The RCMP contract policing formula refers to the cost-sharing arrangement between the federal government and provinces/municipalities that use RCMP as their police service. Changes to this formula—particularly federal decisions to shift more costs to provinces and municipalities—are controversial because they increase local policing costs without corresponding increases in control or funding. Municipalities using RCMP have limited negotiating power when the federal government changes terms. These formula changes exemplify broader concerns about 'downloading'—senior governments shifting costs to municipalities without equivalent resources. Contract policing arrangements affect budgets significantly in provinces and territories where RCMP provides local policing.