Standing committee on Public Safety and National Security - Supplementary estimates B

On this page

Tab 1: RCMP SECU scenario note

House of Commons Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security (SECU)

  • February 27, 2020
  • 8:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.
  • Room 415, Wellington Building 197 Sparks Street
  • RCMP Appearance
  • 2019-20 Supplementary Estimates "B"

Issue

The Minister of Public Safety is scheduled to appear before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security (SECU) regarding their study of Supplementary Estimates "B". Officials from Public Safety, CSIS, CBSA, Correctional Service Canada, and the Parole Board of Canada will attend to support the Minister.

The Minister will appear for one hour (8:45 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.). Officials will support the Minister during that hour and then stay from 9:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. to continue answering questions from the Committee.

The Committee has provided the Minister with an opportunity to deliver Opening Remarks of up to 10 minutes. Public Safety Canada has provided a copy of these Opening Remarks, available at Tab 2.

Confirmed witnesses for the first hour (8:45 a.m. to 9:45 p.m.)

  • Minister Bill Blair
  • Rob Stewart, Deputy Minister of Public Safety Canada
  • Brenda Lucki, RCMP Commissioner
  • David Vigneault, Director of CSIS
  • John Ossowski, President of CBSA
  • Anne Kelly, Commissioner of Correctional Service Canada
  • Jennifer Oades, President of the Parole Board of Canada

Confirmed witnesses for the second hour (9:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.)

  • Rob Stewart, Deputy Minister of Public Safety Canada
  • Brenda Lucki, RCMP Commissioner
  • Brian Brennan, RCMP Deputy Commissioner (C&IP)
  • David Vigneault, Director of CSIS
  • John Ossowski, President of CBSA
  • Anne Kelly, Commissioner of Correctional Service Canada
  • Alain Tousignant, Senior Deputy Commissioner of Correctional Service Canada
  • Jennifer Oades, President of the Parole Board of Canada
  • Anik Lapointe, CFO and Director of Finance and Planning at the Parole Board

In the audience

  • Dennis Watters, RCMP Chief Financial and Administrative Officer

Rounds of questioning

Members of the Committee are allotted six minutes to both ask questions and receive responses during the first round of questioning. In the second round (time permitting), the allotted time for questions and answers is reduced to 5 minutes.

  • Typical order of questioning for the first round: Liberal, Conservative, Bloc, NDP
  • Typical order of questioning for the second round: Conservative, Liberal, Conservative, Liberal, then 2.5 minutes each for the Bloc and NDP.

Departmental officials present at Committee are responsible for supporting the Minister's accountability in Parliament. As departmental officials are not primarily responsible for exercising the powers of the Crown, their relationship to Parliament is different from that of Ministers. While Ministers are responsible for political, partisan matters, and for defending public policies before Parliament, deputy heads and officials support Ministers in providing explanations and information on public policies that Ministers could not be expected to provide due to the level of detail or complexity.

When responding to questions from committee members, keep your answers brief and factual. Avoid taking a position, providing your opinion, stating your personal recommendations or speaking on behalf of others on a given issue. Do not divulge classified information, Cabinet confidences or any information that contradicts privacy laws. Additional tips for responding to Parliamentary Committee questions are included at Tab 7.

Background

Once tabled, Supplementary Estimates are referred to the relevant House of Commons Committee for detailed study, which in this case is SECU. Committees may choose whether or not to study the Estimates, as they are automatically adopted and referred back to the House of Commons at a set date established by the Standing Rules and Regulations of Parliament.

An overview of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security and biographies of members can be found at Tab 6.

Committee discussions and questions are not typically confined to the financial areas of the Supplementary Estimates, as they cover vast areas within the Department and its Agencies; therefore, the subject of discussion and questions can vary widely.

The Minister may choose to respond to, or defer to one or more of his officials for questions.

Briefing material

  • Financial information on the RCMP's Supplementary Estimates "B" can be found at Tab 3.
  • Speaking notes, Qs and As, and background information on RCMP Hot Issues can be found at Tab 4:
    1. Harassment
    2. Cybercrime
    3. Ortis
    4. Wet'suwet'en / Rail Blockades
    5. Equifax
    6. Cullen Inquiry
    7. Facial Recognition Technology
    8. CRCC Interim Report on 2013 Shale Gas Protests
    9. Civilian Member Deeming
    10. RCMP Member Unionization
    11. Surrey
  • The Public Safety portfolio also contributed to Supplementary Estimates "B" notes for the Minister, which can be found at Tab 5:
    1. Cyber Security
    2. 5G
    3. Criminal Code Terrorist Listings
    4. Countering Radicalization to Violence
    5. Canadian Extremist Travellers
    6. Passenger Protect
    7. Iran Plane Disaster
    8. Human Trafficking
    9. First Nations Policing
    10. Money Laundering
    11. Online Child Sexual Exploitation
    12. Gun Violence
    13. Rural Crime
    14. Opioids
    15. Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
    16. Prime Minister Protective Detail
    17. RCMP Operational Communications Centre
    18. Royal Family Security
    19. Project Octavia (CRA scam)

Strategic considerations regarding committee members

  • Vice-Chairs Pierre Paul-Hus (Conservative) and Kristina Michaud (Bloc Québécois), and member Jack Harris (NDP) are the Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness critics for their respective parties.
  • MP Paul-Hus, along with MP Glen Motz (Conservative – does not sit on SECU), wrote to the Prime Minister earlier this month to request information about the alleged hacking of Equifax by China's People's Liberation Army. The correspondence also sought information on the protection of personal information of Canadians.
  • In the House of Commons, MP Paul-Hus has often questioned the Government about its planned actions to further restrict firearms.
  • MP Joël Lightbound (Liberal) is the Parliamentary Secretary for the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness.
  • MP Rob Morrison (Conservative) is a former RCMP member from E Division. He worked in several areas, including organized crime, national security, and as a Liaison Officer. In November 2019 he released a statement expressing concern that E Division intended to immediately cut spending to offset a $10.7 million deficit they were facing.
  • MP Doug Shipley (Conservative) is the former Vice-Chair of the Barrie Police Services Board.

Tab 2: Minister's opening remarks

Speaking notes for the Honourable Bill Blair

  • Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
  • Appearance before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security
  • 2019-20 Supplementary Estimates "B"
  • Ottawa, Ontario February 27, 2020

Thank you, Mr. Chair and Honourable Members of the Committee.

I had the pleasure of appearing before this Committee on multiple occasions in my previous capacity as Minister of Border Security and Organized Crime Reduction.

Today, I'm honoured to join you for the first time in my capacity as Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness.

I'm pleased to be here to present the Supplementary Estimates "B" for the Public Safety portfolio.

To help explain those numbers in more detail, and to answer your questions, I'm pleased to have alongside me:

  • Rob Stewart, Deputy Minister, Public Safety Canada
  • Brenda Lucki, Commissioner, RCMP
  • John Ossowski, President, CBSA
  • David Vigneault, Director, CSIS
  • Anne Kelly, Commissioner, CSC
  • Jennifer Oades, President, Parole Board of Canada

I'm proud to have been entrusted with responsibility for this portfolio by the Prime Minister.

And I'm very proud of the professionalism and dedication of my officials, and the employees they lead, who work so hard to protect the safety and security of Canadians.

The threats we face are numerous, complex arid always evolving.

As a government, we are committed to ensuring that those who work in the Public Safety portfolio have the resources they need to respond swiftly and effectively.

These supplementary estimates reflect that commitment.

They also reflect our steadfast commitment to keeping Canadians safe, while safeguarding their rights and freedoms.

Mr. Chair, the portfolio as a whole is requesting adjustments for this fiscal year resulting in a net increase in authorities of $75.6 million.

In my opening remarks today, I will provide a broad overview and highlight some of the key items for the portfolio organizations, starting with Public Safety Canada.

The Department is estimating a decrease of $48.9 million, or 5.1 percent, from the authorities available to date.

The biggest contributing factor is a transfer of $52.9 million from Public Safety to the RCMP for the First Nations Community Policing Service.

Those funds are intended to pay for the policing services provided by the RCMP in accordance with agreements with Public Safety, the provinces and territories and First Nations.

This decrease is offset to some extent by additional funding for the Department.

For example, in these estimates, Public Safety is seeking an additional $3.5 million in funding following one-time federal payments to the cities of Toronto and Burnaby, B.C.

More specifically, $1.5 million was provided to the City of Toronto this past August in response to increased gun violence and street gang activity.

This one-time funding provided immediate support to Toronto police to combat gun and gang violence and help keep our communities safe.

And in September, $2 million was provided to Burnaby to bolster the city's public safety and emergency preparedness capacity, given its unique situation being located at the end point of the Trans Mountain Pipeline.

The Department also anticipates receiving transfers from other federal organizations, including:

  • just over $750,000 from DND for the Anishinabek Police Service to police the former Camp Ipperwash
  • $300,000 from Canadian Heritage for Canada's Anti­ Racism Strategy
  • nearly $231,000 from Transport Canada for investments in important search and rescue coordination efforts across the country

Let me now turn to the supplementary estimates of other portfolio organizations.

I'll start with the RCMP, which is seeking an increase of $106.6 million, or 2.7 percent, over authorities to date.

Some of the more notable items include requests for additional funding of:

  • $27.5 million to help maintain the RCMP's Force Generation capacity at Depot at 40 troops
  • $24.7 million for the Contract Policing Program to address changes to its costs and revenue collection

The RCMP is also anticipating a net increase of nearly $50 million in these estimates from other federal organizations. The transfer related to the First Nations Community Policing Service, which I mentioned earlier, accounts for the vast majority of this net increase.

Other notable transfers include:

  • almost $789,000 from Public Safety to help the RCMP build law enforcement training capacity to combat the scourge of drug-impaired driving
  • $400,000 from Transport Canada for policing of the Confederation Bridge in the Northumberland Strait
  • $2.2 million from the RCMP to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada to support the expansion of biometric screening in our immigration system

Turning now to the CBSA, the Agency's supplementary estimates reflect an increase of $3.4 million, or one tenth of a percent, over authorities to date.

Of that amount, the CBSA is seeking $500,000 to support the new Multi-year Immigration Levels Plan for 2019-2021.

This plan builds on the 2018-2020 levels plan, and features an increase of 800 protected persons to the 2019 target.

As you may recall, the Government of Canada committed to welcoming 330,800 immigrants in calendar year 2019, including 800 vulnerable women and girls from global conflict zones.

The CBSA is also requesting $500,000 to fulfil its obligations under the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act.

These funds would support the enforcement of sanctions­ related inadmissibility provisions, including operational intelligence and inland enforcement activities.

The CBSA's estimates also reflect a number of transfers to and from other federal organizations, including:

  • $2.1 million from IRCC to share the costs of the Air Carrier Support Centres, which assist commercial air carriers in determining whether passengers possess the documentation required to travel to Canada
  • $1.7 million from the RCMP to administer the import requirements of the Firearms Act
  • $900,000 to Transport Canada to establish the Passenger Protect Program Operations Centre, which will support the program's centralized screening and the resolution of airline calls about any potential matches
  • $800,000 to Global Affairs Canada to help support departmental staff located at Canadian missions abroad

Moving on to the Parole Board of Canada, it is seeking an increase of $1.7 million, or 3.4 percent, in these estimates.

That increase can largely be explained by a request for $1.3 million in additional funding to implement measures related to expedited pardons for simple possession of cannabis.

Finally, Mr. Chair, estimates for CSIS and the RCMP External Review Committee are also included in your documents today.

These are just a few of the items in this year's Supplementary Estimates "B" for the organizations in my portfolio.

It's a vast portfolio that spans all aspects of keeping Canadians safe: from national, cyber and border security, to policing and combatting crime, to emergency preparedness and beyond.

I have the utmost confidence in the skills and ability of employees in each of the organizations that make up the portfolio.

And I will always do everything I can to ensure that they have the tools and resources they need to do their jobs.

With that, let me once again say how pleased I am to make this first appearance before this newly constituted Committee.

I look forward to working with you over the course of the parliamentary session.

Thank you, Mr. Chair and members of the Committee.

We are now happy to answer any of your questions about these estimates, and the collective work of the portfolio.

Tab 3: Financial information 2019-20 final supplementary estimates "B"

I. Summary statement

The 2019-20 Final Supplementary Estimates "B" net total amount for the RCMP is $106.6M or 2.7% of authorities to date.

II. Voted appropriations (New spending authorities)

The RCMP has received Treasury Board authority to increase its voted appropriations by $56.6M.

Re-profile of funding for Front-Line Operations

Vote 1 – Operating Expenditures: $27,531,146

  • The RCMP requested this re-profile to fund some of the costs associated to maintaining Force Generation capacity at the RCMP Academy Depot Training Center (Depot) at 40 troops to meet Regular Member (RM) demand stemming from ongoing requirements from the RCMP's contract policing partners, annual attrition, and for new initiatives stemming from Government priorities.
  • Force Generation requirements include personnel, operating and capital costs from across the RCMP that are allocated to all of the activities to recruit, process, and train new cadets.
Funding for the Contract Policing Program (Pending)

Vote 1 – Operating Expenditures: $24,656,700

Under the Contract Policing Program Funding Model, it was recognized that the RCMP could require in-year adjustments to address unforeseen shifts in expenditures/revenue collections that have a financial impact on its ability to manage resources within the Special Purpose Allotment (SPA). The RCMP is seeking access to additional funding in 2019-20 to address shifts in costs/revenue collections for the Contract Policing Program.

Re-profile of funding to demobilize summit-related policing and security operations (Pending)

Vote 1 – Operating Expenditures: $2,547,000

In fiscal year 2018-19 the RCMP managed activities pertaining to all phases of the successful event. Those phases being Event Planning, Event Operations and Demobilization. Upon completion of the event, the Demobilization phase began with a focus on asset recovery, warehousing, financial reconciliation, personnel demobilization, debriefs and reporting, Access to Information disclosures, and requests for information management. Although all efforts were made to complete the demobilization phase within fiscal year 2018-19, some activities require additional time and will be completed in fiscal year 2019-20.

Funding for the reinvestment of revenues from the sale, or transfer, of real property

Vote 5 – Capital Expenditures: $1,303,404

For 2019-20, the RCMP is requesting the proceeds that have been deposited to date in the amount of $1.3M for Routine disposal: Revenues earned from proceeds of sale.

Funding in support of Expediting Access to Pardons for Simple Cannabis Possession Convictions (Pending)

Vote 1 – Operating Expenditures: $380,594 (excluding EBP of $102,760)

The RCMP is to receive funding to help expedite the processing of pardons for individuals who have been convicted of simple cannabis offenses.

Recovery of proceeds from criminal record checks related to record suspension applications

Vote 1 – Operating Expenditures: $158,385

  • In 1999, Treasury Board approved the charging, by the National Parole Board, of a $50 fee for the processing of pardon applications. The current fee is $631, of which the RCMP receives $15 per transaction.
  • The approval provided that the National Parole Board and the RCMP could seek increases to their appropriations, through Supplementary Estimates each year, for their respective shares of revenue collected in the previous fiscal year.
  • These funds represent the RCMP's share of revenues from fees collected, and deposited into the Consolidated Revenue Fund, in 2018-19.

III. Statutory appropriations

The RCMP is anticipated to receive $0.1M of statutory appropriations related to the EBP for the Public Service employee category. For details of each initiative, please refer to Section II.

Funding in support of Expediting Access to Pardons for Simple Cannabis Possession Convictions (Pending)
EBP (PSE): $102,760

IV. Transfers (From/to other government departments)

The RCMP has transferred $50.0M from its appropriations from/to other federal government organizations.

Transfer from Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness

For the First Nations Community Policing Service

Vote 1 - Operating Expenditures: $52,917,826

  • Funding for First Nations community policing is included in the reference levels of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness (PSEP) and are used to pay for the policing services provided by the RCMP in accordance with tripartite agreements with PSEP, the Provinces/Territories and First Nations.
  • These funds are to be placed in the "Contract Policing Direct Expenditures" SPA.
Transfer from the Department of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness

For contracting police services to address drug-impaired driving.

Vote 1 – Operating Expenditures: $788,817

This transfer is to help the RCMP build law enforcement training capacity to address drug-impaired driving in Canada initiative.

Transfer from the Department of Health

For security screening of references and to ensure compliance with regulations of the Access to Cannabis Medical Purposes.

