RCMP members speak out: Conservative changes to RCMP Act fail to get the job done

OTTAWA – Today, as C-42 continues to be reviewed by a Senate committee, New Democrats were joined by RCMP members' associations in arguing that the Conservative bill will be inadequate to rebuild public confidence in the RCMP.

"C-42 will achieve nothing without profound institutional and cultural change within the RCMP," said the President of the Mounted Police Professional Association of Canada, Rae Banwarie. "Sadly the Minister is not addressing the leadership concerns, which are at the heart of the problem."

"Our members are disappointed that the government refused to accept NDP amendments in the House of Commons and then cut short the debate on this important issue," said the President of Quebec Mounted Police Members' Association, Gaétan Delisle. "The minister and the RCMP leadership are failing to address the profound institutional and cultural challenges that undermine this proud institution."

New Democrats proposed several amendments to C-42, notably to act on Justice O'Connor’s recommendations, improve the standards of review for the RCMP and address systemic oversight issues.

"We tried to work with the government to address these problems through amendments, but they refused," said NDP Public Safety critic Randall Garrison (Esquimalt – Juan de Fuca). "I call on the Minister to listen to RCMP members and improve this legislation, instead of muzzling those who wish to work with parliamentarians."

"This bill has some deep flaws that will not improve oversight at the RCMP. The bill does not even mention harassment in the text," said NDP Justice critic Françoise Boivin (Gatineau). "The minister is failing to rebuild public confidence in the force."