Watchdog calls for RCMP report deadlines

OTTAWA — The RCMP watchdog wants statutory deadlines to ensure the Mounties respond to complaint findings in a timely way amid mounting concerns over excessive use of force by police.

The Civilian Review and Complaints Commission for the RCMP makes findings and recommendations in complaint cases, but these are then sent to the police force for input before a report is finalized — and that can take years.

Commission chairwoman Michelaine Lahaie told a House of Commons committee studying systemic racism in policing the RCMP takes an average of 17 months to respond. One of the commission’s reports has been waiting for a response for more than 31⁄2 years.

“This is unacceptable in any system where accountability is critical,” Lahaie said.

At present, legislation simply requires the RCMP commissioner to respond as soon as feasible. Lahaie wants to see a recently drafted memorandum of understanding with the RCMP on timelines enshrined in a bill working its way through Parliament. The proposed legislation is primarily intended to expand the commission’s scope of review to cover the Canada Border Services Agency, as well as the national police force.

The testimony follows expressions of concern about police brutality and discrimination toward Black and Indigenous people. Lahaie said many use-of-force incidents involving these communities do not result in a public complaint. During a review of RCMP actions in northern B.C., the commission found many Indigenous people were either unaware of the public complaint process or did not trust it.

Lahaie said the process can be excessively bureaucratic, and although the commission has taken some steps to improve accessibility, more must be done.