Vote 1 – Operating Expenditures: $460,058

  • Various departments within the Government of Canada request Law Enforcement Records Checks for private sector individuals and organizations that have access to protected and classified information.
  • The RCMP has access to a variety of law enforcement information, and criminal and national intelligence sources, and will provide a LERC Report, if warranted, in accordance with applicable legislation and policy.
  • Historically the RCMP entered into cost recovery arrangements for direct costs associated with the processing of these checks.
  • This transfer is in support of the RCMP completing security screening of references as it pertains to compliance with regulations in support of medical cannabis.
Transfer from Transport Canada

For policing of the Confederation Bridge

Vote 1 - Operating Expenditures: $374,238

  • The Department of Transport Canada has the administration and control responsibility of the Confederation Bridge, however has no mandate to provide Policing Services.
  • The RCMP is Canada's National Police Force and has a mandate to ensure safety and security for Canadians.
  • Funding for policing of the Confederation Bridge is included in the reference levels of Transport Canada and is used to pay for the policing services provided by the RCMP in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding between Transport Canada, RCMP and Government of PEI. Previously, Transport Canada transferred the funding to the Government of PEI, which was subsequently used to pay the RCMP contract policing invoice for policing the bridge. As of 2014-15, funding is being transferred directly to the RCMP.
  • These funds are to be placed in the "Contract Policing Direct Expenditures" SPA.
Transfer from two departments

In support of Service Level Agreements for the performance of Law Enforcement Records Checks by the RCMP

Vote 1 – Operating Expenditures: $197,270

  • Various departments within the Government of Canada request Law Enforcement Records Checks for employees requiring enhanced security screening, or private sector individuals and organizations that have access to protected and classified information.
  • The RCMP has access to a variety of law enforcement information, and criminal and national intelligence sources, and will provide a LERC Report, if warranted, in accordance with applicable legislation and policy.
  • Historically the RCMP entered into cost recovery arrangements for direct costs associated with the processing of these checks.
  • In 2018-19, the RCMP amended the process and three-year Service Level Agreements were signed with those departments that enhanced security screenings to be performed. The first year of the agreements would be handled through Supplementary Estimates, whereas the remaining two years would be handled through the Annual Reference Level Update.
  • The following departments have amended Service Level Agreements with the RCMP to provide incremental funding:
    • Public Services and Procurement Canada: $190,753
    • Public Health Agency of Canada: $6,517
Transfer from National Defence

To support the Canadian Safety and Security Program, which provides science and technology solutions, support and advice for responding to the Government of Canada's public safety and security policy imperatives.

Vote 5 - Capital Expenditures $112,700

  • This transfer is with respect to the RCMP's participation in the Canadian Safety and Security Program, previously known as the Chemical, Biological-Nuclear, Explosive Research and Technology Initiative (CRTI), which will fund projects to improve its capacity to respond to threats of this nature.
  • Funding will be used to support research and development capabilities within the RCMP Technical Operations directorate, specifically in supporting investigations of a technical nature. This research equipment consists of specialized hardware and software that will allow for a more timely generation of research results at a similar level to the RCMP's international partners for a sub-set of cyber related technologies.
Transfer to the department of Citizenship and Immigration

In support of the expansion of the biometric screening initiative in the immigration system.

Vote 1 – Operating Expenditures: ($2,215,200)

The RCMP is transferring funding, from the "contingency" established when the TB Submission was approved, in support of Citizenship Canada's continued expansion of the biometrics screening initiative in the immigration system.

Transfer to Canada Border Security Agency (CBSA)

To administer the import requirements of the Firearms Act.

Vote 1 - Operating Expenditures: ($1,700,000)

  • The role of CBSA is to administer certain provisions of the Firearms Act and Regulations made under Part III of the Criminal Code, with respect to the free flow of goods at Canada's borders.
  • CBSA officers are required to determine the eligibility of persons, firearms and other regulated items (prohibited weapons, devices, ammunition, and certain firearms parts) to enter Canada in accordance with the Firearms Act.
  • This funding is for the following activities:
    • Processing Non Resident Firearms Declaration Forms
    • Collecting the fee for entry into Canada
    • Includes confirmation of the importers names, addresses, and classification of the firearms, determining the eligibility of the importer to lawfully possess a firearm in Canada, and ensuring that the regulatory conditions pertaining to the transportation of firearms were met
    • CBSA must verify that the individual possesses the appropriate and valid firearms license, registration, and Authorization to Transport
    • Ensure that the transportation requirements are met
Transfer to Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development

To provide support to departmental staff located at missions abroad.

Vote 1 - Operating Expenditures: ($984,125)

  • Global Affairs Canada (GAC) is the common service provider for staff posted to missions abroad.
  • On the basis of the number and location of staff assigned to missions abroad, GAC determines the funding required for the administrative support services it provides (accommodation, information technology, etc).
  • The transfer from the RCMP is related to amendments to Liaison Officer(s) and locally engaged staff positions.

Tab 4: RCMP hot issues notes

A. RCMP harassment

Issue: RCMP Merlo Davidson /RCMP to offer ethics course following Harassment lawsuit

Proposed response

  • The claims process for the settlement reached in 2016 is being administered independently by former Supreme Court Justice Michel Bastarache. There is no cap on the total amount of the compensation fund; although initially set at $100 million, total approved funding is now set at $175 million. The final amount will depend on the final tally of settled claims.
  • The Government continues to emphasize the need for comprehensive, transparent investigations; serious consequences for those responsible; support for victims; and concrete action to end toxic workplace behaviour.
  • The Government will continue to monitor the effectiveness of the RCMP harassment regime and examine options to ensure it is credible and effective.
  • The Government is committed to taking whatever action is necessary to help all RCMP employees feel safe and respected at work.

If pressed on RCMP Ethical Training

  • The RCMP currently provides ethical training to its employees through the Supervisor Development Program, the Manager Development Program, and the Executive Officer Development Program.
  • The RCMP is also developing the Foundations of Leadership program, available to all employees, which includes a unit on Ethics being developed in conjunction with the Professional Ethics Office.
  • In addition, the RCMP Professional Ethics Office and Learning & Development Office are considering the development of an RCMP- specific values and ethics online course.
  • The RCMP is contesting this litigation. On February 3, 2020, the Attorney General of Canada filed a Notice of Appeal of the Federal Court's decision to certify the class action in Greenwood Gray.
  • The RCMP's position on this matter does not detract from its important and ongoing efforts to ensure that all employees work in a respectful and safe environment, free of harassment.

Background

An Internal Audit of the RCMP Values and Ethics program was completed in November 2019. Guided by its core values of integrity, honesty, professionalism, compassion, respect, and accountability, the RCMP is expected to uphold the highest ethical standards, and to conserve and enhance public confidence.

The Audit found that a governance structure is in place for the Values and Ethics program, the training framework for Values and Ethics exists but it does not include training for all employees in the RCMP and the monitoring of the Values and Ethics program and its related components needs to be strengthened.

The work done by our internal audit and evaluation program provides expert analysis that helps us to strengthen and improve our programs and services for our employees and Canadians.

The Merlo-Davidson class action settlement was reached in October 2016, between the Attorney General of Canada on behalf of the Government of Canada and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and plaintiffs in two proposed harassment-related class-action lawsuits representing all of the approximately 30,000 female members and employees employed in the RCMP since September 1974.

The Office of the Independent Assessor was authorized to begin accepting claims as of August 12, 2017, with an initial deadline for claim submissions of February 8, 2018, subsequently extended until May 22, 2018. As of February 5, 2020, a total of 3,131 claims have been received, with decisions rendered on 2,739 of these.

The Settlement agreement, Merlo-Davidson, contains a series of change initiatives; progress against the action plans for these change initiatives is monitored on an ongoing basis. These include: the update and communication of RCMP harassment policies and expansion of anti-harassment training, advancing goals for increased recruitment and promotion of women, and updates to promotion policies and materials. They also include the establishment of Gender and Harassment Advisory Committees across the country to advise the Commissioner and Commanding Officers on issues related to gender, sexual orientation, harassment, equity and inclusivity. Formed in December 2017, these committees represent an important new venue for ongoing engagement across the organization as part of long-term change strategies.

A new "Troop 17" Scholarship was also launched in April 2018. Named in recognition of the first troop of women Regular Members to graduate from Depot, this scholarship will be awarded annually to recognize outstanding work by post-secondary students in the area of anti-harassment.

In 2017, a new unit was established to act as centralized support for the RCMP in the advancement of gender equality, diversity, inclusion and cultural transformation objectives. Two new executive- level positions were created to lead this unit, including a new Senior Executive Committee member and a subject matter expert on gender and diversity analysis.

In May 2017, the Civilian Review and Complaints Commission (CRCC) released its Report on Workplace Harassment in the RCMP coinciding with the release of the Review of Four Cases of Civil Litigation Against the RCMP on Workplace Harassment — Report to the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness by Sheila Fraser (the Fraser Report). The RCMP continues to undertake efforts to address the findings of these reports.

CRCC Report
The CRCC conducted a review of the RCMP's policies and procedures on workplace harassment and investigated whether the recommendations from the CRCC's 2013 Public Interest Investigation Report into Issues of Workplace Harassment within the RCMP were effectively implemented. The CRCC concluded that the RCMP did not adequately implement the 2013 recommendations, and confirmed that harassment and bullying continue to be a serious problem. Consequently, ten additional recommendations to address harassment were proposed in the 2017 report. The recommendations focused on improving processes, clarifying definitions and enhancing training.
Fraser Report
In November 2015, four women with lawsuits alleging harassment during their time at the RCMP wrote an open letter to the Prime Minister and all Liberal Senators and Members of Parliament requesting that they prevent the RCMP from discharging them prior to the conclusion of their legal proceedings. The Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness committed to reviewing these cases and appointed former Auditor General Sheila Fraser to review the cases. The objective was to review how harassment policies, procedures and the legislative framework were applied by the RCMP, to identify gaps and make recommendations. The review resulted in three recommendations: strengthen the governance framework and consider the creation of a civilian board to oversee organizational changes; establish an independent harassment investigation process; and conduct an independent review of the RCMP's Health Services and the grievance process.

In early 2019, the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness announced that the Government of Canada would be establishing an Interim Management Advisory Board to provide the RCMP Commissioner with expert external advice on the management and administration of the RCMP. The Interim Board is a critical step in helping advance the priorities of RCMP transformation, including the development of a "People First Strategy," RCMP business modernization and employee health and well-being. The Minister also highlighted that legislative changes to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Act had been included in Bill C-97.

B. Cybercrime

Speaking notes

  • The Government of Canada is committed to protecting the safety and security of Canadians and our critical infrastructure from cyber threats and cybercrime.
  • Canada is implementing a plan for security and prosperity in the digital age, and Budget 2018 provided significant investments of $507.7 million over five years, and $108.8 million per year thereafter to fund a new National Cyber Security Strategy.
  • As part of this Strategy, $201.3 million over five years, and $43 million per year ongoing of this proposed funding will be devoted to bolstering Canada's ability to fight cybercrime. This includes support for the creation of the RCMP National Cybercrime Coordination Unit – referred to as NC3.
  • In addition to this NC3 unit, there is also funding to enhance the RCMP's ability to take federal enforcement action against priority cybercrime activity both domestically and internationally.

Background and current status

  • Cybercrime is a global problem that significantly impacts the safety and economic well-being of Canadians and Canadian businesses, particularly vulnerable members of our society, such as our elderly and youth. Canadian businesses and individuals are a key target for cybercriminals because of our relative wealth and internet-dependent economy.
  • Cybercrimes reported to the RCMP reveal that cyber threats are generally linked to financial crimes, both domestic and international. The threats include the deployment of malware, such as banking trojans, online fraud scams, including more recent developments in business email compromise events, or through extortion events, including ransomware or distributed denial of service (DDOS) attacks. Further, the advancements in technology being used by criminal organizations to move and launder their proceeds of crime have opened the door to truly global criminal networks. These groups use international money controllers to organize the funding of criminal activity and use advancements in technology (e.g. virtual currencies and trade-based money laundering schemes) to move money from one country to another largely undetected.
  • The RCMP plays a central role in the Government of Canada's overarching priority to provide for the safety and security of Canadians, and as such has the federal mandate and authority to investigate criminal offences related to cybercrime. Within the RCMP's Federal Policing program, cybercrime investigative efforts are focused on criminal activity that targets the federal government; threatens Canada's critical infrastructure; involves the use of cyber systems to facilitate or support terrorist activity, and threatens key business assets.

Budget 2018 earmarked funding for two RCMP initiatives under the Strategy: the National Cybercrime Coordination (NC3) Unit and Federal Cybercrime Enforcement.

National Cybercrime Coordination (NC3) Unit

  • Budget 2018 earmarked $137.5M over five years and $23.2M ongoing for the NC3, as a National Police Service.
  • The mandate of the NC3 Unit will be to enable a coordinated Canadian law enforcement response to cybercrime by:
    1. Coordinating Canadian cybercrime investigations and collaborating with international partners
    2. Providing digital investigative advice and guidance to Canadian police
    3. Producing actionable cybercrime intelligence for Canadian police
    4. Establishing a national public reporting mechanism for Canadians and businesses to report cybercrimes to police
  • The NC3 initiative will reach initial operating capability in April 2020, launch the National Cybercrime and Fraud Reporting System (NCFRS) in 2022, and reach full operating capability by March 2023.
  • The NC3 will work closely with the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre to develop a single national cybercrime and fraud reporting mechanism–the NCFRS–while ensuring no duplication of effort. In 2017, cybercrime accounted for 31% of Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) complaints and 53% of total dollar loss.
  • The National Cybercrime Solution IM/IT Project will enable the NC3 to aggregate, cross-reference, analyze, and disseminate cybercrime information.

Federal Cybercrime Enforcement

  • Allocated $78.98 million over five years (2018-19 to 2022-23) and $19.76 million ongoing for cybercrime enforcement within the RCMP.
  • This initiative will consist of establishing two additional Cybercrime Investigative Teams, in Milton and Montréal; deploying Cybercrime Specialists to Federal Policing units across Canada; and, deploying two cybercrime investigators abroad.
  • Budget 2018 also earmarked funding for the Communications Security Establishment (CSE) to establish the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (the Centre) as a single, unified federal government source of unique expert advice and services on cyber security operational matters, providing Canadians and businesses with a clear and trusted source for cyber security advice. CSE 'virtually' launched the Centre in November 2018.

C. Arrest and Prosecution of Cameron Jay Ortis

Proposed response

  • Canada's intelligence and security agencies work tirelessly to protect the safety of Canadians.
  • Cameron Ortis, an employee of the RCMP, has been charged with ten counts of offences under the Criminal Code and the Security of Information Act.
  • The RCMP acted as soon as possible in making the arrest.
  • In addition to the criminal investigation, the RCMP is concurrently conducting an internal security review as well as a Code of Conduct review.
  • The RCMP will continue to engage with partners and will employ all necessary resources and capabilities to respond to the breach.
  • As this matter is before the courts and the investigation is ongoing, I cannot provide any further detail.

Background

The RCMP arrested Cameron Jay ORTIS on September 12, 2019 and charged him on September 13, 2019 with seven counts of criminal offences under the Security of Information Act (SOIA) and the Criminal Code. Three additional charges under SOIA were filed in January 2020. At the time of his arrest, ORTIS was the Director General of the RCMP's National Intelligence Coordination Centre, a position which gave him access to sensitive and highly-classified information.

Under the Criminal Code, ORTIS has been charged with breach of trust by a public officer and unauthorized use of a computer. Under the SOIA, ORTIS has been charged with unauthorized communication of special operational information and preparatory acts. Preparatory acts relate to preparations taken by a person to commit certain other offences under the SOIA, including offences pertaining to unlawful and unauthorized communications of safeguarded information to foreign entities or terrorist groups.

ORTIS is currently in custody following his bail revocation on November 8, 2019. No trial date has been set and a plea has not yet been entered. His next scheduled court appearance is March 17.

D. Wet'suwet'en Protest against Coastal Gaslink

Issue: Latest enforcement actions relating to Wet'suwet'en Protest against Coastal Gaslink

Proposed response

  • We know that the current situation is having a great impact on Canadian jobs, the economy and wellbeing and we feel this urgency very strongly.
  • Reconciliation is a crucial priority for our government.
  • We are urgently trying to facilitate discussions aimed at resolving the circumstances that have led to the nation-wide blockades.
  • As of mid-day on February 21, 2020, the RCMP has completed the relocation of its base of operations on Wet'suwet'en Territory to Houston Detachment, and its Community Industry Safety Office has been temporarily closed.
  • Patrols are continuing in the area and discussions are underway regarding the future of the RCMP presence in that Territory moving forward.
  • We are aware of and encouraged by this positive development, and we trust the RCMP's ability to assess the situation and keep the public safe.
  • We remain committed to dialogue and de-escalation.

If pressed on directing the police

  • The Supreme Court of Canada has said police Independence underpins the rule of law and it is necessary for the maintenance of public order and the preservation of the peace.
  • Police independence is crucial to public trust in our institutions.
  • The Minister of Public Safety may not attempt to direct the conduct of specific police operations.
  • Our government is committed to protecting the constitutional right to peaceful protest.
  • Of primary concern to the RCMP is the preservation of community and officer safety.

Background

On December 31, 2019, the British Columbia (BC) Supreme Court granted the Coastal GasLink (CGL) interlocutory injunction order against persons who interfere with the CGL project in and around the Morice River Bridge or the area accessed by the Morice West Forest Service Road.

Since that time, the RCMP has maintained a regular dialogue with the Wet'suwet'en Hereditary Chiefs and Elected Band Councils, CGL, and Government, to support or facilitate discussions in an effort to find a peaceful resolution, without the need for police enforcement.

