Bastarache Report – External Oversight Recommendation
Date: May 13, 2021
Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
Fully releasable (ATIP)? Yes
Branch/Agency: RCMP
Issue:
Justice Bastarache noted in the 2020 Final Report on the Implementation of the Merlo Davidson Settlement Agreement that for the RCMP to address the challenges outlined in the report requires “sustained independent and external pressure”.
Proposed Response:
- Issues around workplace culture and the need for oversight of the RCMP have been the subject of a number of external reports and reviews, including that of Justice Bastarache, which speaks to the need for reform and modernization.
- At his December 2020 SECU appearance, Justice Bastarache highlighted his support of the Commissioner and her plan to address the recommendations in his Final Report and also the importance of having both internal and external support to be successful.
- The government established the Management Advisory Board in 2020, tasking it with the responsibility to provide an external advisory function to the Commissioner on the management and administration of the RCMP.
- It was also given the specific responsibility to provide guidance and advice on workplace culture – the very issues that Justice Bastarache outlines in his report.
- Since its establishment, the Board has challenged the RCMP’s thinking and provided thoughtful advice and guidance on a number of areas.
- Most importantly, it has been instrumental in the development of the new Independent Centre for Harassment Resolution, which will be operational by the end of June.
- I would also like to point out that the Management Advisory Board is not the only external mechanism in place – the Civilian Review Complaints Commission and the court system, both of which are unique to the RCMP, also provide oversight functions to the organization.
- In addition, the RCMP is having an external review of its conduct and review measures for harassment, which will help ensure that RCMP sanctions and discipline measures are appropriate, and reflective of a modern policing organization.
- I am personally invested in the success of the relationship between the Board and the RCMP. I receive quarterly updates and have regular meetings with the Chair to monitor progress on the various initiatives that are underway.
- The Board is only two years old, and just becoming institutionalized. It has already demonstrated its significant value and remains critical to the progress and success of the RCMP.
- I look forward to seeing the relationship and work continue.
Background:
The Final Report on the Implementation of the Merlo Davidson Settlement Agreement notes that to address the challenges outlined in the report requires “some form of sustained independent and external pressure … The past has demonstrated that change cannot come from within the RCMP.”
During a parliamentary committee appearance in late 2020, The Honourable Michel Bastarache was asked if he thought the RCMP was capable of implementing the recommendations outlined in the report. His response was supportive of the Commissioner, whom he noted understands the issues and has a plan to address them. He highlighted the need for support from both her management team and the Government – both financial and political – to implement meaningful change.
Justice Bastarache declined to comment on the question of a Board of Directors model for the RCMP. In a similar vein, when directly questioned about whether he felt an inquiry was required, he noted that he mentioned an inquiry in the report because it was something that some of the women he interviewed called for and that he was restricted to only deal with the question of sexual harassment.
The Management Advisory Board (MAB) was established in June 2019 to provide the Commissioner with expert external advice on the management and administration of the RCMP, including advice on transformation and modernization. The MAB was created in response to recommendations made by the Civilian Review and Complaints Commission and former auditor general Shelia Fraser. The Board consists of 13 appointees by Government. Currently there are two vacancies.
Specifically, MAB provides expertise and advice on transformation, workplace well-being, human resources, modern management practices, information technology and other specialized fields. The MAB is currently supported by two Standing Committees (Finance and Management, and Human Resources) and two Taskforces (Public Trust and Confidence, and Recruitment).
To date, the RCMP’s Management Advisory Board has been very engaged and has been providing advice on the Independent Center for Harassment Resolution (ICHR). It is the view of the Board that there is no initiative more important than having the ICHR up and running under credible leadership, so that RCMP employees have a trusted system for the resolution of harassment issues.
The Minister of Public Safety has recently enhanced reporting requirements between the Board and the Minister, including the development of a quarterly report from the Chair.
- Date modified: