OTTAWA — Opposition critics are calling a new RCMP policy on external probes for Mountie misdeeds a “half-measure” and they want the Harper government to impose stronger oversight powers.
RCMP Commissioner William Elliott announced an interim policy Thursday designed to “raise the bar” on public accountability by turning over internal probes to provincial or independent investigators.
“The RCMP must strive to be as open and transparent as possible, and fully accountable for its actions,” he said. “We would prefer the RCMP never to be called upon to conduct investigations of our employees.”
When the RCMP has no choice but to investigate internally, a team of at least two officers — including one ranked higher than the subject officer — will carry out the probe. Both investigators will be carefully screened for potential conflict of interest, Elliott said.
The commissioner said investigations of Mounties must always be “impartial and fair,” especially when there are lives lost, serious injuries or sensitive matters of public confidence or trust are involved.
In some provinces, regimes are already in place to conduct independent investigations, such as the serious investigation response team in Alberta. Similar models are now being established in Manitoba and Nova Scotia.
Liberal MP Mark Holland said the government has ignored scores of recommendations to improve accountability and oversight of the RCMP, and called it “inappropriate” to leave policy-making in the hands of the commissioner.
“I think the government is absolutely shirking its responsibilities here. It’s up to the government to decide the appropriate oversight of the RCMP — particularly after we have had so many reports and commissions of inquiry that have been done, making it clear the changes that so desperately need to be made,” he said.
NDP MP Nathan Cullen said the new policy is “a half-measure at best,” and urged the federal government to create an independent special investigations unit.
“I’m not sure the RCMP are able or willing to go the full mile, the gold standard, in this and get that public confidence back that they need to do their job,” he said.
But Public Safety Minister Vic Toews issued a statement welcoming the interim policy.
“Our government’s position continues to be that effective review should be external to the force,” he said. “This announcement demonstrates the RCMP’s commitment to becoming a stronger, more accountable and modern organization. We support the RCMP as it moves toward formalizing this policy and makes further progress on its transformation agenda.”