On January 8, 2020, the Commanding Officer and commanders overseeing the police response to the injunction attended the Office of the Wet'suwet'en. The main recommendation coming out of the meeting was for the RCMP not to enforce the injunction in order to allow time for the Chiefs to engage with the Federal and Provincial Governments. The RCMP advised that, based on legal advice, it was required to enforce the court order, but could articulate a brief but reasonable delay based on specific efforts to resolve the breach of the injunction. It provided the Chiefs until close of business on January 20, 2020 to respond, at which time an update would be required.

On January 13, 2020, the RCMP established an access control checkpoint at the 27 kilometer mark on the road to the CGL construction zone. The access control checkpoint was a measured response that reflects the need to prevent further escalation of the situation, including the placement of hazards along the roadway and the creation of a third encampment blocking access. It also allowed the RCMP to be accountable for the safety of all persons accessing this area given the hazards, unplowed roads and severe winter conditions.

On January 27, 2020, the RCMP committed to respecting the 7-day discussion period, referred to by the Wet'suwet'en as "Wiggus", by not taking action to enforce the court-ordered injunction.

On February 5, 2020, the BC RCMP released a statement concerning the injunction and encouraged all of the protestors to abide by the injunction and leave the area to avoid arrest. The RCMP indicated that it would pursue peaceful options for arrest that requires minimal use of force. The main operation to secure access per the BC Supreme Court Order commenced on the morning of February 6, 2020.

As of February 10, 2020, the RCMP concluded enforcement activity at the Morice West Forest Service Road and will be opening the road for access to CGL constructions teams.

The RCMP is maintaining a presence on Morice West Forest Service Road to allow CGL to complete its construction activity and respond to any further protest activity. Multiple Indigenous and non-Indigenous-led protests have arisen across the country in support of the Wet'suwet'en Hereditary Chiefs. The majority of protests have been peaceful with minimal need of enforcement. These protests are small in scale; however, most regions across the country are reporting protest activity.

Police of Jurisdiction have been managing these protests across the country, including the RCMP. Some of the protests such as one in Delta, BC, at the coastal shipping port, one in Belleville, Ontario, blocking Via Rail, and two others in the Port of Vancouver, BC, and on CN rail tracks and highway in Morris, Manitoba, have all been subject to court injunctions to stop protesters from impeding access.

A mobile command post began operations in January 2019, followed by a remote RCMP detachment—the Community Industry Safety Office (CISO) — which was set up in March 2019, after the RCMP enforced an earlier injunction against the camps blocking access to Coastal GasLink workers in the same area. BC RCMP since re-assessed its presence in Wet'suwet'en in recognition and in support of efforts towards a peaceful and sustainable solution, and contingent on the continued commitment to keep the Morice West Forest Service Road open to all. As of mid-day on Friday February 21, 2020, the RCMP completed the relocation of its base of operations to Houston Detachment. The CISO has been temporarily closed. Patrols are continuing in the area, and discussions are underway with regards to the future of the RCMP presence in that Territory.

On the afternoon of Monday, February 24, 2020, some members of the Gitx'san and Wet'suwet'en communities blocked Canadian National Railway's BC North Line near New Hazelton, B.C. This line serves the Port of Prince Rupert and is under the jurisdiction of CN Police. The RCMP was requested to assist CN Police who have an injunction prohibiting the blocking of this rail line.

Dialogue was initiated by police and peaceful arrests were made of seven persons including Hereditary Chief Spookw and an Elected Chief. Following the arrests, the track was cleared but a larger group blocked the highway. Through continued dialogue, Hereditary Chief Spookw encouraged all person in custody to consent to release on conditions and to end the blockade of the roadway. The roadway was opened and all persons dispersed. The same group led by Hereditary Chief Spookw blocked the line at a nearby location on February 9, 2020. This was resolved through dialogue and a letter from Government committing to a meeting.

E. Equifax arrest

Issue: In September 2017, Equifax announced a data breach that exposed the personal information of 147 million people; it is believed approximately 19,000 Canadians were affected. On February 10, 2020, following a two-year investigation, the U.S Attorney General announced arrests.

Proposed response

  • We recognize that cybercrime is a significant public safety issue and we're working to strengthen Canada's cyber security and protect our national security and economic interests.
  • The RCMP works closely with all international law enforcement partners.
  • They are maintaining situational awareness and are prepared to assist upon request.
  • The Equifax data compromise occurred on United States servers and is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
  • We are strengthening our cyber security and protecting our national security and economic interests by investing $201M to bolstering Canada's ability to fight cybercrime and create the RCMP National Cybercrime Coordination Unit, NC3.
  • We have also created the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security, which offers a trusted source for business to turn to for expert advice, guidance and support on cyber security.
  • Anyone who is a victim of a crime committed online should contact their local police.

Background

In September 2017, Equifax revealed that it fell victim to one of the largest data thefts on record, with names, credit card numbers, social security numbers and other information stolen by a group of criminals that have yet to be identified.

In July 2019, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and various additional regulatory bodies announced that Equifax had agreed to pay up to $700 US million in fines and penalties over the massive data breach. Canadian victims are not covered by that figure.

On February 10, 2020, following a two-year investigation, the U.S Attorney General announced the indictment of four members of the Chinese People's Liberation Army for breaking into Equifax computer systems, and for stealing the sensitive personal information of nearly half of all American citizens, in addition to Equifax's hard-earned intellectual property.

Cybercrime is a global problem that significantly impacts the safety and economic well-being of Canadians and Canadian businesses, particularly vulnerable members of our society, such as the elderly and youth. Canadian businesses and individuals are a key target for cybercriminals because of our relative wealth and internet-dependent economy.

Budget 2018 earmarked funding for two RCMP initiatives under the Strategy: the National Cybercrime Coordination (NC3) Unit and Federal Cybercrime Enforcement.

National Cybercrime Coordination (NC3) Unit

Budget 2018 earmarked $137.5M over five years and $23.2M ongoing for the NC3, as a National Police Service.

The NC3 is mandated to enable a coordinated Canadian law enforcement response to cybercrime by:

  1. Coordinating Canadian cybercrime investigations and collaborating with international partners
  2. Providing digital investigative advice and guidance to Canadian police
  3. Producing actionable cybercrime intelligence for Canadian police
  4. Establishing a national public reporting mechanism for Canadians and businesses to report cybercrimes to police

The NC3 initiative will reach initial operating capability in April 2020, launch the National Cybercrime and Fraud Reporting System (NCFRS) in 2022, and reach full operating capability by March 2023.

The NC3 will work closely with the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) to develop a single national cybercrime and fraud reporting mechanism–the NCFRS–while ensuring no duplication of effort. In 2017, cybercrime accounted for 31% of CAFC complaints and 53% of total dollar loss.

The National Cybercrime Solution IM/IT Project will enable the NC3 to aggregate, cross-reference, analyze, and disseminate cybercrime information.

Federal Cybercrime Enforcement

The RCMP was allocated $78.98 million over five years (2018-19 to 2022-23) and $19.76 million ongoing for cybercrime enforcement.

This initiative will consist of establishing two additional Cybercrime Investigative Teams, in Milton and Montréal; deploying Cybercrime Specialists to Federal Policing units across Canada; and, deploying two cybercrime investigators abroad.

Budget 2018 also earmarked funding for the Communications Security Establishment (CSE) to establish the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (the Centre) as a single, unified federal government source of unique expert advice and services on cyber security operational matters, providing Canadians and businesses with a clear and trusted source for cyber security advice. CSE 'virtually' launched the Centre in November 2018.

F. Commission of Inquiry into Money Laundering in British Columbia

Proposed response

  • In line with our duties to keep Canadians safe and protect Canada, the RCMP remains committed to combatting money laundering.
  • Combatting money laundering is a shared responsibility, and the RCMP continues to work with Regime partners to identify strategies and tools to more effectively combat money laundering and terrorist financing.
  • As a key partner in Canada's Anti-Money Laundering/Anti- Terrorist Financing Regime the RCMP is participating with the Commission of Inquiry into Money Laundering in British Columbia to the fullest extent possible.
  • The RCMP is also participating in the B.C.-Canada Working Group on the Real Estate Sector to improve enforcement and prosecution.
  • The RCMP continues to work with Regime partners and the private sector to streamline investigative efforts to effectively combat money laundering and terrorist financing.
  • Money Laundering continues to be a priority and key target activity of the RCMP and we are developing strategies to improve investigative effectiveness.

Financial implications

  • Budget 2019 announced $68.9 million over five years and $20 million per year ongoing in funding for the RCMP to strengthen Federal Policing capacity, including to combat money laundering.
  • Consequent to the funding announced in Budget 2019, Ministers Blair and Morneau announced $10 million in funding to the RCMP to invest in information management and information technology infrastructure and digital tools to pursue complex financial crimes.

Background

On May 15, 2019, the Commission of Inquiry into Money Laundering in British Columbia ((BC), the "Cullen Inquiry") was established and Justice Austin Cullen of the BC Supreme Court was appointed to lead the Inquiry. Commissioner Cullen has been given two years to complete his report (May 2021) with an interim report to be provided by November 2020. The inquiry will be divided into three phases. Phase 1 will be the one-year investigative phase (already in process) that will include requests for documents and informal meeting with officials in various organizations. Phase 2 is the hearing phase and it is scheduled to begin in fall 2020. Phase 3 will involve the release of the interim and final reports and will take place in late 2020 and early 2021.

Finance Canada is coordinating the Government of Canada's (GOC) response to requests from the Cullen Inquiry, and the RCMP feeds into those requests from a Federal Policing (FP) perspective. As well, the RCMP has established a project team in E Division in collaboration with FP, Financial Crime in National Headquarters to address the Cullen inquiry. These distinctions are necessary, as the Cullen Inquiry has the power to compel witnesses at the Provincial Level, but participation from the GOC is voluntary.

The Minister of Finance will be providing the GOC's opening statement to the Commission on February 24. RCMP E Division personnel have been called as witnesses with the Commission during the first two weeks of March. We expect additional FP representatives may be called as well.

Outside of the Cullen Inquiry, the RCMP continues to develop innovative strategies with Regime partners. For example, Project ATHENA is a public-private partnership between domestic law enforcement agencies, financial institutions, casinos and FINTRAC. This strategy is to strengthen resilience in Canada's anti-money laundering regime through enhancing information sharing and advancing understanding of the issue among key stakeholders. As well, the RCMP has been an active participant in the BC-Canada Working Group on the Real Estate sector. This working group is mandated to explore issues related to fraud, money laundering, tax evasion, and speculation in BC's real estate sector to better coordinate and align policy and operations.

In Budget 2019, the GOC announced funding of $68.9 million to enhance the RCMP's Federal Policing capacity, including to combat money laundering. Subsequently, Ministers Morneau and Blair announced an additional $10 million for the RCMP to help it invest in information management and information technology solutions to pursue complex financial crimes.

There are no definitive statistics on the value of money laundering in Canada. The Financial Action Task Force (an intergovernmental body whose objectives are to set standards and promote effective implementation of legal, regulatory, and operational measures for combatting money laundering) writes on its website that, "Due to the illegal nature of the transactions, precise statistics are not available and it is therefore impossible to produce a definitive estimate of the amount of money that is laundered globally every year."

G. Facial Recognition Technology

Issue: Global News article referencing Canadian law enforcement use of facial recognition.

Proposed response

  • Privacy is paramount and a reasonable expectation for Canadians, though this must be balanced with the ability of law enforcement to conduct investigations and protect the safety and security of Canadians.
  • The RCMP is constantly monitoring new and evolving technologies; however, the Government does not disclose specific police tools and techniques.

Responsive

The RCMP is exploring the use of facial recognition software.

Background

Facial recognition tools are capable of identifying or verifying an individual by comparing and analysing patterns, shapes and proportions of their facial features and contours. This is a relatively new technology and some law enforcement agencies are using it to support criminal investigations. For example, the INTERPOL Face Recognition System (IFRS) contains facial images received from more than 160 countries which makes it a unique global criminal database. Footnote1

Clearview is one of many facial recognition tools. Clearview is a new research tool used by law enforcement agencies to identify perpetrators and victims of crimes. Clearview indicates that its technology has "helped law enforcement track down hundreds of criminals, including pedophiles, terrorists and sex traffickers. It is also used to help exonerate the innocent and identify the victims of crimes including child sex abuse and financial fraud." Footnote2 The RCMP does not have information relating to Clearview's clientele.

The Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) is a system that uses biometric technology to store digital imagery of individual fingerprints for database comparison to produce a match for fingerprints taken from individuals and those found at crime scenes. AFIS also stores biographic data related to the individual, including tattoos, and facial images. There are no current plans to integrate facial recognition into the AFIS. Although, the RCMP maintains a database of mugshot images submitted by law enforcement agencies along with fingerprints and criminal charges. These images are not used for facial recognition nor are searched within the AFIS. However, these images are now available to Canadian law enforcement partners through the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) when a query hits to a criminal record.

While the RCMP uses a variety of tools and techniques to support law enforcement investigations, it does not disclose specific tools and techniques, which may otherwise compromise ongoing investigations.

Given the speed at which technology is evolving, the RCMP continues to explore the broader use of emerging technologies to determine how they could potentially benefit police operations.

H. CRCC Interim Report - 2013 Shale Gas Protests

Issue: Alleged RCMP delays in responding to the CRCC Interim Report on the RCMP response to the Kent County Anti-Shale Gas Protests in New Brunswick in 2013.

Proposed response

  • Civilian review is essential for ensuring public trust and confidence, and the RCMP fully supports the Civilian Review and Complaints Commission's investigative role.
  • The RCMP's objective is to deal appropriately and effectively with all complaints that are received, and we maintain open communications and cooperate with the Civilian Review and Complaints Commission to ensure accountability and transparency with respect to our management of complaints.
  • The CRCC's Interim Report was completed in March 2019, and the RCMP received supporting relevant material on May 7, 2019. The RCMP worked to organize the large volume of data received, a fulsome analysis was undertaken, and a written RCMP response is forthcoming.
  • Any recommendation regarding the operation or administration of the RCMP can have far-reaching and significant impacts to the organization and the public. As a result, there are many factors that need to be considered in preparing a response, and it is therefore difficult to provide an exact time line for completion of the RCMP's response.

If pressed: The RCMP considers all public complaints to be important and tries to address them in as timely a manner as possible while at the same time ensuring they are assessed thoroughly and appropriately.

Background

The Civilian Review and Complaints Commission (CRCC) started their Public Interest Investigation into the Shale Gas protests on July 30, 2013. The Interim Report was completed March 13, 2019, and the supporting relevant material was provided to the RCMP on May 7, 2019. The organization of the large volume of data was a significant undertaking, and a fulsome analysis was subsequently conducted so that a complete response from the RCMP Commissioner could be developed and submitted.

More than 130 civilian witnesses and RCMP members were interviewed by the CRCC. This investigation also gathered more than two terabytes of documentation and thousands of video files. A preliminary review of the report by the RCMP's National Public Complaints Directorate (NPCD) revealed that the CRCC issued 38 findings and made 12 recommendations in regard to the issues that were examined. There is currently a delay of approximately 24 months from when an Interim Report is received in NPCD until the Commissioner's Response is completed. Efforts are underway to address RCMP response time. The planned date for completion of the Commissioner's Response is March 31, 2020.

Between the summer of 2013 and early 2014, the CRCC received approximately 16 individual public complaints and one group public complaint consisting of a petition signed by 245 individuals. These public complaints made general and specific allegations about the RCMP response to protests and protesters. The most common allegation was of use of excessive force. Other allegations included: improper arrests and detention, interference with freedom of expression and peaceful protest, and interference with Indigenous Peoples' spiritual ceremonies.

On December 17, 2014, the Chair of the CRCC notified the RCMP Commissioner and the Minister of Public Safety that they had initiated his own complaint about the RCMP's response to the Kent County protests pursuant to subsection 45.59(1) of the RCMP Act (as amended by the Enhancing Royal Canadian Mounted Police Accountability Act, which came into force on November 28, 2014). The Chair further notified the Commissioner pursuant to subsection 45.66(1) of the amended RCMP Act that the CRCC would be investigating the Chair-initiated complaint concurrently with the existing Public Interest Investigation initiated on July 30, 2013.

The December 17, 2014, Chair-initiated complaint will examine the conduct of those RCMP members who responded to, or managed the response to, the Kent County shale gas protests in 2013, including from a policy and practice perspective. Section 45.71(3) (a) of the RCMP Act prescribes that the Commission send the Interim Report to the Minister and the Commissioner. The Commissioner shall, as soon as feasible, provide the Commission and the Minister with a written response to the Commission's Chairperson, who in turn will complete the Final Report.

Any recommendation regarding the operation or administration of the RCMP can have far-reaching and significant impacts to the organization and the public. As a result, there are many factors that need to be considered in preparing a response. These include existing case law, legal authorities, budgets, and potential impacts on our service to the public, amongst others. The RCMP acknowledges it takes time for a complete response to the interim reports, due in part to the number of interim reports and the volume of relevant material to be analyzed.

I. Civilian deeming

Proposed response

  • We recognize the sensitivities of this issue and we have always said that deeming would only proceed when the government can assure a seamless transition to Phoenix.
  • Putting people first is a commitment I made as part of our Vision150.
  • To prepare for deeming, a readiness assessment was developed by all stakeholders - TBS, RCMP, PSPC, and Shared Services Canada. The readiness assessment is based on a set of criteria that has been established to measure progress, and determine if deeming can proceed with a smooth transition to the Phoenix pay system.
  • With civilian member wellbeing in mind, it is recognized that a timely decision to proceed is required.
  • Further, the implementation of the Government's decision falls under the purview of the Treasury Board as the employer.

