2009:02 - Ensuring RCMP Accountability in Cases of National Security Complaints
Whereas:
- After the 2001 terrorist attacks in the U.S., Canada expanded the RCMP’s role in national security.
- By 2005, concerns arose regarding RCMP abuses of power in national security cases, reinforced by Justice O’Connor’s report on the Maher Arar case.
- Allegations suggest other individuals may have been illegally detained overseas by the RCMP.
- It has been suggested that civilian oversight of RCMP’s national security functions should be reviewed to determine if:
- The Commission for Public Complaints Against the RCMP should be restructured and renamed as the Independent Complaints and National Security Review Agency for the RCMP (ICRA).
- A new review mechanism for RCMP actions should be established.
- The current review system should remain unchanged.
Resolved 1:
- The National Council of Women of Canada (NCWC) adopts policy supporting independent oversight of the RCMP’s national security role.
Resolved 2:
- The NCWC urges the Government of Canada to:
- Review and implement recommendations from the second O’Connor Report and other research-based proposals.
- Establish an independent and effective complaint and oversight system for the RCMP’s national security role without delay.