Other Issues

Decommissioned RCMP Training Facility (Kemptville)

Details

• On December 3, 2019, CBC published an article entitled Secretive RCMP training facility suspected in illnesses, deaths, which investigated the conditions of a secure training facility used by the RCMP to provide specialized police training. The article noted that the facility was contaminated by a number of hazardous materials, including asbestos, silica, mold, and excessive levels of lead. Further, the article highlights the possibility of a link between this facility and various deaths and illnesses of RCMP members who reported attending it.
• From 1988 until 2005, the PSPC facility in question, located in Kemptville, Ontario, was used mainly by the RCMP's Special ‘I' unit for training purposes. A number of health and safety reports completed between 1998 and 2005 noted the presence of hazardous materials and recommended remediation activities. Given an initial assessment of existing records internally at the RCMP, it is not yet clear what exact actions were undertaken at the time, either by PSPC or the RCMP.
• The RCMP can confirm that following a July 2005 RCMP Occupational Health and Safety Report on the condition of the facility, which recommended the cessation of all future training at the site, the RCMP concluded its operational use of the facility. The RCMP then relocated its training to an alternate facility.
• The RCMP is reaching out to members, employees and representatives from other agencies who may have made use of this facility while it served as an RCMP training centre. An email will be sent to all current RCMP Technical Operations employees advising them of the organization's response to the article, and will provide resources for employees who may come forward with any concerns.

Version 0; 2019-12-09
Source: QP Note on Decommissioned RCMP Training Facility, 2019-12-04

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RCMP Prime Minister Protective Detail

Details

• In December 2016, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his family vacationed at the Aga Khan's private island in the Bahamas. CBC News reports that as a result, the RCMP owe the managers of the island more than $56,000 for meals, accommodations and jet ski rentals during the vacation. The Force has not yet reimbursed the costs despite numerous efforts made to do so, as its financial accounting system requires an invoice to be issued, which island managers have stated they are unable to produce. No efforts have been made by Bell Island to recover the above noted costs. The $56,000 is above and beyond the $153,000 already publicly reported as RCMP costs related to this PM trip.
• Prime Minister Trudeau took full responsibility for the findings made by the Ethics Commissioner that he was in violation of the Conflict of Interest Act and has committed to clearing all future personal and family travel in advance. The Commissioner's report stated that costs incurred were within the functions of the Prime Minister. All expenses were incurred by RCMP personnel; providing details on costs could expose security details about the number of personnel assigned to protect the Prime Minister and his family. The RCMP has confirmed that it is in compliance with the Directive on Accounting Standards: GC 4300 Non-Monetary Transactions and is not required to disclose these costs as part of its public accounts. The RCMP considers this matter to be closed.
• The RCMP has also received criticism for not recusing itself from determining whether or not a criminal investigation was warranted. In a letter date August 19, 2019, Commissioner Lucki informed Conservative Peter Kent, that the RCMP independently determined that it could not productively pursue a criminal investigation. The Force's position has not changed, and the Commissioner highlighted the independence of RCMP investigators in the process of reaching their determination.

Version 0; 2019-12-08
Source: [e.g.] QP Note on PMPD Expenses Aga Khan, 2019-12-05

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Respect in the Workplace (CBSA)

Details

• The CBSA has a zero tolerance policy for harassment in the workplace.
• In July 2018, a new hub, called the National Integrity Centre of Expertise (NICE) was created to bring together the new Harassment Prevention and Resolution Office, the Values and Ethics Office, and Informal Conflict Management Office. The NICE is a national one-stop centre for all employees to turn to for information, support and guidance.
• The Centre has developed concrete measures, a communication and an outreach strategy in order to better respond to allegations of inappropriate behaviours in the workplace.
• Notably, the Centre has developed an online harassment allegations form for facilitating the reporting of inappropriate or disrespectful behaviours that can be submitted to a generic mailbox monitored hourly.
• The Centre has also developed service standards and is now providing personalized acknowledgement within 2 business days. Furthermore, over the last months, the Centre adopted a proactive approach to resolve the workplace issues at the lowest level possible through the informal conflict management systems (ICMS) which has proven to be quite successful. The Centre has also increased awareness activities through various forum in order to promote a respectful and civil workplace.
• With respect to training, all new CBSA employees are required to complete the Occupational Health and Safety in the Workplace and Violence Prevention in the Workplace training courses within their first month of employment.
• Within six months of employment, employees must also complete courses on: Mental Health Awareness; Values, Ethics and Disclosure of Wrongdoing; Creating a Respectful Workplace; and Diversity and Race Relations. In addition, targeted learning and information sessions on Civility and Respectful Workplace best practices are being delivered throughout the year.
• In order to further promote ongoing learning opportunities and to ensure workplace support, advisory services are available through the CBSA's Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Homewood Health, the Agency's external service provider. Mental Health First Aid training continues to be rolled out to priority groups who are more likely to be faced with someone in distress and requiring assistance.

Version 0: 2019-12-09
Source: CBSA

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