If decision on deeming has not been announced:
The RCMP will work collaboratively with the Treasury Board Secretariat to support their implementation of the decision of Government, particularly with respect to the logistical elements of the transition.

If decision on deeming has been announced:

  • The President of the Treasury Board, in consultation with the Minister of Public Safety, recently announced that they will be recommending to the Treasury Board that the May 21, 2020, planned deeming date not be pursued.
  • The RCMP will work collaboratively with the Treasury Board Secretariat to support any necessary work moving forward

Background

The RCMP has three main categories of employees: Regular Members (including Reservists): 19,035; Civilian Members: 3,445; and, Public Service Employees: 7,591. Members (Regular Members and Reservists, and Civilian Members) are appointed under the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Act (RCMP Act), whereas Public Service Employees are appointed under the Public Service Employment Act. The three categories have distinct terms and conditions of employment, as well as differences in hiring practices and policies, classification standards, regimes for discipline, dismissal, pensions and benefits.

The decision to deem civilian members of the RCMP dates back to 2013 legislation which provides for the transition of civilian members into the public service alongside public servants doing the same kind of work.

At its heart, this decision was about ensuring that employees doing the same work have the same terms and conditions of employment and receive the same pay and benefits.

This transition has always been understood to also involve a transfer of pay and benefits into the pay system that the government administers the pay and pensions of its workforce. Since 2016, that pay system is Phoenix.

Of note that there are no references to Supplementary Estimates in Deeming.

J. RCMP Member unionization

Proposed response

  • As you are no doubt aware, RCMP members now have the right to be represented by a bargaining agent, symbolizing a historic moment for the RCMP.
  • Under this new labour relations regime, their terms and conditions are subject to negotiation.
  • Unionization presents a tremendous opportunity to transform the way that we do business by working in a constructive fashion to improve the working conditions of our workforce, while also ensuring effective police operations.
  • This new labour relations regime will also better enable the RCMP to pursue its modernization agenda by putting people first, enhancing our culture, leveraging resources and improving police services to make our communities safer.
  • In support of good faith bargaining, we are deeply committed to engaging in meaningful discussions and building a positive relationship with the National Police Federation.
  • To this end, we will continue to support the Treasury Board Secretariat in order to reach an agreement that is fair for RCMP members and reservists, as well as reasonable for Canadian taxpayers.

Background

The RCMP is a National institution and employs over 20,000 uniformed officers in over 700 detachments in 150 communities across the country. It operates at the municipal, provincial/territorial and federal levels to ensure the safety and security of Canadians. Up until recently, members of the RCMP were barred from unionization.

In a decision rendered on January 16, 2015, in the matter of the Mounted Police Association of Ontario v. Canada (Attorney General), the Supreme Court of Canada concluded that the exclusion of RCMP members from the Public Service Labour Relations Act was unconstitutional. On June 21, 2016, Bill C-7, An Act to amend the Public Service Labour Relations Act, the Public Service Labour Relations and Employment Board Act and other Acts to establish a charter-compliant collective bargaining regime for RCMP members.

On July 12, 2019, the Federal Public Sector Labour Relations and Employment Board certified the National Police Federation as the bargaining agent for RCMP regular members and reservists who are not officers (i.e. below the rank of Inspector), based on 97% vote by RCMP members in support of the National Police Federation. Almost immediately, on July 15, 2019, the National Police Federation served notice to bargain in order to freeze existing terms and conditions of employment. It is anticipated that the parties will commence formal negotiations in late March 2020. If they are unable to reach a negotiated settlement, either party may elect to file for arbitration through the Federal Public Sector Labour Relations and Employment Board.

The work undertaken by the RCMP to prepare for the first round of negotiations aligns with the priorities communicated by the Government in the Commissioner's Mandate Letter, which includes leading the organization through the unionization of regular members and reservists and engaging constructively with a new bargaining agent.

It also aligns with the most recent Mandate Letter to the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, which outlines the need to support the President of the Treasury Board in building a relationship and bargaining in good faith with the newly formed RCMP union.

In recent months, the National Police Federation has engaged with the media on a number of issues that they deem to be of critical importance to their membership, including health and safety and the perceived lack of appropriate resources. They have also publicly stated that pay, resources and benefits would be the top priorities for the first round of negotiations.

K. Contract Policing in the City of Surrey, British Columbia

Proposed response

  • The RCMP is Canada's national police force, providing policing services under contract to all provinces and territories, with the exception of Ontario and Quebec, as well as approximately 150 municipalities. These services are provided through Police Service Agreements, under which the costs for RCMP policing services are shared between the provincial, territorial or municipal governments, and the federal government.
  • There is a unique Municipal Policing Service Agreement construct in the Province of British Columbia (BC) and as such, unlike in all other provinces, there is an umbrella Municipal Policing Service Agreement in place between the Canada and BC, which allows the province to enter into Municipal Police Unit Agreements with its municipalities, including Surrey.
  • Based on the agreements, formal notification to terminate RCMP police services in Surrey must come from the Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General of BC to the Minister of Public Safety.
  • On November 6, 2018, the Mayor of Surrey formally notified the Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General of BC of the city's intention to terminate their Municipal Police Unit Agreement.
  • BC has since taken responsibility for the transition, including establishing a transition team being led by the Honourable Wally Oppal. Public Safety Canada and the RCMP have no specified role on the transition team.

Background

On October 20, 2018, the municipal-level elections took place in the Province of British Columbia (BC). The citizens of the City of Surrey elected Mayor Doug McCallum, as well as a new city Council.

Mayor McCallum, along with some of the newly elected city councillors campaigned, promising to form an independent city police force, thereby removing the RCMP as their police force of jurisdiction. The Surrey City Council passed a motion at their first chamber session on November 5, 2018, directing staff to take all appropriate steps to immediately create a Surrey Police Department in accordance with the B.C. Police Act. Further, council directed the staff to notify the federal and provincial governments that the City of Surrey is terminating its contract for the RCMP Municipal Police Service.

On November 6, 2018, Mayor McCallum wrote to the federal Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness to advise of the City of Surrey's intention to transition from their municipal contract to its own police service. Under article 22 of the Municipal Police Unit Agreement (MPUA), Surrey may terminate the agreement on March 31 of any year on condition that the notice was received 25 months prior to the date of the intended termination.

In his letter to the Minister, Mayor McCallum indicated that his staff are working on a full transition plan that will meet the shared needs of the federal government, the Province of BC, the City of Surrey, and the RCMP. Given policing is a provincial responsibility, the Province of BC is responsible for making decisions regarding how the province and its municipalities are policed. The Province of BC advised the Mayor that the province will need to review and evaluate the city's transition plans prior to supporting their request.

In May 2019, Surrey's Policing Transition Plan was developed in consultation with Vancouver Police Department and was approved in principle by the province, along with changes to address an unidentified number of gaps. BC has since taken responsibility for the transition, including establishing a transition team that is to be led by the Honourable Wally Oppal. Public Safety Canada and the RCMP have no specified role on the transition team.

Formal notification to Canada to terminate the RCMP as Surrey's municipal police service would only occur if, and when, the provincial minister is satisfied than an appropriate safety and transition plan has been fully developed.

Strategic consideration

While Canada cannot deny a request from any contract jurisdiction to terminate RCMP police services, as part of a transition from the RCMP to a municipal police service, the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness could disallow particular reduction requests that he believes would jeopardize effective and efficient policing or public or officer safety.

According to the Municipal Policing Service Agreement and the MPUA, the earliest date that Surrey could be in a position to establish its own police service is April 1, 2021. This date is articulated as the go-live date in Surrey's Police Transition Plan. However, it is highly improbable that Surrey would be in a position to fully transition to an independent police force by April 1, 2021. Should the transition move forward, a more likely scenario would see the negotiation of a transitional agreement that would incrementally increase Surrey's independent police force capacity while, at the same time, decrease the RCMP's presence in the city. Other important elements, such as IT systems, equipment, infrastructure, portability of pensions, would also likely be subject to negotiation.

Tab 5: Minister's hot issues notes

A. Cyber security

Proposed response

  • Our Government is enhancing cyber security and the security of its critical infrastructure against cyber threats through the delivery of the National Cyber Security Strategy, released in June 2018.
  • Digital technologies and the Internet are integral to innovation and economic growth; the cyber security of those technologies is critical to Canada's economic competitiveness, stability and long­ term prosperity.
  • Budget 2018 demonstrated our commitment to ensuring security and prosperity in the digital age with substantial investments in cyber security totaling more than $507 million over five years.
  • The increase in spending for Public Safety in the 2020-21 Main Estimates represents three activities: Supporting Canadian Critical Infrastructure; Enhancing our Strategic Policy Capacity in Cyber Security and Cybercrime; and, Funding the Cyber Security Cooperation Program.
  • These initiatives will allow Public Safety to: deliver a comprehensive risk management approach that will enable Critical Infrastructure owners and operators to better secure their systems and information; take a leadership role to advance cyber security in Canada; also, to support projects aimed at improving the security of Canada's cyber systems, delivered by a range of stakeholders, such as academic and research institutions, small- and medium­ sized enterprises, and other private sector partners.
  • Budget 2019 demonstrated further commitment to the Strategy, investing an additional $145 million over five years to strengthen the cyber security of Canadian critical infrastructure in the finance, telecommunications, energy, and transport sectors.

Background

The Internet provides opportunities for Canadians to participate in a new global digital economy and enjoy many social and economic advantages, but as people rely more on technology, they are more vulnerable to actors who seek to attack and undermine their digital infrastructure. By taking action to protect the cyber systems on which Canadians rely, the Government is protecting Canadians' security, safety, economic prosperity and way of life.

In 2016, Public Safety Canada (PS) was tasked with leading a review of existing measures to protect Canadians and Canadian critical infrastructure from cyber threats. This review was carried out in collaboration with the Ministers of National Defence, Innovation, Science and Economic Development, Infrastructure and Communities, Public Services and Procurement and the President of the Treasury Board.

It should be noted that the public consultation was only one part of the broader Cyber Review. The results from the public consultations were consolidated with the results of:

  • the Internal consultations across the Government of Canada
  • a horizontal evaluation of Canada's Cyber Security Strategy, which focused on the importance of Canada's first strategy from 2010 - 2015

With Budget 2018, the Government of Canada has implemented a plan for security and prosperity in the digital age. The Government proposed significant investments of $507.7 million over five years, and $108.8 million per year thereafter, to fund a new National Cyber Security Strategy (Strategy).The Strategy focuses on three principal goals:

  1. To ensure secure and resilient Canadian systems
  2. To build an innovative and adaptive cyber ecosystem
  3. To support effective leadership and collaboration between different levels of Canadian government, the private sector and partners around the world

Canada's plan for security and prosperity in the digital age starts with strong federal cyber security direction to protect Canadians and their sensitive personal information. To that end, in Budget 2018 the Government committed $155.2 million over five years, and $44.5 million per year ongoing, to the Communications Security Establishment (CSE) to create a new Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (the Centre).

By consolidating operational cyber expertise from across the federal government under one roof, the Centre establishes a single, unified Government of Canada source of unique expert advice for Canadian citizens and businesses.

To bolster Canada's ability to fight cybercrime, the Government also provided $116.0 million over five years, and $23.2 million per year ongoing to the RCMP to support the creation of the National Cybercrime Coordination Unit. The National Cybercrime Coordination Unit will create a coordination hub for cybercrime investigations in Canada and will work with international partners on cybercrime. The Unit will also establish a national public reporting mechanism for Canadian citizens and businesses to report cybercrime incidents to law enforcement.

Budget 2019 announced additional investments in the Strategy, totaling 144.9 million over five years. This proposed funding will help to protect critical cyber systems in the finance, telecommunications, energy, and transport sectors.

Additionally, there are several noteworthy federal initiatives that are part of the Government's broader approach to cyber security. These include Canada's National Defence Policy, CSE's work with the Minister of Democratic Institutions, amendments to CSE's legislation, and Innovation, Science and Economic Development's Innovation and Skills Plan and the current examination of emerging 5G technology.

On October 15, 2018, Statistics Canada released the first Canadian Survey of Cyber Security and Cybercrime. The first of its kind in Canada, the survey provides a baseline snapshot of the current threat environment in a manner not previously possible, providing new and current insights into the behaviour of Canadian businesses as they meet the cyber security challenges of a changing world. Data for the survey were collected from January to April 2018. The target population included businesses with Canadian operations and with 10 or more employees, across all sectors, with the exception of public administration. The final sample size was 12,597 businesses and the response rate was 86%. A second survey was launched in January 2020, with data to be released in October 2020.

B. Fifth Generation (5G) Telecommunications Systems

Proposed response

  • Protecting the critical systems and infrastructure Canadians rely on every day, including Canada's telecommunications systems, is a major priority for the Government of Canada.
  • While we cannot comment on specific companies, an examination of emerging 5G technology and the associated security, economic and geopolitical considerations is underway.
  • Public Safety, the Communications Security Establishment, the Department of National Defence, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service, Global Affairs Canada, and Innovation, Science, and Economic Development are working together on this important issue.
  • We recognize that our allies, particularly the United Kingdom, have made recent announcements for securing their 5G telecommunications systems. The Government will pursue an approach that is appropriate for Canadians while taking into consideration our Allies' advice.

If pressed on the security of current networks:

  • The Government of Canada takes the security of Canada's telecommunications networks seriously. Since 2013, the Canadian Security Review Program has worked to mitigate the cyber security risks stemming from designated equipment and services, including Huawei, in 3G/4G and LTE networks.
  • The Government will continue to work with telecommunications service providers and vendors to mitigate security risks in current and future networks as 5G technology is adopted by Canadians.

Background

Wireless systems are the modern infrastructure on which the global data driven economy is built. The global telecommunications sector is undergoing a transition from fourth generation wireless technology to fifth generation (5G). 5G networks will operate at significantly higher speeds and will provide greater versatility, capability, and complexity than previous generations. As a result, 5G systems will become a crucial component of Canada's critical infrastructure. Although the full implementation of 5G in Canada's telecommunications sector will take several years, some major telecommunications service providers (TSPs) have begun announcing the initial vendors whose equipment will be used to build their 5G systems, including Rogers (Ericsson), Videotron (Samsung), and Bell (Nokia). 5G spectrum auctions will continue throughout 2020.

It is anticipated that 5G technology will enable applications and innovations resulting in many new economic opportunities for Canada such as those associated with the Internet of Things, connected and automated vehicles, and remote surgeries. However, in order to leverage this opportunity for economic growth through 5G, the safety and security of the technology must be ensured.

Incidents resulting from the exploitation of vulnerabilities by malicious actors will be more difficult to safeguard against, and could have a broader impact than in previous generations of this technology.

The Government of Canada is conducting an ongoing examination of emerging 5G technology and the associated economic opportunities and security risks. Particular consideration is being afforded to foreign and defence policy, economic, legal, national security, and technical implications. Public Safety Canada (PS), Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISEO), the Communications Security Establishment (CSE), the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), the Department of National Defence (ONO), Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and the Privy Council Office (PCO) have been working closely to consider every dimension to this complex situation.

International

The security of 5G wireless systems has been at the forefront of domestic and international media stories. Canada's Five Eyes partners have all made public announcements on how they plan to protect 5G wireless telecommunications networks. These policies range in specificity from the naming of specific entities to generic statements of intent to bolster security.

On 28 January 2020, the United Kingdom (UK) announced that high risk vendors would be excluded from the sensitive elements of their networks, and limited to a minority presence of no more than 35 percent in the less sensitive elements of its networks. The UK is expected to introduce legislation at the earliest opportunity to put in place the powers necessary to implement this framework. Complimentary to the framework, the UK is developing a diversification strategy to vary the supply of equipment in their telecommunications networks.

The United States has been Canada's most vocal partner, strongly encouraging countries to carefully weigh the security considerations of 5G technology. Outside of the Five Eyes, several like-minded countries are also carefully considering what equipment will provide acceptable levels of security for their network infrastructure.

Current Network Security

In the context of current 3G/4G/LTE networks, a Canadian Security Review Program is in place to mitigate cyber security risks. CSE actively engages with Canadian TSPs and equipment vendors to help ensure the security of today's existing Canadian telecommunications infrastructure.

The program has been in place since 2013, and has helped mitigate risks stemming from designated equipment and services under consideration for use in Canadian 3G/4G/LTE telecommunications networks, including Huawei. To date, this program has led to:

  • excluding designated equipment in sensitive areas of Canadian networks
  • mandatory assurance testing in independent third-party laboratories for designated equipment before use in less sensitive areas of Canadian networks
  • restricting outsourced managed services across government networks and other Canadian critical networks

As the rollout of 5G technology in Canada continues, the expertise and experience developed through the Security Review Program will be important in assessing cyber threats and risks of emerging technology.

