RCMP recruitment shows recent improvement, officials say

Applications to the RCMP have more than doubled since 2022–23 and recent intake and graduations have increased, though long processing times and provincial concerns about staffing remain.

The RCMP's recruitment situation is showing signs of improvement after being described as a crisis in recent years. Assistant commissioner Adam Palmer, who leads national recruitment transformation, described current trends as promising. Applications have risen steeply, and recent training intakes and graduations have increased. Provinces, territories and some municipalities remain attentive to vacancy rates and how recruitment will affect policing agreements. Key facts: - Applications rose from 9,698 in 2022–23 to 20,839 in 2024–25. - Since the start of the current fiscal year the RCMP has received 15,453 applications and is on track to exceed 20,000. - Last fiscal year 1,037 candidates were offered a spot at the Regina training depot and 895 graduated; the prior year saw 639 offers and 622 graduates. - The application process takes about 400 days, and many applicants are rejected or withdraw before completion. - The RCMP is launching a pilot in British Columbia and Yukon to increase face time with potential recruits and streamline onboarding. - The service has set a goal of about 1,600 graduates a year, equivalent to 50 full troops of 32 cadets. Summary: The rise in applications and higher graduation numbers indicate recruitment pressures may be easing, but long processing times and continued provincial and municipal concern mean staffing challenges are not fully resolved. The RCMP plans pilots to speed and refine recruitment and onboarding, and provinces and territories will monitor progress as policing contracts and resourcing questions remain.