Alan Findlay, Sun Media
Public Safety Minister Stockwell Day is reviewing several cases of misconduct among RCMP officers in which critics say the reprimand fails to match the misdeed.A high-ranking Mountie in New Brunswick found guilty of sexual assault while intoxicated lost a total of 11 days’ pay, received two reprimands and was recommended for counselling and a transfer by a three-officer panel.“I have concerns with the list . . . mentioned and I have spoken to the commissioner about this,” Day said in the House of Commons yesterday. I will be looking into these cases . . . ”
Day said changes will also be made in determining when an investigation or inquiry into cases of inappropriate officer conduct will be held once a new commissioner is appointed.
The list of 114 cases of Mountie misconduct since 1995 was obtained by Sun Media under access to information. Of those cases, only nine officers were ordered to resign.
The list does not include details of any criminal investigation or charges associated with the cases, but an RCMP spokesperson said they are required to report any criminal charges or face further sanctions.
A parliamentary committee is set to debate a motion calling for a public inquiry into the RCMP. Critics from all three opposition parties said the most recent revelations come as little surprise in the wake of a pension scandal and other controversies swirling around management of the Mounties.
“It is absolutely essential these issues get dealt with because there needs to be in Canada a return of public confidence in our national institution and our national police force,” said Liberal public safety critic Sue Barnes.
All three opposition parties have also called for external oversight of the RCMP such as a civilian or parliamentary committee or a combination of the two.
Day has vowed to announce new oversight provisions soon, but hasn’t gone into detail.
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