C. Criminal Code terrorist listings regime

Proposed response

  • The listing of terrorist entities under the Criminal Code is one of many tools that Canada uses to combat terrorist operations and support to terrorist activities. A listing imposes significant consequences and can render certain terrorism offences applicable.
  • In June 2019, Canada added three new Iran-backed groups to the Criminal Code list: al-Ashtar Brigades, Harakat al-Sabireen and the Fatemiyoun Division. Iran provides them with substantial resources, including training and weapons to carry out terrorist acts that advance its goals in the region.
  • In addition, Canada continues to list the IRGC's Qods Force, which is Iran's mechanism for supporting terrorist groups abroad.
  • To further Canada's efforts to combat terrorism internationally, a number of terrorist entities who have benefited from the Qods Force's patronage and who help advance Iran's interests and foreign policy are also listed. These include Hizballah, Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and the Taliban.
  • While I can't say what entities are being considered for listing, I can tell you that the assessment process is continuous and action will be taken should a need be identified.

The Criminal Code sets out a terrorist listing regime to help prevent the use of Canada's financial system to further terrorist activity, and to assist in the investigation and prosecution of terrorist offences. Listing an entity, be it an individual or a group, carries significant consequences. Banks and financial institutions must freeze the assets of a listed entity; all persons in Canada, as well as Canadians abroad: are prohibited from knowingly dealing with such assets. Additionally, a listing can also lead to the de-registration of a charity or the refusal to register an organization as a charity, if there is an affiliation with a listed entity. Finally, once listed, certain offences related to terrorist financing, terrorist related travel and terrorist recruitment may apply. This strengthens law enforcement's ability to take action against domestic members and supporters of terrorist entities.

The Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness may recommend to the Governor in Council (GiC) that individuals or groups be officially designated as 'terrorist entities' pursuant to s. 83.05 (1) of the Criminal Code (Establishment of list) if there are reasonable grounds to believe that an entity:

  1. has knowingly carried out, attempted to carry out, participated in or facilitated a terrorist activity
  2. has knowingly acted on behalf of, at the direction of, or in association with, an entity referred to in paragraph (a)

There are currently 60 terrorist entities listed pursuant to the Criminal Code. The last addition to the list occurred in June 2019, when the Government listed, for the first time, two right-wing extremist groups: Blood & Honour and Combat 18.

On June 13, 2018, the House of Commons adopted an Opposition motion which called on the Government to do three things: (i) immediately cease any and all negotiations or discussions with Iran to restore diplomatic relations; (ii) demand that Iran immediately release all Canadians and Canadian permanent residents who are currently detained in Iran; (iii) immediately designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a listed entity under the Criminal Code.

Canada has several punitive measures already in place in response to Iran's support of terrorism, and against the IRGC. These include the listing of the IRGC's Qods Force as a terrorist entity under the Criminal Code, which occurred on December 17, 2012. The Qods Force is the branch of the IRGC responsible for extraterritorial operations, and for exporting the Iranian Revolution through activities such as facilitating terrorist operations. They provide arms, funding and paramilitary training to other listed groups, including the Taliban, Hizballah and Hamas.

Canada also added three groups supported by Iran to the list. AI-Ashtar Brigades is a Shia militant group supported by Iran which aims to overthrow Bahrain's Sunni monarchy. The Fatemiyoun Division is a Qods Force led Militia fighting in Syria comprised mainly of Afghan refugees recruited from Iran and Afghanistan. Harakat al-Sabireen is an Iranian-backed Shia group which operates in the Gaza Strip and has fired rockets into Israel.

Other existing measures against the IRGC include sanctions imposed under the Special Economic Measures Act in response to Iran's nuclear and weapons of mass destruction programs. These actions were partly coordinated with like-minded countries to explicitly target the IRGC, its branches, and its leadership by prohibiting any dealings between Canadians and these entities. These measures are also intended to restrict Iran's access to sensitive goods from Canada, especially with respect to nuclear proliferation and the development of ballistic missiles.

Moreover, on September 7, 2012, Canada listed Iran as a state supporter of terrorism under the State Immunity Act. Once Iran was listed, its immunity from civil proceedings was lifted in relation to its terrorist activity or support for terrorism. All assets in Canada belonging to Iran, except its diplomatic properties, was seized to satisfy civil proceedings under the Justice For Victims of Terrorism Act (JVTA). The JVTA allows victims of terrorism to launch civil actions against perpetrators of terrorism and those that support them for loss or damage that occurred as a result of an act of terrorism committed anywhere in the world. In order to bring a claim under the JVTA, a person must have suffered loss or damage in or outside Canada on or after January 1, 1985 as a result of an act or omission that is, or had it been committed in Canada would be, punishable under Part 11.1 of the Criminal Code (terrorism offences).

D. Countering radicalization to violence

Proposed response

  • The Government takes seriously all forms of violent extremism.
  • Investigating, arresting, charging and prosecuting any Canadian involved in terrorism or violent extremism is our priority and Canadians can be confident that law enforcement and security intelligence agencies respond to all groups that threaten public safety, regardless of their ideology.
  • In December 2018, the Government released Canada's first National Strategy on Countering Radicalization to Violence, led by the Canada Centre for Community Engagement and Prevention of Violence.
  • The strategy prioritizes three lines of effort: building a knowledge base, addressing radicalization to violence in the online space, and supporting direct interventions to individuals at risk. Consistent with this approach, 30 project agreements have been put in place under the Community Resilience Fund, representing over $21 million investments.
  • Canada recently added two ideologically motivated violent extremist groups to its terrorist listing: Blood & Honour and its armed wing, Combat 18.
  • Canada is working with our national and international partners to build national and international coordination against violent extremism.
  • Canada has quadrupled the security infrastructure program to help religious and cultural organizations protect themselves, and is funding critical research and programs that address violent extremism.

Background

The Canada Centre for Community Engagement and Prevention of Violence (Canada Centre) leads the Government of Canada's efforts to counter radicalization to violence in all its forms.

On December 11, 2018, the Canada Centre launched the National Strategy on Countering Radicalization to Violence. Its three priorities are: (1) building, sharing and using knowledge; 2) addressing radicalization in the online space; and (3) supporting interventions. In February 2019, the Government announced the launch of a National Expert Committee on Countering Radicalization to Violence, which works to advance the work of the Canada Centre.

Violent extremists can be motivated by a range of grievances and can draw from a selection of ideas from across ideological, religious and political spectrums. Generally, these individuals act without clear group affiliation or external guidance, and are often radicalized online.

Violent extremism in Canada has been sporadic and opportunistic. Examples include the 2017 shooting at the lslamist Cultural Centre of Quebec City, in which six Canadians were killed and 19 were injured, and the 2018 van attack in Toronto, which killed 10.

Recent international examples of violent extremism include the Tree of Life Synagogue shooting in Oct 2019 in Pittsburg that killed 11 individuals and the March 2019 terrorist attacks in Christchurch, New Zealand, that killed over 50 people.

Community Resilience Fund (CRF)

Through the CRF, Public Safety supports research and programming to build the evidence base along with local capability and capacity to counter radicalization to violence in Canada. This aligns with your mandate letter, in which you are asked to continue supporting the work of the Canada Centre and investing in front-line programs that work to counter violent extremism. As of February 11, 2020, 30 project agreements have been signed, representing a total investment of $21,628,867.

For example, the Boston Children's Hospital received CRF funding to collaboration with McGill University to study how social connections can play a role in building resilience towards violent extremism. Another example is a project by MediaSmarts, which received funding to examine the attitudes of young Canadians towards online hate speech and violent radicalization.

Violent extremist and terrorist use of the internet

The Canada Centre also leads the Government of Canada's efforts to counter violent extremist and terrorist use of the internet (VETUI). Domestically, the Canada Centre supports organizations through the CRF who are working to better understand VETUI. For example, the Canada Centre is providing up to $1 million to Tech Against Terrorism to support the development of a repository of terrorist content, which will provide smaller technology companies a consolidated library of existing terrorist content online, allowing them to identify and remove it.

The Canada Centre also works closely with international partners and in international forums to counter VETUI. For example, Canada was an original signatory of the Christchurch Call to Action, developed in response to the Christchurch terrorist attack, and outlines voluntary commitments for government and digital industry to address VETUI. The Canada Centre also participates in the Five Country Ministerial, the G7, G20 and the Global Internet Forum to Counter Terrorism.

Terrorist listings

The Criminal Code sets out a terrorist listing regime to help prevent the use of Canada's financial system to further terrorist activity, and to assist in the investigation and prosecution of terrorist offences. Listing an entity carries significant consequences. Banks and financial institutions must freeze all the assets of a listed terrorist entity. Listing prohibits all persons in Canada, as well as Canadians abroad, from knowingly dealing with such assets.

In June 2019, Canada listed two ideologically motivated violent extremist groups as terrorist entities under the Criminal Code. Blood & Honour is an international neo-Nazi network which, through its armed branch Combat 18, has carried out violence, including murders and bombings.

E. Canadian extremist travellers

Proposed response

  • Our Government condemns the acts of Daesh, and takes with the utmost seriousness the potential threats posed by Canadian extremist travellers and returnees.
  • It is a Criminal Code offence for any Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident to travel abroad to support or engage in a terrorist activity.
  • Ensuring public safety is the priority of the Government of Canada. Whenever possible, law enforcement conducts criminal investigations with a view to supporting criminal charges and prosecutions of Canadian extremist travellers and returnees.
  • In addition to criminal charges, there are a number of additional tools that can be used to keep Canadians safe, including surveillance and monitoring; terrorism peace bonds; no-fly listings; and refusals, cancellations or revocation of passports.

If pressed on the number of charges:

In 2013, offences specifically related to leaving or attempting to leave Canada for the purposes of committing certain terrorism offences were enacted in the Criminal Code. Since then, a total of 13 individuals have been charged with these offences.

If pressed on Canadians currently in Syria:

  • The Government of Canada is aware of Canadian citizens being detained in Syria.
  • Given the security situation, the Government of Canada's ability to provide consular assistance in Syria is extremely limited.

Background

Individuals have travelled to Syria and other countries from around the world - including from Canada - to engage in violent extremist activity. Often referred to as 'foreign terrorist fighters,' these individuals are involved in a variety of activities including frontline combat, fundraising, operational planning and disseminating online propaganda. This issue threatens Canadian interests through destabilization in the Middle East and the exacerbation of the international terrorist threat. Of particular concern is the prospect that individuals with ties to violent extremist or terrorist groups could return to their home countries, including Canada, to conduct terrorist attacks or attempt to radicalize others to violence.

As per the 2018 Public Report on the Terrorist Threat to Canada, there are just over 190 individuals with a nexus to Canada who are abroad, including in Syria, Iraq, Turkey, Afghanistan, Pakistan and North and East Africa. These individuals have travelled to support and facilitate violent extremist activities, and, in some cases, to directly participate in terrorist acts. In addition, the Government is aware of approximately 60 individuals who have returned to Canada that are suspected of engaging in violent extremist activities abroad. Of those 60, only a small number of those have returned from Turkey, Iraq, or Syria. In 2013, offences specifically related to leaving or attempting to leave Canada for the purposes of committing certain terrorism offences were enacted in the Criminal Code. Since then, a total of 13 individuals have been charged with specific terrorism travel offences.

The RCMP actively investigates Canadian extremist travellers (CETs) to collect evidence with a view to laying criminal charges and supporting successful prosecutions. Where law enforcement is not able to collect sufficient evidence to lay terrorism charges, other options will be considered to manage the threat. The inability to collect the necessary evidence may be due to the requirement to protect sensitive sources and techniques used in intelligence investigations from disclosure or where the information would not be considered admissible in criminal proceedings. In these cases, security intelligence and law enforcement agencies will adapt to address the threat. Canada's security intelligence and law enforcement agencies prioritize the detection and disruption of potential threats by leveraging the mandates and tools of all government departments and agencies.

Canada can utilize a number of tools in responding to potential threats posed by CETs and returnees:

  • The Passenger Protect Program mitigates threats to transportation security and disrupts air travel for terrorism purposes through operational measures such as a denial of boarding.
  • Public Safety Canada (PS) can cancel, revoke or refuse passports in order to prevent threats to the national security of Canada or other states.
  • Terrorism Peace Bonds can be used when there is a "reasonable fear" that an individual may constitute a terrorist threat but there is not enough evidence to lay criminal charges.
  • Former Bill C-59, An Act Respecting National Security Matters, has enhanced the capacity of the security and intelligence community to detect and mitigate the threats posed by returning CETs.

Some individuals may be suitable for intervention programs should they return to Canada, which are designed to help them to disengage from violent extremism. These programs do not replace or prevent our security and law enforcement agencies from doing their work. Rather, they complement the work of these agencies by helping to reduce the threat posed by returning CETs, while also addressing the health and social problems of associated travellers, including family members and children, returning from a conflict zone. Intervention programs are not limited to returning CETs but may also be used to intervene with individuals in Canada who are radicalizing to violence.

The Government of Canada is continuing its multilateral partnerships to improve coordination, information flow and capacity building, such as through the Five Eyes, NATO, the G7, the Global Counterterrorism Forum, the Global Coalition Against Daesh, and INTERPOL.

F. Enhanced Passenger Protect Program

Proposed response

  • The Enhanced Passenger Protect Program will reduce the number of travellers that are erroneously flagged against the Secure Air Travel Act (SATA) list, while continuing to safeguard national security.
  • Following the passage of the National Security Act and the amendments to the SATA, the Government of Canada will be taking over the responsibility of screening all passenger manifests against the SATA list. This will ensure effective, consistent and rigorous screening of the SATA list while improving privacy and fairness to Canadians.
  • Under the amendments, the Government is also establishing the Canadian Travel Number program, which will allow Canadians who believe they have the same or similar name to an individual on the SATA list to apply for a number that will help distinguish them from listed individuals.
  • Government controlled screening and the Canadian Travel Number program will begin to be implemented in 2020. The Government is currently working on the IT enabled solution and on-boarding air­ carriers.
Financial implications

Budget 2018 allotted $81.4 million over five years, starting in 2018-19, and $14 million ongoing for Public Safety Canada, the CBSA, Shared Services Canada and Transport Canada. This funding will allow Public Safety and its partners to implement the amendments to SATA through technological changes to the current program.

Background

  • The Anti-terrorism Act, 2015, enacted the Secure Air Travel Act (SATA), which authorizes the Minister to establish a list of persons who may pose a threat to transportation security or who may travel by air to commit certain terrorism offences. Under SATA, the Government can use the Passenger Protect Program (PPP) to prevent listed individuals from boarding a flight. The PPP is an important element of Canada's national security framework and addresses the continued threat of individuals travelling abroad to engage in terrorism offences.
  • With the receipt of Royal Assent of the National Security Act, 2017, on June 21, 2019, SATA was amended to provide the legislative authority to update and enhance the PPP in two important ways: by ensuring effective, consistent and rigorous government controlled screening of the SATA list, and; improved privacy and fairness to Canadians through the establishment of the Canadian Travel Number program for individuals with a similar name to someone on the SATA list.
  • The Canadian Travel Number program will allow individuals experiencing travel delays, as a result of having the same or a similar name as a listed individual, to apply for a Canadian Travel Number (unique identification number) that could clear their name in advance of check-in and prevent delays at the airport.
  • The National Security Act, 2017, will also enhance procedural fairness regarding the PPP administrative recourse process. Currently, under SATA, a listed person who has been denied boarding may apply to the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness (the Minister) to have their name removed from the list. The Minister may take up to 120 days to review and decide whether there are still reasonable grounds for a recourse applicant to be listed. If the Minister does not make a decision in 120 days, the Minister is deemed to have decided to remove the applicants name from the list or within an additional 120 days in cases where there is not sufficient information to make a decision, or if the applicant has requested more time to respond to the case against him/her.
  • Public Safety Canada recognized the importance of enhancing its dialogue with Canadians who have experienced travel delays as a result of the PPP. For example, parents whose young children have encountered travel delays due to false positive matches have posed questions as to why their children are 'listed' and how they can be removed. The National Security Act, 2017, introduced an authority that allows the Minister to inform parents/legal guardians/tutors that their child is not in fact listed. Disclosure to a parent/legal guardian/tutor would provide assurance to families that a child has not been mistakenly added to the SATA list.

G. Iran plane disaster

Proposed response

  • The downing of Flight PS752 is a national tragedy for Canada. Canada's top priorities continue to be: closure, transparency, accountability and justice.
  • The Government of Canada is committed to supporting the families and loved ones of the 57 Canadian victims.
  • We are working with international partners to ensure a thorough and credible investigation into how such a horrific tragedy could have occurred.
  • The Prosecutor General of Ukraine invited Canada and other affected nations to participate in a joint criminal investigation. The RCMP is in Ukraine and exploring how to support the criminal investigation that is underway.
  • Iranian officials have also requested the RCMP's support in identifying the victims of this tragedy, and these efforts are ongoing.
  • The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) worked with partners at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and Global Affairs Canada (GAC) to coordinate and facilitate the repatriation of the victims' remains to Canada.
  • At Canadian ports of entry, the CBSA, in cooperation with GAC, facilitated families of victims by providing expedited clearance.

