Cadet Recruitment Allowance Q & As

How much will RCMP cadets receive?
While attending the RCMP Academy (commonly called Depot), cadets will receive $500 each week. This amounts to $12,000 for the 24-week training period. The Cadet Recruitment Allowance is a fair compensation for RCMP cadets.

When will cadets begin receiving the allowance?
The allowance will be implemented mid-September. Each cadet will be provided with $12,000 for their 24-week training period.

Will there be any consideration given to retroactivity for cadets who graduated prior to June 16, 2008?
The allowance is effective from June 16, 2008 only.

Does a cadet who began training at Depot prior to June 16th qualify for the allowance?
Cadets who were at Depot on June 16 (excluding lateral entries and current employees) will qualify for a portion of the allowance. This will be pro-rated.

For example, if a cadet is scheduled to graduate from Depot on July 7, he or she will receive three weeks of allowance (or $1500).

How will cadets receive the allowance?
The Cadet Recruitment Allowance will be paid by cheque on a bi-weekly basis.

Cadets will receive the allowance as long as they are enrolled at Depot, to a maximum of $12,000.

Will cadets accumulate leave credits?
No - this is an allowance. Cadets are considered students, not employees.

Is this considered taxable income?
The allowance will be subject to applicable tax legislation.

Will the time at Depot now count as pensionable service?
No, cadets are engaged (i.e. hired) following graduation at Depot. Cadets cannot elect for service done prior to engagement.

Do cadets have to do anything to begin receiving the allowance (for instance, do they have to apply for it)?
No. The allowance will be automatic once the training agreement is signed.

If a cadet does not complete training, does he or she need to repay the allowance?
Cadets will receive the allowance for their time spent as cadets at Depot. There is no requirement or obligation to repay the portion received, should they not complete training.

Will Lateral Entry applicants receive the allowance?
No. Lateral entry applicants, who are experienced Canadian police officers (i.e., from other Canadian police services) are engaged prior to going to Depot.

How long does it take to complete the application process?
The length of the application process depends upon successful completion of the necessary steps of the application process. Generally, it takes between 6 to 18 months to fully process an application. However, we are currently in the process of implementing an applicant-focused block processing model to reduce the time needed to process an applicant. Beginning in May 2008, this new model is being piloted in Vancouver, Winnipeg, Ottawa and Moncton.

The intent of the proposed applicant-focused block processing model is to provide recruiting offices with an alternative approach which will drastically reduce the time to process an applicant file to approximately three months. This approach is “applicant-focused” as it accommodates, simplifies and accelerates the process for those applicants eager to join the RCMP.

This model clusters various phases of the recruiting process while ensuring each applicant receives on-going attention and monitoring so that any processing delays are quickly addressed and eliminated.

Over the course of the implementation of this model, the results will be tracked and reviewed to ensure it is as effective as possible, while also ensuring RCMP standards are not compromised in any way.

What are the different steps of the application process?
The RCMP’s application process consists of eight steps including written tests, a selection package, a fitness assessment, medical exam, a suitability interview, a pre-employment polygraph examination and background investigation.

Our recruiting standards are high. While the application process is designed to ensure the best candidates are selected, our recruiting officers work with applicants throughout the process to ensure the best chance of success.

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They are the latest participants in a 17-week RCMP National Recruiting Program initiative that enables Aboriginal youth to learn about law enforcement and the criminal justice field.

Participants spent the first three weeks of the program at Depot. They then work with experienced police officers in detachments near their home town using skills acquired at the RCMP Academy.

Participant Melissa Pinyon found the experience most rewarding and can hardly wait to begin her new posting at Merritt detachment, in Merritt British Columbia.

“My experience here was amazing, it was a real eye opener and inspires me to continue my quest to become a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.”

According to the program manager, Sergeant Ed Jobson, graduates leave the Academy with a greater appreciation of policing and of the role of aboriginal people in the RCMP. Many past students have returned to Depot Division and have become regular members of the RCMP

“The RCMP training academy portion of AYTP is designed to give participants a taste of what life is like as an RCMP cadet. For three weeks student’s live and work as a troop and attend classes similar to regular cadets. This experience better prepares students for the academy if they choose a career in the RCMP as well as builds their self-esteem.”

The AYTP participants were selected from a pool of candidates from across the country.

The RCMP is committed to contributing to safer and healthier Aboriginal communities. The RCMP works with Aboriginal communities to prevent crime through social development, improve the ongoing delivery of culturally appropriate policing services and encourage ongoing consultation with the communities to ensure their needs are being met.

For more information please contact:

Marie R. Patterson
Communications & Events Management Services
RCMP "Depot" Division
306-780-5707
306-537-1307 (cellular)

In the coming year, three more Francophone troops will head to Depot, heeding the call to join the ranks of Canada's federal police force. On average, the RCMP sends one Francophone troop to Regina per year.

The first troop, made up of cadets from different areas of Quebec and ranging in ages from 21 to 42 years, is scheduled to begin its 26-week training on June 2.

"We are quite proud to have recruited so many Francophones from Quebec," says Cpl. Michel Gallant, who is in charge of the recruiting team in Quebec.

"One of the goals of our campaign within the province is to raise awareness and break common myths about our organization."

For instance, Gallant explains that potential applicants are almost always surprised to learn that they can apply if they are unilingual French; that a diploma in police foundations is not a pre-requisite for applying, and the basic requirements include a high school diploma, and to be 19 years of age at time of engagement.

The RCMP also offers hundreds of career possibilities. If working the front lines is your preference, you can do so. If investigative project development or other policing fields is more your style, you can do that too.

"An RCMP officer can work from coast to coast - and around the world - from small town policing to large, high-profile investigations," adds Gallant. "The career possibilities are incredible."

The media is invited to attend the enrolment:

Friday, May 30, 11 am
800 Bel-Air Street, Recruiting Unit
Montreal, Quebec

Media contact:
Cpl. Michel Gallant, RCMP
514-939-8488 x 3354
michel.gallant@rcmp-grc.gc.ca