Province Expanding Basic Constable Training Program to Protect Ontario

September 26, 2025

121 additional recruits will help keep Ontario streets and communities safe

September 26, 2025

CORNWALL — As part of its plan to protect Ontario, the government is expanding the
Basic Constable Training (BCT) program to help police services recruit, train and deploy
more officers. For the first time, training will be held simultaneously at two locations – the
Ontario Police College in Aylmer and a temporary site in Cornwall, which will allow for an
additional 121 recruits to be trained for a combined intake of up to 641 recruits.

“Ontario’s Basic Constable Training is the critical first step in the journey to become a
police officer in this province,” said Solicitor General Michael Kerzner. “When Ontarians
are in need, it is our police officers who answer the call to protect us and keep our
communities safe. By expanding training this fall in Cornwall, our government is
supporting police services and their recruitment efforts, ensuring they have the additional
constables needed to protect our communities.”

Training in Cornwall will be delivered at the DEV Hotel and Conference Centre. The
program begins on October 6 and will conclude with the March Past and Review
Ceremony on December 17.

“The safety and well-being of Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry relies on a strong police
force to protect our community,” said Nolan Quinn, MPP for Stormont-Dundas-South
Glengarry. “By expanding basic constable training, our government is adding more
officers to police forces across the province to help keep our streets and loved ones safe
today, and into the future.”

In 2023, the Ontario government eliminated the tuition fee for the BCT program. The
program includes courses in federal law, provincial law, traffic law, human rights, diversity
and professional practice, leadership, ethics, mental health for first responders and for
people in crisis, de-escalation tactics, firearms, officer safety and fitness for duty.

Quotes

“We are very pleased that the Ontario Police College has chosen our city to host an additional Basic Constable Training class for the fall intake. Expanding BCT capacity is a clear benefit for police services across the province. With our outstanding DEV Centre facility, recruits in this class will receive high-quality training that equips them for a successful career in policing. This initiative directly supports Cornwall Police Service’s vision of “a safe Cornwall where everyone can thrive and belong”. We extend a warm welcome to the college and the incoming recruits to our city and are confident they will find both our community and our facilities supportive and inspiring.” – Shawna Spowart, Chief of Police, Cornwall Police Service

“This announcement reflects the partnership between government, police services, and police governance boards in meeting Ontario’s public safety needs. By expanding training capacity, we are preparing new officers for service while strengthening the governance systems that ensure policing remains effective, accountable, and trusted.” – Al Boughton, Chair, Ontario Association of Police Service Boards

“The Police Association of Ontario is proud to support this one-time expansion of the Ontario Police College Basic Constable Training program being held in Cornwall, Ontario. By opening more seats, we are enabling police services across the province to attract, train and deploy more officers in the communities we serve. We wish the combined 641 recruits the best of luck and look forward to celebrating them at the March Past and Review Ceremony in December.” – Mark Baxter, President, Police Association of Ontario

“The Ontario government’s decision to expand basic constable training is a significant and welcome step toward addressing the urgent need for more frontline officers. By establishing a temporary second training location in Cornwall, this initiative will accelerate the recruitment and deployment of officers across the province. Our members are dedicated to protecting their communities, and this investment will strengthen their ability to do so. It demonstrates a clear and meaningful commitment to public safety in Ontario.” – David Sabatini, Acting President, OPP Association

“Police services across Ontario are recruiting and hiring police cadets at record levels, especially in Toronto where the Multi-Year Hiring Plan has committed to adding hundreds of officers over the coming years. Thanks to the investment by Premier Ford and his government, the expansion of Basic Constable Training allows for more officers to be hired, trained, and deployed back into communities where they are needed most.” – Clayton Campbell, President, Toronto Police Association

Additional Resources

Ontario Police College

Media Contact

Adrian Bugelli
Office of MPP Nolan Quinn
613-933-6513
Nolan.Quinn@pc.ola.org