Background

On January 8, 2020, Ukrainian International Airlines flight PS752 was downed shortly after taking off from Tehran's main airport, killing all 176 people on board, including 57 Canadians. On January 11, Iran announced that it mistakenly shot down flight PS752. The statement blamed "human error" for mistakenly shooting down the aircraft, and placed all responsibility on the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps. Ukraine sent a team of experts to Iran to support an investigation into the crash.

Canada has announced its intention to support efforts to investigate the crash, by providing technical assistance. Other countries with victims include Iran, Ukraine, Sweden, Afghanistan, and UK.

Disaster victim identification

The process of victim identification has been completed by the Iranian government; all Canadian victims have been identified. Among the victims, 13 were repatriated to Canada and the remainder were buried in Iran.

The Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Director General for Consular Affairs conveyed Iran's request for RCMP support for victim identification during the initial stages.

The RCMP assisted and established DNA profiles for family members of seven Canadian victims.

Investigations

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) is working with the Iranian Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) to investigate the crash.

The Prosecutor General of Ukraine invited Canada and other affected nations to participate in a joint criminal investigation.

H. Human trafficking

Proposed response

  • Human trafficking is one of the most heinous crimes imaginable and the Government takes this very seriously.
  • In September 2019, the Government of Canada launched a new comprehensive National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking, which is supported by an investment of $57.22 million over five years and $10.28 million ongoing.
  • This new investment supports raising awareness of human trafficking; enhancing support services for victims and at-risk populations; and increasing capacity to detect and respond to suspected cases.
  • To support this work, an interim Special Advisor on Human Trafficking has been appointed to offer ongoing advice and recommendations to the Government.
Financial implications
  • The 2020-21 Main Estimates include an increase to the National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking of $6.3 million.
  • This will allow Public Safety Canada to support empowerment programs for survivors of human trafficking, pilot projects to address the risks of human trafficking in vulnerable youth, and youth hackathons, which are technological innovation events where participants contribute to the solution of a social problem or business need.

Background

Human trafficking, also referred to as trafficking in persons, involves the recruitment, transportation or harbouring of persons for the purpose of exploitation, typically sexual exploitation or forced labour. The primary international instrument to combat trafficking in persons is the United Nations (UN) Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (Palermo Convention) and its Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Parsons, Especially Women and Children (Trafficking in Persons Protocol). The Trafficking in Persons Protocol is one of three protocols under the UNTOC. These three Protocols are often referred to as the Palermo Protocols. Canada has ratified two of three of the Protocols: the Trafficking in Persons Protocol and the Protocol against the Smuggling of Migrants by Land, Sea and Air. Canada has not ratified the Protocol against the Illicit Manufacturing and Trafficking in Firearms, Their Parts and Components and Ammunition. Canada ratified the Trafficking in Persons Protocol and its parent convention, the United Nations' Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, on May 13, 2002, to prevent trafficking, protect its victims and prosecute the offenders.

Canada's criminal laws prohibit trafficking in persons for any exploitative purpose, regardless of whether it occurs within Canada or involves bringing persons into Canada. The Criminal Code of Canada contains specific human trafficking offences that are punishable by maximum penalties as high as life imprisonment, with mandatory minimum penalties ranging from one to six years.

Canada has been identified as a source, destination and transit country for victims of human trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation and forced labour. According to the Canadian Centre for Justice Statistics, police-reported incidents on human trafficking in Canada have steadily increased since 2010. The latest Juristat on Trafficking in Persons in Canada indicates that between 2009 and 2016, 95% of human trafficking victims in Canada were female, 72% were women under the age of 25, and 25% were under 18. Individuals at risk of victimization more generally include persons who are socially or economically disadvantaged, such as Indigenous women, LGBTQ2 persons, youth, migrants, new immigrants, teenage runaways and children who are in protection.

Since the expiry of the 2012-2016 National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking, the Government of Canada has continued to take efforts to address this crime, including enhancing funding through Justice Canada's Victims Fund, increasing protections for temporary foreign workers, and conducting stakeholder engagement. In Fall 2018, PS conducted consultations to inform the way forward on human trafficking through three regional roundtables, a national summit, and an online questionnaire. Participants included victims and survivors, all levels of government, civil society, law enforcement and front-line service providers. PS also held a separate sex worker roundtable in October 2018 to hear their views on the development of a new national strategy.

Following these consultations, Budget 2018 announced $14.51 million over five years and $2.89 million ongoing to establish a national human trafficking hotline. Operated by the Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking (CCEHT), the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline was launched in May 2019. It is a multilingual, 2417, toll-free line, referral service and resource Centre that receives calls, emails and texts about potential human trafficking in Canada and refers victims to local law enforcement, shelters and a range of other trauma-informed supports and services. Public Safety Canada and the CCEHT have entered into a five year contribution agreement for $12.5 million over five years to support the operation of the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline.

In September 2019, the Government launched a new National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking that is supported by an investment of $57.22 million over five years and $10.28 million ongoing. The National Strategy builds on the internationally recognized pillars of prevention, protection, prosecution and partnerships, and incorporates a new pillar of "empowerment" to ensure considerable focus is put towards enhancing supports and services to victims affected by this crime.

Of this investment, PS has been allocated $22.6 million over five years and $2.9 million ongoing to undertake activities, including the development a national case management standard, public awareness activities, training tools; enhance contribution funding under CPCSOC for support services, and establish of an Advisory Committee made up of victims/survivors of human trafficking. Other federal departments and agencies, including, Canada Border Services Agency, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, Public Services and Procurement Canada, Women and Gender Equality and Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada have also been allocated funding to support the implementation of the National Strategy.

I. First Nations Policing

Proposed response

  • All communities should benefit from policing that is professional and dedicated - and Indigenous communities are no exception.
  • This is why I have been mandated by the Prime Minister to co­ develop a legislative framework for First Nations policing and to expand the number of communities served by the First Nations' Policing Program.
  • I am currently exploring how best to advance these commitments to ensure police officers and services have the necessary tools and resources to protect the vulnerable, including women and children, and increase community safety.
  • Advancing these commitments will also lead to real progress towards the Calls for Justice of the Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.
  • Collaboration across jurisdictions, as well as with Indigenous and policing partners, will be vital for making real and meaningful change in this area.
  • These commitments build upon the investments of up to $291.2 million over five years, made in 2018 by our Government for the First Nations Policing Program, to improve officer safety, equipment, salaries, and additional officers.
Financial implications

Through Supplementary Estimates (B) 2019-2020, Public Safety is seeking to transfer $52.9 million to the RCMP for the First Nations Community Policing Service to pay for the policing services provided by the RCMP in accordance with tripartite agreements. Through Main Estimates 2020-2021, we are seeking $167.5 million for the First Nations Policing Program.

Background

The FNPP is a contribution program that provides funding to support the provision of policing services to First Nation and Inuit communities across Canada. FNPP policing agreements are cost­ shared between the federal government (52%) and the Provincial/Territorial government (48%). The FNPP currently serves approximately 60% of First Nation and Inuit communities in Canada.

In 2018-2019, Public Safety Canada (PS) provided over $146 million under the FNPP to support 1,322 police officer positions in over 450 First Nation and Inuit communities in Canada. Funding under the FNPP is provided to support two main policing models:

  1. Self-Administered Police Service Agreements (SA): where a First Nation or Inuit police service is authorized or established by the PT government and provides primary (day-to-day) policing services to a First Nation or Inuit community. SAs account for 789 police officer positions.
  2. Community Tripartite Agreements (CTA): where a contingent of police officers from the RCMP provide dedicated policing to a First Nation or Inuit community that is intended to supplement the level of PT police services provided to that community. CTAs are made pursuant to bilateral Framework Agreements between Canada and the participating PT. CTAs account for 449.5 police officer positions.

In addition to these two main policing models, the FNPP provides support to other policing agreements, with an additional 83.5 police officer positions.

The FNPP has had a significant and measurable positive impact on the safety of First Nation and Inuit communities funded under the program. Based on an analysis of FNPP-funded police detachments, there has been a 26% decrease in incidents of crime from 2004 to 2014, with a 25% reduction in incidents of violent crime.

In January 2018, the Government of Canada announced a federal investment of up to $291.2 million over five years, beginning in 2018-19, for policing in First Nation and Inuit communities. This additional funding was intended to address matters such as officer safety, police equipment purchases and salaries, as well as support 110 additional police officer positions in First Nation and Inuit communities currently served under the FNPP. With this new funding, PS is currently working with PTs to renew existing FNPP agreements.

In 2018-2019, all SAs were renewed for a period ranging from one to 10 years. PS officials continue to collaborate with PT counterparts and agreement holders to renew those one-year agreements signed in 2018-2019. Efforts also continue with respect to the renewal of agreements where the RCMP is the service provider.

Indigenous women and girls are disproportionately affected by all forms of violence. In its final report released in June 2019, the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) made the following Call for Justice (5.4) "We call upon all governments to immediately and dramatically transform Indigenous policing from its current state as a mere delegation to an exercise in self-governance and self-determination over policing. To do this, the federal government's First Nations Policing Program must be replaced with a new legislative and funding framework, consistent with international and domestic policing best practices and standards that must be developed by the federal, provincial, and territorial governments in partnership with Indigenous Peoples."

Similarly, your mandate letter currently states the following with respect to the way forward for Indigenous policing: "With the Minister of Indigenous Services, co-develop a legislative framework for First Nations policing, which recognizes First Nations policing as an essential service, and work with interested communities to expand the number of communities served by First Nations policing."

Funding for First Nation and Inuit Policing Facilities

In November 2018, the Government of Canada created a new program, Funding for First Nation and Inuit Policing Facilities, with an investment of $88.6 million in contributions funding over seven years, beginning in 2018-19, to support the repair, renovation and replacement of policing facilities in First Nation and Inuit communities. As with the FNPP, these investments are be cost-shared at 52% federal - 48% provincial/territorial.

PS officials have and continue to collaborate with their PT counterparts in order to make decisions on where to allocate funding to address the most urgent, known police infrastructure projects in Indigenous communities served under the FNPP for 2019-2020.

J. Combatting money laundering

Proposed response

  • Our government is committed to combatting money laundering.
  • Several investments have been made to combat money laundering were announced in Budget 2019, including $24 million to Public Safety Canada over five years to create the Anti-Money Laundering Action, Coordination and Enforcement Team to actively coordinate and support inter-agency efforts to counter money laundering in Canada.
  • $28 million over five years and $10 million ongoing have been allocated for the CBSA to create a Trade Fraud and Trade-Based Money Laundering Centre of Expertise. The funding provided will enable the Agency to strengthen its ability to identify, interdict, and investigate the trade fraud offences that allow trade-based money laundering to occur.
  • In addition, Budget 2019 announced funding of $69 million to the RCMP over five years and $20 million per year ongoing for enhanced federal policing capacity, including to fight money laundering.
Financial implications
  • Public Safety is seeking funds through the 2020-2021 Main Estimates for the ACE Team's operational phase.
  • The RCMP will also receive increased funding for enhanced federal policing capacity, as committed in Budget 2019.

Background

The Anti-Money Laundering Regime (AML) was established in 2000, with the Anti-Terrorist Financing (ATF) mandate being added in 2001. The Regime's legislative framework is the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act combined with operational powers under various standing authorities (e.g. the Criminal Code, Customs Act, United Nations Act). This is the main framework for addressing money laundering in Canada, and an important and highly effective tool for blocking access to the financial system by organized crime groups, disrupting organized crime activities and protecting the integrity of the Canadian financial sector.

The AML/ATF is a horizontal initiative involving more than 13 departments and agencies, including Public Safety (PS) and PS Portfolio agencies, such as the RCMP, CBSA and CSIS. The Regime's work is coordinated through an ADM-level Committee co-led by the Department of Finance and Public Safety Canada.

Budget 2019 made several commitments to combat ML by investing in new projects as well as directing additional funding among government partners, including:

  • RCMP received funding of $68.9 million over five years to strengthen federal policing operational and investigative capacity. Ongoing funding of $20.0 million was also directed to the RCMP. Subsequent to Budget 2019, Ministers Morneau and Blair announced an additional $10 M for the RCMP to invest in, "IM/IT infrastructure and digital tools to pursue complex financial crimes.
  • PS received $24 million over five years for a pilot initiative to create the Anti-Money Laundering Action, Coordination and Enforcement (ACE) Fusion Team. This team includes members from RCMP, FINTRAC, CRA, OSFI, PSPC and PS. The ACE Team is currently in its design phase, and will be operational by April 2021.
  • CBSA received 28.6 million over four years and $10.5 million in ongoing funding to create the Trade Fraud and Trade-Based Money Laundering Centre of Expertise.
  • Department of Finance received funding to strengthen the regime.

Canada is also actively involved in international efforts to combat money laundering and terrorism financing. The Regime is a member of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), an intergovernmental body that sets global standards for AML/ATF whose goal is to strengthen the integrity of the global financial system. In 2015-16, the FATF conducted an evaluation of Canada against its technical compliance and effectiveness standards. The resulting report found that Canada has a strong set of anti-money laundering and anti-terrorist financing legislation and regulations. However, a number of weaknesses were identified, including that some types of businesses are not covered by the regime, there is a lack of availability of accurate beneficial ownership information and its use by competent authorities, and there is a need for greater resourcing devoted to money laundering investigations and prosecutions.

British Columbia (B.C.), in particular, has been focusing its efforts to address money laundering in the province. On September 27, 2018, the province announced a review of vulnerabilities in the real estate and financial sectors and provided specific case examples as a way of illustrating to the public the ways in which money is being laundered. Specific to this, the B.C. and Federal governments have created an ad-hoc working group whose mandate is to enhance communication, information sharing, and alignment amongst relevant operational and policy partners to explore and better address issues and risks related to fraud, money laundering, and tax evasion through real estate in B.C.

On May 15, 2019, the Government of B.C. announced a public inquiry into money laundering, headed by B.C. Supreme Court Justice Austin F. Cullen. The inquiry is examining money laundering in B.C. in the financial, real estate, gaming, corporate and professional sectors. The Commission of Inquiry into Money Laundering kicked off in October 2019 with province-wide public meetings, giving the public an opportunity to provide their input regarding their issues and concerns. Federal officials from Public Safety Canada, the RCMP, and the Department of Finance Canada have provided briefings to the commission.

The Minister's mandate letter identifies the importance of working with the Minister of Finance and other Cabinet colleagues to continue the development of policies and legislation aimed at reducing organized crime and gang activity, including money laundering. On January 22, 2020, federal, provincial and territorial (FPT) ministers responsible for justice and public safety concluded a one­ day meeting to discuss key priorities of Canadians, which included discussion of money laundering and Ministers reiterated their support for a coordinated approach to better address this problem.

K. Online child sexual exploitation

Proposed response

  • The Government takes a comprehensive and coordinated approach to protecting children from online sexual exploitation.
  • Public Safety Canada has been leading the National Strategy for the Protection of Children from Sexual Exploitation on the Internet since 2004 and partners with the RCMP, Justice Canada and the Canadian Centre for Child Protection.
  • Budget 2019 included new investments of $22.24 million over three years to support Public Safety Canada's efforts to raise awareness and reduce the stigma associated with reporting, increase Canada's ability to pursue and prosecute offenders, and work with digital industry to combat the sexual exploitation of children online.
  • These complement ongoing investments of over $18 million annually to Public Safety, the RCMP and Justice Canada.
Financial implications
  • The 2020-21 Main Estimates included vote appropriations for Public Safety of $8.7 million to better protect children from sexual exploitation online and $917,000 to implement the Strategy to Prevent and Address Gender-Based Violence. The Main Estimates also included $1,900,000 dedicated towards countering online child sexual exploitation under the Contribution Program for Child Sexual Exploitation and Human Trafficking.
  • This will enable Public Safety Canada to develop and launch a public campaign to raise awareness of child sexual exploitation online, and help to increase the awareness of groups at risk of being victimized. In addition, the department will support capacity building for law enforcement and judicial professionals, to increase their ability to investigate and prosecute online child sexual exploitation, and engage with digital industry to develop new tools to combat this crime.
  • This funding will also enable Public Safety Canada to continue to support the Canadian Centre for Child Protection to manage Cybertip.ca, the national tip-line where Canadians can report suspected cases of online child sexual exploitation and the implementation of "Project Arachnid", a web-crawling tool to identify child sexual abuse material online.

Background

Online child sexual exploitation is one of the digital age's most pressing safety issues and it continues to increase in terms of scope, reach and impacts. The sexual exploitation of children is a heinous crime and is a serious concern for the Government, law enforcement agencies and partners in other levels of government and internationally.

The National Strategy for the Protection of Children from Sexual Exploitation on the Internet (National Strategy) was launched in April 2004 and renewed on an ongoing basis in 2009. Public Safety Canada (PS) is the lead for the National Strategy and partners with the RCMP, Justice Canada (JUS) and the Canadian Centre for Child Protection (C3P), a not-for-profit organization.

The Strategy aims to:

  • Provide coordination and oversight of federal efforts to combat child sexual exploitation online
  • Support law enforcement capacity to combat online child sexual exploitation
  • Enable the reporting of online child sexual exploitation to proper authorities
  • Support victims of online child sexual exploitation online by facilitating the removal of imagery/videos
  • Facilitate research on online child sexual exploitation to increase understanding of the scale/scope of the issue and inform action
  • Increase public awareness and reduce the stigma associated with reporting
  • Work together with digital industry to find new ways of combating this crime

PS coordinates and oversees the implementation of the National Strategy and leads the development of online child sexual exploitation policy.

