Mendicino mulls better RCMP oversight
Wider powers for advisory board
OTTAWA • The federal public safety minister says he is “deeply committed” to enhancing oversight of the RCMP by strengthening the role of the national police force's management advisory board.
In an interview, Marco Mendicino expressed a desire to give the board the “independence and autonomy that it needs” — possibly through legislative amendments — to ensure adequate supervision.
He also stressed the need for a clearer line of communication between the board and his office to help build “trust and confidence” between Canadians and RCMP.
The moves could respond to calls, voiced over many years, to bolster accountability of the Mounties through more robust external supervision. During the last election campaign, the Liberals promised to enhance the current advisory board to align it “with other Canadian police services to have full oversight over the RCMP.”
The task of expanding the board's role was included in Mendicino's ministerial mandate letter.
In turn, Mendicino's recent marching orders to RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki direct her to ensure the board “is fully supported as it takes on a greater oversight role.”
Th e eight-member management advisory board, chaired by Douglas Moen, currently has a mandate to provide advice, information and reports on administration of the RCMP to the commissioner, including on development and implementation of policies and the effective use of resources.
The Liberals created the external board of civilian, part-time advisers in 2019 to help the RCMP modernize after years of grappling with internal bullying and harassment.
The board may provide the minister with a copy or summary of guidance it gives to the commissioner.
Mendicino said he wants a clear, strong and transparent line of communication between the board and the minister, including the filing of reports to his office that can then be used “to advance public discourse” about the police force.
He also wants to ensure the board puts forward tangible recommendations on workforce diversification, training, discipline and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.
Mendicino sees a role for the board in helping strengthen the Independent Centre for Harassment Resolution, intended to resolve complaints of workplace harassment and violence outside the RCMP chain of command, free of bias or conflict of interest.
“We'll keep all options on the table when it comes to whether or not any of these changes require legislation,” Mendicino said.