(Ottawa) Federal Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino wants to strengthen the role of the RCMP’s Management Advisory Board.
Posted at 10:37 a.m.
Mr. Mendicino expressed the wish to give the body “the necessary independence and autonomy”, no doubt through amendments to the law. The objective is to ensure adequate oversight of the RCMP.
He also highlighted the need for better communication between counsel and his cabinet to help build greater trust between Canadians and the RCMP.
This measure would respond to the many voices calling for better external supervision of the national police.
During the last election campaign, the Liberals pledged to “expand the powers of the Management Advisory Board to exercise full oversight over the RCMP, similar to other Canadian police services”.
This commitment is included in Minister Mendicino’s mandate letter. He recently ordered RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki to ensure the council’s full support.
PHOTO ADRIAN WYLD, THE CANADIAN PRESS ARCHIVES
RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki
Chaired by Douglas Moen, the council has eight members. Its mandate requires it to provide the Commissioner with “external expertise and advice on transformation, human resources, modern management practices, information technology and other specialized areas”.
This council was created in 2019. In the eyes of the government, its objective was to promote the modernization of the RCMP.
Mr. Mendicino says he wants to establish a clear and transparent line of communication between the board and himself. He wishes to receive reports that can be used “to advance the public debate” on the police force.
The minister also wants the council to make recommendations on RCMP diversification, training, discipline and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.
He is counting on the council to strengthen the Independent Harassment Resolution Center set up to improve the handling of cases of harassment and violence in the workplace. He is not subordinate to the hierarchy and must be free from prejudices and conflicts of interest.
All options are on the table on whether or not to impose these changes through legislation.
Marco Mendicino, Federal Minister of Public Security
Shortly after the Minister’s interview with The Canadian Press, a political controversy erupted over possible interference by the Prime Minister’s Office in the investigation into the Nova Scotia shooting in April 2020. The Commissioner Lucki reportedly promised Justin Trudeau’s office to reveal specific information about the weapons used by the killer.
A commission of inquiry is also examining the role of the RCMP during the course of the tragedy.
“I’m focused on one thing: making sure we protect the health and safety of Canadians,” says Mendicino.