Public Safety provides contribution funding to C3P to operate Cybertip.ca, the national tip-line, and for Project Arachnid, a web-crawling technology solution to identify and increase the rate of removal of child sexual abuse material.

The RCMP's National Child Exploitation Crime Centre is the national law enforcement arm of the National Strategy, functioning as the central point of contact for investigations related to the online sexual exploitation of children across the country and internationally when the victim or offender is Canadian.

Justice Canada reviews and develops legislation, and provides training, advice and support to federal partners and others.

Recent investments of $22.24 million over three years, starting in 2019-20, support Public Safety Canada's enhanced efforts to raise awareness of this serious issue and reduce the stigma associated with reporting, increase Canada's ability to pursue and prosecute offenders, and work together with industry to find new ways to combat the sexual exploitation of children online.

Ongoing investments for partners under the National Strategy total over $18 million per year.

L. Government measures to reduce gun violence

Proposed response

  • From coast to coast to coast we have seen a strong common consensus that more must be done to keep our communities safe
  • When guns get into the hands of someone with violent criminal intent, tragedy results.
  • We must take decisive action to strengthen gun control; weapons that were designed to kill people have no place in our communities.
  • We intend to ban these guns and offer a buyback option to Canadians who currently own them.
  • To make our communities safer requires more than just banning military-style assault rifles.
  • We intend to make unprecedented investments in kids and communities, because we know that improving social conditions helps reduce crime and violence.
  • We'll strengthen our border, tackle the criminal diversion of handguns, and see stricter storage laws act as a deterrent to theft.
  • And through it all, we will work closely with provinces, territories, and municipalities, empowering them to take actions necessary and appropriate to their circumstances.
Financial implications
  • The portfolio is not seeking any additional appropriation in 2019-20 Supplementary 'B' Estimates, however, the annual transfer of $1.7 million from the RCMP to the CBSA will be made to administer provisions of Section 35 of the Firearms Act, to enable non-residents who do not possess a firearm license to temporarily import non-prohibited firearms.
  • Main Estimates 2020-21 seeks:
    • $25 million to the Gun and Gang Violence Action Fund to be distributed by Public Safety to provinces and territories to advance efforts in areas of prevention, gang exit, outreach and awareness training, enhanced intelligence and sharing, and increased law enforcement capacity
    • $17.3 million net increase for the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to enhance the operational response related to gun and gang violence
  • In 2020-21, the RCMP will be provided $5.4 million in funding to enhance its' capacity to support investigations through the provision of nationwide firearms support services, firearms inspections and identification, intelligence development and analysis, and access to specialized databases and training.
  • The Youth Gang Prevention Fund through the National .crime Prevention Strategy will be provided $2 million in funding in 2020-21.

Background

Budget 2018 invested up to $327.6M over five years to establish The Initiative to Take Action against Gun and Gang Violence (ITAAGGV). It is a horizontal initiative le d by Public Safety Canada(PS) with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the RCMP.

The majority of financial resources, approximately $214M over five years, are allocated to provinces and territories {PTs) to combat the issue of gun and gang violence in communities across Canada by distributing to partners within their jurisdiction that can help:

  • Develop and deliver gun and gang violence prevention and intervention initiatives
  • Enhance law enforcement and prosecution capacity to address gun and gang violence
  • Support data gathering/reporting, and research, knowledge development and information around gun and gang violence
  • Provide training for enforcement, prevention or other professionals
  • Support for the development/refinement of strategies on gun and gang violence and the measurement of results of initiatives

In 2020-21, the bulk of the funding provided to PS is Vote 5 {Grants and Contributions), totaling approximately $44.5 M. PS also receives Vote 1 (O&M) funding of approximately $3M to administer the grants and contributions, conduct research and enhance federal leadership in addressing gun and gang violence.

2019-20 and 2020-21 Allocation of GGVAF Funding
Province 2019-20 $ 2020-21 $ Length of agreement Date signed 5-year Total
Newfoundland $162,233 $380,786 5-year Mar 21, 2019 $1,843,987
Prince Edward Island $325,611 $387,316.71 n/a n/a $1,875,613
Nova Scotia $416,269 $977,051 5-year Mar 6, 2019 $4,731,447
New Brunswick $238,406 $559,577 5-year Mar 19, 2019 $2,709,796
Quebec $8,100,748 $9,635,901 4-year Nov 6, 2019 $46,662,622
Ontario $9,377,756 $13,533,928 5-year Feb 14, 2019 $65,539,130
Manitoba $1,174,313 $2,756,304 5-year Mar 21, 2019 $13,347,624
Saskatchewan 1,046,695 $2,456,764 5-year Mar 1, 2019 $11,897,077
Alberta $4,684,258 $6,166,714 2-year Mar 18, 2019 $29,862,806
British Columbia $2,686,047 $6,304,591 5-year Jan 21, 2019 $30,530,487
Yukon $198,018 $464,780 5-year Dec 21, 2018 $2, 250,735
Northwest Territories $198,018 $464,780 5-year Mar 19, 2019 $2,250,735
Nunavut $198,018 $464,780 5-year Feb 21, 2019 $2,250,735
FY Total Allocation $28,806,390 $44,553,273 n/a n/a $215,752,794

Through the ITTAAGV, an additional $2M will fund initiatives in 2020-21 under the Youth Gang Prevention Fund as part of the $SM allocation over four years that began in 2019.

Royal Canadian Mounted Police

$34.5M over five years is provided to the RCMP, with $5.4M in 2020-21, to support the new Integrated Criminal Firearms Initiative (ICFI) which expands the services available to law enforcement by enhancing several capabilities to better combat the use of illegal firearms and improve the national collection, analysis and sharing of firearms-related intelligence and information. More specifically, the ICFI includes new resources to:

  • Enhance the National Weapons Enforcement Support Team (NWEST)'s investigative support capacity across Canada
  • Identify and support intelligence-development related to street gangs within the Criminal Intelligence Service Canada, as well as enhance both the regional intelligence footprint and analytical capacity to provide actionable intelligence in support of enforcement within the National Intelligence Coordination Centre
  • Develop and anonymous online capacity that will gather intelligence on online firearms trafficking and smuggling

The Canada Border Services Agency

$51.2M is provided to the CBSA over five years to enhance their capacity to stem the flow of inadmissible travellers and illegal firearms from entering Canada at vulnerable points of entry and through processing postal facilities. In 2019-20, the CBSA received $12.2M (excluding EBP) through the 2019-20 Main Estimates and was invested in establishing the Detector Dog Program, developing and delivering the Advanced Vehicle Concealment Techniques Course, finalizing designs and details for the RFP that will be tendered for the construction and maintenance of the all-weather facility, as well as procured various equipment (handheld devices, vehicles, trace detection tools and small tool kits) to enhance air cargo security and pallet imaging.

As part of the ITAAGGV, the CBSA received $12.2 million in 2019/20 to improve border operations through measures aimed at enhancing the CBSA's capacity to detect and interdict illegal firearms at the border. Here are some of the key deliverables and success stories for each of the four categories of CBSA initiatives part of the ITAAGGV since it rolled out:

  1. Air Cargo Security (Large X-Ray for Pallets) to enable the CBSA to increase capacity to examine in the air mode
    • $55.88M over 7 years and $4.05M ongoing
    • 2019-2020 Deliverables: Purchase of detection technology:
      • small tools (4 units)
      • Trace detection (4 units)
      • Contraband Outfitted Mobile Examination Truck (COMETs) (10 units)
      • Hand-held x-ray devices (18 units)
    • Success stories:
      • Planning is underway for the Procurement of pallet x-rays in 2019, with deployment to start planned in 2020
      • Procurement of small tools, trace detection and COMETS and hand held x-ray devices (36 in total) in 2019, with deployment planned for 2020
  2. Additional Detector Dogs and All Weather Facility (AWF) to increase Agency capacity to accommodate detector dog training and kenneling needs
    • $16.68M over 7 years and $1.22M ongoing
    • 2019-2020 Deliverables: AWF planning and approval and project management services contract
    • Success stories:
      • Five new Detector Dog teams deployed in 2019
      • Procurement and deployment of detector dog vehicles in 2019, with deployment planned for late 2020
      • Construction of the AWF is planned to start in the summer of 2020
  3. Dual-View X-ray technology (Postal Mode) to enhance Agency ability to screen significantly increased volumes of mail items at all postal facilities
    • $10.83 million over 7 years & $1.21 million ongoing
    • 2019-2020 Deliverables: Installation of six Dual-View X-ray devices
    • Success story: Procurement of Dual View X-ray devices in 2019, with installation planned for 2020
  4. Advanced Vehicle Concealment Techniques Course to identify, detect and interdict crime guns, weapons, narcotics and illicit proceeds of crime
    • $566,000 over 7 years & $81,000 ongoing
    • 2019-2020 Deliverables: Course development and staffing completion and official launch
    • Success story: AVC training course is developed and is currently in pilot mode with "train the trainer" is to be completed by Summer 2020 design start up in 2019

Annual transfer - RCMP to CBSA

In 2003, CBSA took over responsibility from Revenue Canada for administering the relevant non­ resident import provisions of the Firearms Act (sections 35 and 36). This included administering the Firearms Act provisions requiring non-residents that import a firearm to have a Canadian firearms license or complete a Non-Resident Firearms Declarations (NRFD), and collecting a fee. Non­ residents who do not hold a Canadian firearms license may complete a Non-Resident Firearms Declaration at a CBSA border post to temporarily import firearms. This document serves the non­ resident in lieu of a firearms license. It is valid for 60 days, may be used for more than one entry during the validity period, and may be extended by a provincial Chief Firearms Officer.

Funding was transferred from the Department of Justice to CBSA to cover the incremental costs for these responsibilities. Management of the Canadian Firearms Program (CFP) was transferred from the Department of Justice to the newly created Canadian Firearms Centre (CFC) in 2002, and finally to the RCMP in 2006. Since this time, the RCMP-CFP has transferred $1.7M annually to the CBSA to cover the incremental costs incurred to administer the provisions of Section 35 of the Firearms Act. CBSA processes approximately 50,000 Non-Resident Firearms Declarations per year, and in recent years has remitted approximately $1.2M in fees annually to the Receiver General.

With respect to firearms, CBSA officers do not have the specific enforcement authority conferred directly upon them under the Firearms Act (FA) in the same manner that they do under the Customs Act (CA). Instead, CBSA's general authority with respect to all goods entering Canada under the CA applies equally to firearms. There are certain obligations in the CA with respect to goods entering Canada (including firearms) such as in relation to the reporting of goods under section 12 and the obligation to answer questions truthfully with respect to such goods under section 13 to which travellers are required to adhere. In addition, the CBSA examination authorities within sections 98 and 99 of the CA apply to, "... any goods the importation or exportation of which is prohibited, controlled or regulated under this or any other Act of Parliament." This provision is the key enabling aspect of the CA whereby the CBSA derives its examination authorities with respect to all goods (including firearms) regulated by other government departments under other Acts of Parliament (including the FA). The manner in which the CA is written (through the inclusion of the "any Acts of Parliament" provision) provides general authority with respect to any goods crossing the border without the need for a legislative reference in each of these other Acts or any other future Acts.

Section 35 of the FA requires non-residents, 18 years of age or older, to declare their firearms to a border services officer and complete the prescribed forms and (in the case of a restricted firearm) produce an authorization to transport. Beyond ensuring all goods entering Canada are properly reported and imported, the CBSA also has an obligation to ensure that imported firearms and gun parts meet all of the importation requirements according to their classification, including licensing and registration (temporary or otherwise) as specified in the FA. The CBSA's role at the border is a logical fit in relation to these activities.

The CBSA has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Canadian Firearms· Program (administered by the RCMP) for the administration of Non-Resident Firearms Declarations at the border and the transfer of appropriate funds. The funds are used by CBSA headquarters for the administration of the program on behalf of the RCMP. These funds are also distributed to the regions based upon the volumes of non-resident firearms declarations processed. This operational activity is folded into regular day-to-day duties performed by the CBSA at the ports of entry. In 2018- 19 the CBSA completed close to 40,000 non-resident firearms declaration forms nationally. Provisions is government by a MOU that has been extended to 2022. We are working together to modernize that MOU, particularly as it relates to reporting of firearms and financial transfers between organizations.

The RCMP has the primary responsibility to administer the FA through the Canadian Firearms Program while the CBSA has the responsibility to regulate and control the importation or exportation of goods that are prohibited, controlled or regulated (including firearms, in accordance with section 35 of the FA). Given the CBSA's broad mandate at the border, the RCMP provides the CBSA with $1.7 million annually for the administration of the Non-Resident Firearm Declaration forms given that the CBSA was deemed to be best placed to administer this particular process. This process includes ensuring that temporarily imported firearms comply with all of the requirements of the FA, including reporting, licensing, registration, and completion of the Non-Resident Firearm Declaration forms. The CBSA is not opposed to these funds being permanently transferred to the CBSA and would be open to discussing this possibility when the current MOU is renewed.

M. rural crime

Proposed response

  • The RCMP provides local policing services across much of Canada's vast territory, much of which is rural.
  • Policing in rural and isolated communities can pose unique complexities, and the RCMP works with the provinces and territories to optimize available resources.
  • To address rural crime, each jurisdiction can develop and pursue customized initiatives, such as the RCMP's Crime Reduction Strategy in Alberta, which led to a reduction in reported property crime between 2017 and 2019.
  • The RCMP's recruitment efforts and enhanced service delivery options enable it to bolster its presence and community safety across the country.
Financial implications

All activities associated to this issue will be sourced from existing operational budgets.

Background

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) is Canada's national police force and provides contract policing services to eight provinces, three territories, approximately 150 municipalities, and hundreds of Indigenous communities, as well as federal policing services for all Canadians. Given the geographic scope of Canada, much of the territory under RCMP jurisdiction is rural.

Policing rural and isolated communities may pose a number of complexities, including the demand it puts on police resources. The RCMP works with provinces and territories to evaluate needs and optimize the available resources for rural communities. As such, each jurisdiction may develop and pursue individual, customized initiatives to address the issue of rural crime, as opposed to a single national solution. Local priorities and crime prevention approaches are discussed regularly by community leaders and RCMP Detachment Commanders.

Examples of rural crime initiatives
National Level
In 2018, the RCMP and the National Crime Stoppers Association signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a collaborative effort for solving crime. In addition, as a partner to the Federal Family Violence Initiative, the RCMP's Vulnerable Persons Unit receives annual funding, which is distributed to RCMP detachments, non-profit community organizations, as well as municipal, provincial, and territorial partners to support communities in responding to, and reducing root causes of crime and family violence. Moreover, the RCMP implements youth-targeted crime prevention initiatives in an effort to reduce youth involvement in crime. For example, the RCMP hosts national Youth Leadership Workshops which brings together youth from across the country. More recently, the RCMP has created a rural crime reduction toolbox, which acts as a repository of best practices and is available to all members.
Province of Alberta
In 2017, the Alberta RCMP implemented a comprehensive Crime Reduction Strategy as the foundational basis for the delivery of policing services to the people of Alberta. Built on proven methodologies and using evidence and intelligence, the Strategy takes a coordinated divisional approach to focus resources in vulnerable communities while leveraging the support of provincial and federal partners to address the root causes of crime to break the cycle of crime. Data spanning from 2017-2019 shows a decrease in the four key crime property indicators and the Crime Reduction Units continue to see success with more than 700 arrests per year.
Province of Saskatchewan
In 2018, Crime Reduction Teams were created as part of the Divisional response to an increase in rural crime and gang activity. The established teams are mobile, tactical patrol units that use intelligence and covert information to target high risk offenders in communities across Saskatchewan. Saskatchewan RCMP have also piloted an Agricultural Investigation Section to address crime trends specific to the agriculture industry in Saskatchewan. This Section partners with provincial investigative agencies to provide subject matter expertise on crimes related to livestock and feed investigations, large scale frauds as well as criminal activity involving fertilizer and seed distribution.
Province of Manitoba
The RCMP in Manitoba has also implemented a Crime Reduction Strategy that includes efforts to reduce incidents, severity, fear, and impact in rural communities. The objectives include forming partnerships, evidence-based service delivery, and results-based accountability. The focus of the strategy is on the root causes of crime, prolific offenders, and crime hot spots.
Province of Nova Scotia
The RCMP in Nova Scotia has a Youth Intervention and Diversion Model within the province. The RCMP has 34 School Safety resource/community program officers who work in schools and communities on various crime reduction initiatives. These initiatives are linked directly to National and Divisional priorities including Cybercrime, Human Trafficking, Drugs and Road Safety.
Province of New Brunswick
RCMP in J Division has been working closely with the provincial Department of Public Safety in support of a Crime Prevention and Reduction Strategy. Launched in 2012, the strategy has three strategic priorities: intimate partner violence, chronic repeat offenders and vulnerable youth, with Indigenous and mental health lenses. Through research and engagement with multiple stakeholders, the strategy has been developed to ensure New Brunswick's approaches to crime and victimization are evidence-based, co-ordinated to make the most of scarce resources, and focused on real outcomes in order to achieve greater community safety and enhanced well-being for all of New Brunswick's citizens.
Indigenous Communities across Canada
The RCMP works closely with Indigenous groups to develop innovative and culturally-sensitive and responsive policing approaches that meet their distinctive needs, helping to foster positive relationships with Indigenous communities, in the spirit of reconciliation. For example, the RCMP Commissioner has a National Indigenous Advisory Committee, comprised of representatives from RCMP Commanding Officers' own advisory committees, and with whom the Commissioner meets bi-annually to seek strategic advice and cultural perspectives regarding the delivery of Indigenous policing services. Divisional Commanding Officers' advisory committees exist to maintain and strengthen partnerships with Indigenous communities, and to help identify policing needs and mobilize the support of communities in addressing them.

