Proper review will help, not hinder, RCMP's ability to do its job, Commissioner
Date: Monday, November 21 @ 07:59:23 CST
Topic: Canada
Ottawa , Nov. 18, 2005 — Canadians deserve effective and appropriate review of RCMP national security activities that does not detract from the organization’s ability to carry out its mandate, Commissioner Giuliano Zaccardelli stated this afternoon before a federal inquiry.
Both the organization and the Canadian public want review that strengthens our investigations and enhances our ability to achieve our mission,” Commissioner Zaccardelli told the Commission of Inquiry into the Actions of Canadian Officials in Relation to Maher Arar.
“I acknowledge the key importance of review that, when designed and implemented appropriately, can reassure the public that its police are acting as they should, and that corrections will be made if and when they are needed. This will, of course, assist us in doing our job better. More importantly, it will lead to us maintaining our covenant with citizens: to serve, protect and be held to account by them and for them. ”
The Commissioner’s remarks were part of a full day of hearings that also included morning appearances by the Office of the Communications Security Establishment Commissioner, the B.C. Civil Liberties Association, and a panel comprised of the Commissioner himself, Ontario Provincial Police Commissioner Gwen Boniface and Ottawa Police Service Chief Vince Bevan.
Led by Justice Dennis O’Connor, the Commission of Inquiry is examining the issue of independent, arm’s-length review of the RCMP’s national security activities. It is expected to provide its recommendations to the Government of Canada by the end of March.
While the Commissioner did not express a preference for any specific form of review mechanism, his afternoon appearance did address the importance of proper review.
Among other things, the Commissioner said in the afternoon that review should incorporate an open and transparent process. He also said that review should not interfere with active, ongoing investigations. It should protect Canada ’s secrets. It should not distract investigators from their operational duties. It should also respect the principle of police operational independence, allow for integration with other enforcement agencies, and take into consideration Canada’s unique legal, political and cultural systems, traditions and context. Finally, it should not needlessly duplicate the RCMP’s other mechanisms of review.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police is Canada ’s national policing organization. Its ultimate goal is safe homes, safe communities for Canadians.
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