Ottawa (Canadian Press) – Opposition MPs accused the government Tuesday of dragging its heels on creating an independent board to oversee the RCMP.
Four years ago, a federal task force on the RCMP called for major changes to the structure, independence and oversight of the Mounties.
It urged creation of a management board that would oversee financial affairs, resources, services, property, personnel and procurement.
Liberal and NDP members of the House of Commons public accounts committee repeatedly called Tuesday on Bill Baker, deputy minister of Public Safety, to explain why the government hasn’t created a management board for the force.
“Why aren’t things happening?” asked New Democrat MP David Christopherson.
Baker said he needs time to draft the best advice for government on the proposal, adding it’s ultimately up to Prime Minister Stephen Harper to decide.
“I could join the chorus of support for a board of management, but it’s not my decision,” Baker said.
“We have to do due diligence on that.”
RCMP Commissioner William Elliott has endorsed the idea of an independent management body, reaffirming his support Tuesday at committee.
“Of course logically it is difficult for the gov’t to loosen its stranglehold on the organization.”
LOL. After all sides and studies, including pundits agree with the finding, the government LOGICALLY should adhere to the high priced advice. The government will have to be forced to relinquish control. In this forum there has been plenty of delineation of instances and areas where the government has interfered with the organizations operations. Instances where power was usurped to protect their own, and especially evident in the control of the Commissioner.
“Just take the Pension Scandal, did anyone end up being held accountable?”
Check the news.
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Lets get the Associations involved in this, I think the members, in the lower ranks have alot to say, which can be very very helpful.
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Personally I don’t believe Mr. Elliott has the right to endorse anything after his poor performance and moody personality. If any other member acted like he did it would be called harassment. He took his shot at the RCMP and simply missed the mark. It isn’t all government. He was put there to clean house and to get the force moving in a positive direction. Well, we did see the change management team and we did hear Mr. Clark say that he was somewhat of a go getter or something but thats about it. Well, we also say Mr. Elliott speak at the Ottawa Kennel Club on the 4 R’s or something. Ironic how one of the R’s was for respect. While they pat themselves on the back for a document they prepare with the assistance of others, they continue to miss one thing – put it into action… To be honest I fail to see anything worthy of mention during the last four years or more. Unless one looks at the moving of officers after they speak out a little. The Government don’t care either as if they did Mr. Elliott may have departed long before now. I smell election in the air so no doubt Mr. Harper will have this big announcement on the RCMP. in the near future.
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Its just so difficult for the government to loosen its stranglehold on the organization.
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