RCMP Watch

CTV.ca News Staff

Minister of Public Safety Stockwell Day defended the appointment of William Elliott as the RCMP’s new commissioner, saying despite his past in politics and the bureaucracy, he will be an independent leader.

In an interview on CTV’s Question Period on Sunday, Day said Elliott is one of a handful of people that knows “the breadth and the width of the types of threats that face our country” and will operate at arms’ length from the government.
“There were a number of times when I was working with him when I was learning my role as a new minister, where he would be the first to say when it came to the RCMP, no, a minister can not go there; no, a minister can not say this; a minister can not tread on this particular ground because of the independence of the RCMP,” Day said.

“Even when he was working with me as an advisor in his role of assistant deputy minister, he was … very strong on the independence, the proper independence, of the RCMP.”

Critics, both civilian and within the RCMP, contend Elliott is too close to the current Conservative government  and has no police experience.

In 1989, Elliott worked as an executive assistant to the office of the deputy prime minister. One year later, he became chief of staff in the same office.

Elliott also served as national security advisor to Prime Minister Stephen Harper from April 2005 until last spring.

“We have concerns about this appointment,” Liberal Leader Stephane Dion said of Elliott on CTV’s Question Period.

“As we know, he was well involved in the Conservative party during Mr. Mulroney’s time. He was the chief of staff of the deputy prime minister. So we have concerns.”

Dion said the appointment was an “irresponsible decision” on the part of the prime minister, especially when the RCMP is fighting to rebuild its credibility.

“I think it was a key appointment and the decision of the prime minister is very questionable,” Dion said on Sunday.

Day maintained Elliott was the best person for the job of Canada’s top cop and said he was chosen by well-represented panel.

“The search firm that was hired were experts in this particular area. They interviewed dozens and dozens of incredible, qualified candidates,” Day said.

“This was an open and professional process and the person that emerged was Mr. Bill Elliott.”

Day said despite Elliott’s lack of experience in uniform, high-ranking RCMP officers have pledged to support him already.

“He has already reached out; he did it in his very first interview, reaching out to the men and women of the force saying he needs their support. He needs their experience,” Day said.

Day said officers across the country would have liked someone appointed internally, but they will support the best person for the job.

“They will work with whatever the choice is. That’s what they are sworn to do, their commitment is to protect Canadians and to do that to the best of their ability,” Day said.

“Despite the fact of an incredibly qualified other candidates, including from the inside, we have the best qualified candidate and I think they will see that as time moves on and we’ll have their support.”

With files from the Canadian Press