OTTAWA, November 25, 2008 - The Honourable Peter Van Loan, Minister of Public Safety, today released the interim report from the RCMP Reform Implementation Council.
"On March 20, 2008, the Government followed through on a key recommendation of the Task Force on Governance and Cultural Change in the RCMP, by creating the RCMP Reform Implementation Council," said Minister Van Loan. "The creation of this Council was a reflection of our ongoing commitment to make the RCMP a stronger, more accountable and modern organization. We will continue to work with the RCMP to further this objective."
Overall, the interim report is positive, noting that the RCMP is "embracing the need to change", that "much has been accomplished" and that the "reform of the RCMP is well underway and headed in the right direction." At the same time, the report also identifies some challenges that the RCMP, with the support of the Government, will need to address to ensure that the reform process stays on track.
Further observations in the interim report note how the Council:
- "is optimistic about the prospects for RCMP reform;"
- "fully agrees with the priority placed by the draft RCMP Transformation Plan on improving the balance between capacity and workload;"
- "stresses the need for a sustained, long-term effort to redefine the whole idea of leadership in the RCMP;"
- "welcomes the creation of a joint working group on RCMP status involving the RCMP, Treasury Board Secretariat and Public Safety Canada;" and,
- "says without hesitation that the RCMP reform process is off to a very good start."
The RCMP Reform Implementation Council is expected to provide its final report to Minister Van Loan in March 2009.
RCMP Commissioner William J.S. Elliott also expressed his support for the work of the Council.
"I'm pleased that the RCMP Reform Implementation Council has acknowledged the significant progress we have already made towards reform," said Commissioner Elliott. "I look forward to continuing to work with the Council as we strive to achieve the RCMP's vision for change to be an adaptive, accountable, trusted organization of fully engaged employees demonstrating outstanding leadership and providing world-class police services."
The RCMP Reform Implementation Council was established to provide external advice to the Minister of Public Safety and the Commissioner of the RCMP and submit progress reports to the Minister.
See also:
Information:
Media Relations
Public Safety Canada
613-991-0657
