financial accountability
built into the RCMP contract and other provinces have said they're
watching what happens as they head into their own negotiations.
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