Where ComplaintCA Fits
ComplaintCA doesn't replace the civilian oversight body for your province — it helps you identify the correct one and drafts a clear, factual complaint in one of 7 supported languages. If you need to report a crime rather than complain about an officer, see ComplaintCA's cyber crime reporting guide.
No need to read this whole guide — Asya can ask a few questions and point you to the right body in seconds.
Start with Asya Now →
Which Police Oversight Law Applies in Your Province
Complaints about municipal or provincial police fall under the provincial law below. Complaints about the RCMP fall under the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Act, Part VII, wherever you live.
- Ontario: Community Safety and Policing Act, 2019 (Ontario)
- British Columbia: Police Act (British Columbia)
- Alberta: Police Act (Alberta)
- Quebec: Police Act (Québec, police ethics)
- Manitoba: The Law Enforcement Review Act (Manitoba)
- Saskatchewan: The Police Act, 1990 (Saskatchewan)
- Nova Scotia: Police Act (Nova Scotia)
- New Brunswick: Police Act (New Brunswick)
- Prince Edward Island: Police Act (Prince Edward Island)
- Newfoundland & Labrador: Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Act, 1992
- Yukon: Royal Canadian Mounted Police Act, Part VII (the RCMP polices Yukon)
- Northwest Territories: Royal Canadian Mounted Police Act, Part VII (the RCMP polices the Northwest Territories)
- Nunavut: Royal Canadian Mounted Police Act, Part VII (the RCMP polices Nunavut)
Frequently Asked
How do I file a complaint against a police officer in Canada?
File with your province's civilian oversight body — Ontario's LECA, BC's OPCC, or the equivalent. For the RCMP, file with the federal CRCC.
What's the difference between complaining about police and reporting a crime?
Reporting a crime asks police to investigate someone else. A police complaint is about an officer's own conduct — excessive force, rudeness, or improper procedure.
How do I complain about the RCMP?
File with the Civilian Review and Complaints Commission for the RCMP (CRCC) at 1-800-665-6878.
Is there a time limit to file a police complaint?
Most provincial bodies require filing within 6 to 12 months of the incident, though some allow later filing with an explanation.
What happens after I file a complaint against police?
The oversight body screens it, then investigates directly, refers it back to the service with oversight, or dismisses it. You're notified and can usually appeal a dismissal.
What is ComplaintCA?
A Canadian civic complaint platform that routes you to the correct authority, with AI-assisted drafting in 7 languages, an MP finder, a lawyer panel, and cyber crime reporting support.
I'm Deaf or hard of hearing — how do I call a phone-only authority?
Use Canada VRS (free sign-language video relay, available 24/7) or dial 711 for a text-based relay operator — both let you place a real phone call to any number listed on this page.
Sources & Verification
This guide is maintained by ComplaintCA and checked against the official sources linked throughout, including:
Learn more about how ComplaintCA verifies information on our About page.
Related Guides
