Progress on Mandate Commitments
Date: Date the document is sent
Classification: Insert classification
Fully releasable (ATIP)? Yes
Branch / Agency: CSCCB
Proposed Response:
- The issue of systemic racism stands out as one area where serious and enduring change is needed.
- Our Government has acknowledged that this is an important priority and I am advancing a number of commitments in this area that were included in my mandate letter.
- Re-introducing and bringing into force a legislation to create a review body for the CBSA was one of our top priorities and I had the honour of introducing Bill C-3 as one of the first pieces of legislation to be presented in the current session of Parliament.
- An independent review mechanism for the CBSA will ensure that the public can continue to expect consistent, fair and equal treatment when receiving services at the border and I’m very pleased that the bill, in its new form, has once again enjoyed strong support, across party lines.
- While COVID-19 has temporarily shifted our focus as decision-makers over these past several weeks, I remain committed to making progress on my mandate to co-develop a legislative framework for First Nations policing and to expand the number of communities served by the First Nations Policing Program.
- I am currently exploring how best to advance these commitments to ensure that Indigenous communities have equitable access to the policing services they need to protect those most vulnerable, including women and children, and to increase community safety.
- We are examining how to expand diversion programs that keep at-risk youth out of the criminal justice system.
- We are also reviewing the state of training in policing agencies to determine what more needs to be done in this regard. Because the RCMP wants to be at the forefront, they continually review their policies, procedures, training and equipment to ensure it is using the most effective practices in law enforcement. This includes researching and on occasion, pilot testing, new technology, if it is deemed to enhance public safety.
- The RCMP`s objective remains to provide its officers with tools that allow them to meet the challenges of modern policing in a constantly changing environment.
- As a Government, we are taking stock of what more needs to be done right now. There is a great deal more work ahead of us and I am firmly focused on this priority, as is my Department and all of the Agency Heads
First Nations Policing Program (FNPP)
Your mandate letter currently states the following with respect to the way forward for Indigenous policing: “With the Minister of Indigenous Services, co-develop a legislative framework for First Nations policing, which recognizes First Nations policing as an essential service, and work with interested communities to expand the number of communities served by First Nations policing.”
CBSA Review Body
In Budget 2019, the Government proposed to amend the Canada Border Services Agency Act, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Act and other Acts, as required, to expand the Civilian Review and Complaints Commission (CRCC) to act as an independent review body for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Canada Border Services Agency.
On May 7, 2019, the then-Minister of Public Safety introduced Bill C-98, which would have created the Public Complaints and Review Commission (PCRC) by expanding the CRCC to handle reviews and complaints for both the CBSA and the RCMP. Complaints from the public about the conduct of CBSA officers and the quality of services provided would be addressed to the new PCRC. It would also have the ability to review, on its own initiative or at the request of the Minister, any non-national security activity of the CBSA. The National Security and Intelligence Review Agency (NSIRA) is responsible for the review of the CBSA’s national security activities following the coming-into-force of the relevant portions of Bill C-59. The bill passed third reading at the House of Commons, but Parliament was dissolved before it could pass second reading in the Senate.
As announced in your Mandate Letter, you have reintroduced legislation (Bill C-3) to create a review body for the CBSA on January 27th, 2020. The Bill is at second reading in the House of Commons
Keeping at-risk youth out of the Criminal Justice System
Your mandate letter states the following: “Advance measures to keep our communities safe. You will invest additional resources to establish a dedicated funding stream for municipalities to fight gang-related violence and expand diversion programs that keep at-risk youth out of the criminal justice system.”
Unconscious bias and cultural competency training
Your mandate letter states the following: “Ensure that all officials in Canada’s law enforcement and security agencies have access to unconscious bias and cultural competency training, with support from the Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Youth.”
The RCMP is on track to provide unconscious bias and cultural competency training to its employees and managers and offers online training on bias self-awareness, as well as more specialized awareness training on issues specific to employment equity groups and the LGBTQ2+ community. The RCMP has integrated inclusive leadership training into its manager and executive development programs, and will be launching a new Cultural Awareness and Humility course intended for all employees. As part of a comprehensive Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy, the RCMP is considering how to expand the delivery of cultural competency training at all levels and enhance training provided to management and senior leaders.
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