The long weekend has done little to blunt the anger of mayors of lower mainland RCMP jurisdictions, who will meet April 20th to talk about the surprise RCMP wage hikes.
Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie says the raises could equal a $ 2-3 million hit to the city budget, or a 2% tax hike.
He said “At that meeting I am going to be wanting to hear from the other cities to find out there attitude towards the entire situation.”
Brodie says the buck, in his mind, stops at two doorsteps.
He said “I think it is a combination of the provincial and federal government I think that it is incumbent upon them to get a better explanation and not just present cities with a take it or leave it this is your contract and you are to sign it by the end of April.”
He says this new RCMP deal is just the same old thing
Brodie said “Accountability was all supposed to be taken care of, costs were all to be taken care of well we know that the costs haven’t been taken care of because all of a sudden we get this big bill this contract is not taking these matters into account I think that it is incumbent upon the government to let us know what the situation is and address these concerns.”
He says whether Richmond ratifies the new deal is now “up in the air” after news of the RCMP pay raises.
The RCMP raises came out of the blue last week prompting BC’s Attorney-General and Justice Minister Shirley Bond to demand clarification from Ottawa..
About The Reporter
