The presence of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Newfoundland and Labrador could be no more in eight years’ time if recommendations out of First Voice’s report into police oversight in the province are followed.

The organization released its final report on the issue, complete with 26 recommendations, yesterday.

One such recommendation is to phase out contract policing by the RCMP in the province by 2030.

The report cites long-standing “systemic issues” within the force, particularly as it relates to sexual harassment and racism.

It alleges that the RCMP are either unwilling or incapable of reforming the systemic racism within itself and as such any promises to undertake things like reviews are no longer acceptable.

First Light president and committee co-chair Catherine Fagan says phasing out the force would accomplish a lot.

Ultimately, she says the RCMP is federally regulated and because of that they are limited at a provincial level in terms of implementing the transformative change that is needed.

Justice Minister John Hogan is currently reviewing the recommendations. He acknowledges that there are similar calls in other provinces, but notes we are not there yet.

He says Newfoundland and Labrador is different from other provinces in that it does not have a municipal police force, and such things need to be taken into account when considering changes to policing.