Civil Liberties Group Calls for End to RCMP Impunity

by BCCLA

The British Columbia Civil Liberties Association (BCCLA) is calling for the creation of a new federal agency to enhance accountability of and public confidence in the RCMP.

 

In a submission to Paul Kennedy, Chair of the Commission for Complaints Against the RCMP (CPC), the BCCLA reveals that it has made 14 death-in-custody complaints involving the RCMP since 2005. None of the complaints has yet been resolved.

 

 

• The BCCLA cites several factors in its loss of confidence in the current system for complaints including:
  

• the RCMP’s summary termination of BCCLA complaints

• RCMP delays in investigation and delays in the system generally

• CPC's sidelining BCCLA complaints and unwillingness/inability to effectively police the RCMP

Shirley Heafey, former Chair of the CPC and a current Board member of the BCCLA says:

 

• “How many more people have to die in RCMP custody before the government stands up for Canadians and establishes a credible civilian oversight process?  We want an answer.”

The BCCLA’s submission is a part of a “public interest” complaint being considered by Mr. Kennedy involving deaths-in-custody. Mr. Kennedy announced the investigation after he released his Final Report into the death of Ian Bush. The BCCLA’s submission can be viewed here.

The BCCLA advocates for a new agency, led by a civilian who would be an Officer of Parliament, that would undertake all criminal and professional standard investigations rather than letting the RCMP investigate themselves, and would have sufficient funding and resources to effectively achieve its mandate to increase public confidence in the RCMP.

 

 

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Shirley Heafey            613-747-5577
Murray Mollard           604-630-9752