ARCHIVED - Harper Government committed to enhancing RCMP accountability
Archived Content
Information identified as archived is provided for reference, research or record-keeping purposes. It is not subject to the Government of Canada Web Standards and has not been altered or updated since it was archived. Please contact us to request a format other than those available.
OTTAWA, March 6, 2013 — The Honourable Vic Toews, Minister of Public Safety, and Senator Jean-Guy Dagenais today encouraged support for the third reading vote on Bill C-42: Enhancing Royal Canadian Mounted Police Accountability Act in the House of Commons.
“The RCMP is recognized around the world as a symbol of who we are as Canadians, and what we value: professionalism, honesty, integrity and compassion.Our Government is committed to ensuring that the RCMP has the tools it needs to ensure accountability and transparency to Canadians,” said Minister Toews. “I encourage all members of the House to support the Enhancing Royal Canadian Mounted Police Accountability Act at third reading as it will help strengthen pride in Canada's national police force, and enable the men and women of the RCMP to continue to do the valuable work they do to keep our streets and communities safe.”
The proposed changes to the RCMP Act are designed to enhance accountability and transparency by:
- Strengthening the review and complaints body for the RCMP;
- Establishing a statutory framework for handling criminal investigations of serious incidents involving RCMP members;
- Streamlining the RCMP human resource management regime.
“The vast majority of RCMP employees perform an exemplary service to Canadians and deserve our support and respect. The Enhancing Royal Canadian Mounted Police Accountability Act lays the legislative foundation that will allow the RCMP to modernize its human resources systems and processes, including ones to effectively address harassment complaints, along with other workplace-related issues,” said Senator Dagenais. “Changes proposed in the Bill are consistent with recommendations made by RCMP stakeholders. They also complement changes already made to enhance governance and modernize the RCMP's operations, including its organizational culture.”
Bill C-42: Enhancing Royal Canadian Mounted Police Accountability Act was introduced in the House of Commons on June 20, 2012. It builds on the accountability mechanisms included in the 2012–2032 Police Services Agreements signed by Contract Provinces and Territories. These Agreements both strengthen the RCMP's relationship with its contract partners and contribute to the broader modernization efforts of the RCMP.
The introduction of this legislation is part of the Harper Government's Plan for Safe Streets and Communities, which is one of four priorities identified by the Prime Minister. This Plan focuses on tackling crime, victims' rights, and fair and efficient justice.
Follow Public Safety Canada (@Safety_Canada) on Twitter.
Information:
Julie Carmichael
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Public Safety
613-991-2924
Media Relations
Public Safety Canada
613-991-0657
- Date modified: