The federal government announced in last week’s budget that $8 million will be allocated to enhance independent review of the RCMP. This is welcome news to the CCLA, which has been advocating for increased independent review and audit powers for RCMP activities for many years. In the CCLA’s view, an effective independent review mechanism must have the following attributes:
- The authority to conduct self-generated reviews;
- Extensive investigative powers, including access to all relevant records, facilities and personnel;
- An obligation to submit regular public reports to Parliament; and
- The power to review the actions of other government agencies that may be involved in national security activities.
The CCLA will be closely monitoring this issue over the coming months to ensure that the specific details of the government’s plan are consistent with a commitment to strong independent review of Canada’s national police force. The CCLA will also continue to push for enhanced independent review of police activity at the provincial and municipal levels.
