Care and Maintenance of RCMP Graves in Nova Scotia

In Nova Scotia, the care of RCMP graves is supported through a cooperative program between the RCMP and the RCMP Veterans Association. This partnership was created to ensure that RCMP graves across the province are properly cared for, regardless of where a member is buried.

How the Program Works

• Approximately 30 volunteer RCMP veterans, often accompanied by their spouses, inspect known RCMP graves each year. As of March 2026 there are approximately 700 sites throughout the province that are inspected.
• Graves requiring repair or maintenance are reported to the Veterans Graves Inspection Director.
• Once approved, repairs are completed by professional memorial companies.
• All approved work is paid for through dedicated program funding provided by the Commanding Officer of “H” Division. (Nova Scotia)

In 2015, this partnership was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which provides:

• Annual funding for grave inspection and maintenance.
• Additional funding for a Grave Recovery Program, focused on locating and identifying unmarked or forgotten RCMP graves.

Since the program began, numerous RCMP graves have been identified across Nova Scotia, ensuring that the service of past members is not forgotten. Additional sites are still believed to be located throughout the province. With this funding from “H” Division, a project dedicated to locating these marked or unmarked graves has made considerable progress in identifying the sites. Although deceased members / employees have been identified, many of the grave sites have yet to be located

Once a grave that does not have reference to Force service is located, follow up work is required. This includes contacting family members to obtain information such as Reg #, years of service etc. to ascertain if the member would have qualified for a Regimental marker. If the member qualifies, it is left to the families to decide if they wish to have the RCMP service recognized. We believe that many family members are not aware that the recognition, as well as care and maintenance of the site, is a benefit that may be available. Once informed, family members can decide if they wish to take advantage of this service or to have any recognition placed on the stone. Additionally, in special circumstances, sites are marked even though the member would not have been eligible for the benefit.

Currently there are a number of sites which are ready to be identified as member graves during the coming summer. Metal crests from transfer plaques which have been donated by Veterans can be affixed to the stones if the family wishes. These family members have been contacted and are very pleased that their loved one will receive recognition for serving in the Force. This work has been taken on by a dedicated volunteer with assistance from other veterans, and with minimal cost to the Veterans Association.

Ongoing Oversight and Record-Keeping

Each year in Nova Scotia:

• All known marked RCMP graves are inspected by volunteer regional inspectors.
• Graves are photographed and recorded using GPS coordinates if required.
• Information is entered into a searchable database.
• Local information is shared with a national RCMP graves database that is available to the public.
• A summary report is provided to RCMP leadership outlining completed work and the overall condition of gravesites.