N. Opioids

Proposed response

  • Our Government is committed to addressing the opioid crisis and saving lives. That is why it passed Bill C-37, authorizing border officers to inspect, on reasonable grounds, international mail weighing less than 30 grams. A 30-gram package could contain 15,000 fatal doses.
  • Law enforcement is a critical pillar in the overall federal strategy by addressing illicit drug production, supply and distribution, and the smuggling of opioids across our borders.
  • The Royal Canadian Mounted Police has a national enforcement strategy to combat the importation, trafficking and manufacturing of illicit opioids.
  • The RCMP has also established an Organized Crime Joint Operations Centre, with Canada Border Service Agency and Canada Post Corporation, to identify, track and take enforcement action against the importation of illicit opioids.
  • Additionally, the RCMP is working closely with international law enforcement partners to curtail the opioid crisis, both domestically and internationally.

Background

Over the past few years, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and law enforcement agencies across the country have reported increased seizures of illicit fentanyl and increased occurrences of overdoses and deaths due to abuse of illicit opioids. Presently, the United States (U.S.) has the most fatalities in the world linked to opioid overdoses, followed by Canada. On February 13, 2017, the Prime Minister of Canada and the President of the U.S. released a joint statement outlining their respective commitment to finding common solutions to protect Canadian and U.S. citizens from opioid trafficking.

Worldwide, criminal networks involved in the illicit opioids market are increasingly complex and transnational in nature. Criminal networks in Canada and abroad are utilizing the surface web and dark web to anonymously access a range of illegal goods and services in small quantities. Products purchased online are often shipped by post via numerous packaging techniques in an effort to disguise or circumvent detection.

The RCMP has implemented a national operational strategy to guide both intelligence and investigative efforts targeting synthetic opioid importers, distributors, online (surface and dark web) vendors, manufacturers and traffickers. Also, the Organized Crime Joint Operations Centre (OC JOC), in partnership with Canada Border Service Agency and Canada Post Corporation, leverages each agency's investigative tools to supply intelligence on both domestic and international fentanyl shipments. In particular, the OC JOC focusses on investigations where synthetic opioids are being trafficked through the mail stream.

China remains the primary source country for fentanyl in Canada. Fentanyl originating from China is procured primarily from the dark and surface Internet, and is usually in powder form. New analogues can be created by making minimal changes to existing ones, making it hard for Chinese government regulation efforts to keep ahead of illicit drug producers. In an effort to thwart such work-arounds, in April 2019, China's National Narcotics Control Commission announced improvements to its process for scheduling fentanyl and related analogues. This will help reduce the supply and enhance enforcement efforts related to the illegal import of these substances into Canada. While China currently remains the primary supplier for illicit fentanyl, analogues, and precursor chemicals to Canada, analysis suggests that Canada could see part of its fentanyl supply sourced from other counties.

O. Missing Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) Report Recommendations

Proposed response

  • The RCMP continues to work with federal departments under the direction of Crown-Indigenous Relations to review and assess the Calls for Justice individually to determine the next steps needed to prevent violence against Indigenous women and girls and Two-Spirit-LGBTQQIA+ people.
  • The RCMP will continue to work with its federal partners, provinces and territories, and Indigenous communities and organizations to formulate its response to this important report.
  • The RCMP remains committed to improving the relationship with Indigenous communities, supporting survivors and families, and ensuring that investigations are robust and professional and result in justice for the victims and their families.

Background

The National Inquiry into MMIWG was launched in 2016 to examine and report on systemic causes of all forms of violence against Indigenous women and girls. It was further directed to make recommendations on concrete actions to remove systemic causes of violence and improve the safety of Indigenous women and girls, as well as propose ways to honour those who have died or gone missing.

The RCMP produced 119 investigative files, and 226 policy and other documents. The RCMP provided 21 active files where there was not a risk to the integrity of the investigation or future prosecution. The RCMP has asserted public interest privilege under section 37 of the Canada Evidence Act (CEA) to withhold two ongoing investigations under section 37 of the CEA and the National Inquiry challenged the privilege claim in Federal Court. The Federal Court decision was released after the final report's dissemination, found to be in favour of the RCMP.

The final report, Reclaiming Power and Peace, was released on June 3, 2019. It contains 231 Calls for Justice (CJs), with additional sub-recommendations, totaling 290 individual recommendations. The RCMP is implicated in approximately 90 of the CJs. The final report is highly critical of law enforcement generally, and the RCMP in particular. Key to the criticisms are allegations of various forms of discrimination and indifference, poor family and community communications and a lack of action on major cases involving Indigenous victims, including human trafficking. The CJs vary; some are broad and without specification, whereas others are clear and potentially actionable. Some police-related CJs require consultation with provincial/territorial policing partners.

The RCMP has reviewed the final report in its entirety and has been engaging in consultation within the RCMP and other government departments, as well as Indigenous groups and advisory councils.

The lead department on the National Inquiry is Crown-Indigenous Relations Canada (CIRC), under the direction of Minister Bennett.

Indigenous Cadets

A targeted approach to recruiting, advertising and marketing is being used to assist in positioning the RCMP as the employer of choice, specifically to those who may not have considered a career in policing. RCMP recruiters develop partnerships and work with a variety of cultural and community groups across Canada to raise awareness of a career in policing. Further, dedicated recruiting analysts who are familiar with challenges faced by Indigenous applicants assist these applicants with steps in the recruiting process. Finally, applicants who self-identify as Indigenous are fast­ tracked through the recruiting process.

P. RCMP Prime Minister Protective Detail

Proposed response

  • The RCMP's Prime Minister's Protective Detail is mandated to provide 24/7 security to the Prime Minister and his family at all times, both domestically and abroad.
  • Security costs are variable, and dependent on factors that fall outside the RCMP's control. These factors include the nature of the domestic and international threat environment, the type of activity/event, the volume and nature of political obligations, and the logistical requirements associated with locations, including economic factors related to the cost for travel, accommodations and fuel.
  • To protect the integrity of its operations, the RCMP does not disclose any information that could compromise its security posture.

If pressed on criticism of RCMP not investigating Aga Khan Vacation:

  • The RCMP's mandate to investigate criminal offences is managed independently from its mandate to provide protective services to designated officials.
  • The RCMP is aware of the perception of bias associated with its dual mandates of protecting Canadian dignitaries as well as its investigative mandate with respect to politically-sensitive matters.
  • In this particular case, the RCMP determined that it could not productively pursue a criminal investigation.

Background

The Prime Minister's Protective Detail (PMPD) is responsible for providing 24-hour protection and ensuring the security of the Prime Minister and immediate family members while in Canada or when travelling overseas, as well as the protection of official residences. Security measures implemented are commensurate with the high-profile position held by the Prime Minister as the Head of Government. The RCMP, via robust and collaborative threat and risk assessment processes, continuously assesses the threat environment and adjusts its PMPD security posture accordingly.

The Prime Minister took full responsibility for the findings made by the Ethics Commissioner that he was in violation of the Conflict of Interest Act by vacationing at the Aga Khan's private island in the Bahamas in December 2016, 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.

With respect to outstanding expenses related to the Prime Minister's December 2016 vacation, the RCMP paid the balance by issuing a cheque "in trust" to the legal counsel representing Bell Island. The cheque was issued on January 17, 2020.

Q. RCMP Operational Communications Centre

Proposed response

  • The RCMP Operational Communications Centre (OCC), which was established in Truro, Nova Scotia in 2006, provides vital support to front-line officers.
  • At the request of the H Division Commanding Officer, the Nova Scotia RCMP conducted a feasibility study to examine and make recommendations on the sustainability of the current OCC building.
  • The study determined that the building, which is now 63 years old, would require significant work to maintain or upgrade in order to continue to house the OCC at that location.
  • As a result, the H Division Executive Committee unanimously decided to relocate the OCC to H Division Headquarters in Dartmouth Nova Scotia - a decision that was supported by the Province and the RCMP Commissioner.
  • Due to concerns raised by the Member of Parliament for Cumberland-Colchester-Musquodoboit Valley on behalf of constituents, the RCMP made the decision to seek an independent examination of the results while other work continued on the relocation process.
  • The RCMP is committed to having the independent examination completed and will review the results to determine its response. The independent examination will not impact the relocation of the OCC.
Financial implications

All activities associated to this issue will be sourced from existing operational budgets.

Background

In 2016, at the request of the H Division Commanding Officer (CO), the Nova Scotia RCMP conducted a feasibility study to examine and make recommendations on the sustainability of the current Operational Communications Centre (OCC) beyond the next ten years, given the current building in Truro was reaching the end of its lifespan. The focus during the study was on the health and safety of RCMP employees, operational requirements and fiscal responsibility.

The feasibility study which was finalized and presented to the CO in 2017 outlined six (6) options for the Mure of the OCC: remain in the current building; renovate the existing OCC; construct a new building in Truro; or relocate to one of three locations (i.e. leased space within the Truro area; H Division Headquarters or the Power Centre on Millbrook First Nation). Upon review of the study, the CO requested additional information and analysis for each option.

Following the completion of additional research, the H Division Executive Committee unanimously decided to relocate the OCC to H Division Headquarters - a decision that was supported by the Province and the RCMP Commissioner.

The former MP for Cumberland-Colchester-Musquodoboit Valley, Mr. Bill Casey, continually expressed concerns over the possible OCC relocation, and backed a proposal to have the OCC relocated to the Millbrook First Nation. Mr. Casey also spoke with the Auditor General about the OCC relocation. As a result of Mr. Casey's January 8, 2019 request to the Auditor General, H Division and RCMP NHQ stakeholders spoke with representatives from the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) about OCCs; the OAG subsequently requested documentation on this issue that was provided by the RCMP on January 22, 2019.

On February 18, 2019, Mr. Casey further contacted the Minister of Public Safety about his concerns of there being two Public Safety Answering Points in the Halifax Regional Municipality once the OCC moved to H Division Headquarters. The Minister asked the RCMP to look at these concerns. The RCMP made the decision to seek an independent examination while other work continued on the relocation.

Current status

The RCMP is committed to having the independent examination completed. Once the independent examination is complete, the RCMP will review the results to determine its response. The independent examination will not impact the relocation of the OCC.

The Business Continuity Planning (BCP) for the Truro OCC contains several layers of redundancy as the safety of communities and RCMP employees during any emergency situation remains a primary concern. Contingency plans for the H Division RCMP once it moves to Dartmouth will include a back-up RCMP OCC location outside of the Halifax Regional Municipality and portable equipment that would allow the RCMP to restart operations should both the primary arid back-up OCC be non-operational. Additionally, divisional plans to locate a back-up OCC outside the Halifax Regional Municipality ensures the option to operate from that location if necessary.

A suite within H Division Headquarters has been identified for the future OCC. Physical Security has been fully engaged to ensure the location meets OCC security requirements. The design has been finalized and the construction contract will be awarded upon completion of security clearances.

Indeterminate Public Service Employees received official Relocation of Work Unit letters on March 27, 2019. Civilian and Regular Members will receive official notice of the relocation in line with their terms and conditions at a later date. The RCMP is committed to supporting employees during this transition.

Strategic consideration

The decision to relocate the Truro OCC to Dartmouth was reached following significant consideration and analysis, taking into account not only the recommendations in the 2017 Report on Feasibility Study of the RCMP H Division OCC, but also a comprehensive assessment of available options.

With current technology and BCP, relocating the OCC to H Division Headquarters does not pose any operational issues in terms of redundancy of service in a geographical location, including in an adjacent RCMP Division.

Opposition by the MP for the Cumberland-Colchester-Musquodoboit Valley area continues. The CUPE Local 104 President also continues to oppose the move; however, there has been no employee impact to operations since the announcement of the relocation.

R. RCMP Royal Family Security

Proposed response

  • The Government of Canada is aware - as are most Canadians - of statements by the Queen and Buckingham Palace regarding the decision by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to step back from royal duties and reside in Canada on a part-time basis.
  • The Royal Canadian Mounted Police, as outlined in its regulations, has a duty to protect individuals designated by the Minister of Public Safety, including certain members of the Royal Family when visiting. The level of service provided to any protectee is in accordance with the Force's assessment of threat and risk.
  • The Royal Canadian Mounted Police has been working closely with United Kingdom's Metropolitan Police since the Duke and Duchess' arrival in Canada.
  • The Royal Canadian Mounted Police's ongoing provision of service will be determined based on the assessment of the threat and risk environment, as well as the status of the Duke and Duchess, which is due to change as of spring 2020.
Financial implications
  • The costs of protecting the Duke and Duchess and other protectees are covered through the RCMP's existing operational budget.
  • For security reasons, the RCMP cannot provide a detailed breakdown of these costs, nor can it disclose specific security measures, including the number of police personnel assigned to provide protection.

Background

There has been significant media attention since the announcement by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex of their intent to step down as Senior Royals to pursue a new role in the Royal Family and reside part-time in North America.

On January 18, 2020, Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II confirmed that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will step down from their royal duties and reside in Canada on a part-time basis, effective spring 2020. The Sussex's have deep ties to Canada; however, this plan has raised a number of unprecedented questions (and significant media focus) regarding Canada's obligations to the Duke and Duchess, particularly related to security costs and the provision of protection.

As per RCMP Regulations (s.14), the RCMP has the duty to protect identified Canadian Executives (e.g., Prime Ministers, Governor General, justices of the Supreme Court, Cabinet Ministers), any other Canadian citizen or permanent resident (as defined in the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act), who is designated by the Minister of Public Safety, Internationally Protected Persons or any foreign national who is designated by the Minister of Public Safety.

In the past, the RCMP has provided protective security to different members of the Royal Family while in Canada; however, the scope and type of services provided was dependent on the nature of the visit - i.e., in an official capacity on behalf of the Queen, or a working or private visit; whether the individual was designated by the Minister of Public Safety to receive protection from the RCMP, and in accordance with the RCMP's assessment of the threat and risk to the security of the person.

As the Duke and Duchess have renounced their royal titles, the determination of future security obligations, designations, needs and/or associated costs has not yet been made.

S. Project OCTAVIA (CRA scam)

Proposed response

  • As reported in the media, Project OCTAVIA was an investigation into a telemarketing tax scam - better known as the "CRA scam".
  • These types of complex fraud schemes are a global problem and the Government of Canada is squarely focused on combatting them.
  • In Canada, combatting fraud is a shared responsibility among law enforcement agencies, governments and the private sector.
  • The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre collects information on mass marketing fraud and other scams impacting Canadians and disseminates that information to law enforcement agencies, private industry and the Canadian public. Reporting by members of the public to Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre played a key role in the success of Project OCTAVIA.
  • The RCMP continues to work with domestic and foreign partners to combat financial crimes that are targeting Canadians.

Background

In October of 2018, the RCMP Greater Toronto Area Financial Crime section commenced an investigation, named Project OCTAVIA. The focus of the investigation was a telemarketing tax scam - better known as the CRA scam.

The scam, which operates out of India, involves callers identifying themselves as representatives from the CRA, RCMP and other Government of Canada agencies and then intimidating victims into paying non-existent fines or taxes. The criminals behind the scam have been targeting the Canadian public since 2014, and despite a number of police raids on illegal call centres in India, Canadians continue to be victimized.

On February 12, 2020 RCMP investigators arrested and charged two (2) people in connection to various transnational scams, including the CRA scam. A Canada-wide arrest warrant has been issued for a third suspect who is a foreign national.

Highlighting the complex, borderless nature of modern-day fraud investigations, RCMP investigators worked with law enforcement agencies across Canada; other Federal agency partners including the CRA, Canada Border Services Agency, and FINTRAC; and foreign authorities including the Indian Central Bureau of Investigations and US authorities based in India.

Between 2014 and 2019, the CRA scam has resulted in cumulative losses totalling over $16.8 million dollars. However, the efforts of the RCMP in combatting this scam have had an impact. In 2018, Canadians lost $6.4M to the scam, while in 2019 reported losses to the CRA scam were down to $1.4M. Project OCTAVIA efforts to date have included the takedown of 39 illegal call centres in Noida and New Delhi areas of India and enforcement activities here in Canada (arrests and charges), as well as a robust public awareness and prevention campaign.

  • This public awareness campaign was undertaken by the RCMP through the Canadian Anti­ Fraud Centre (CAFC) in concurrence with a similar initiative by the CRA. The CAFC routinely issues educational bulletins, provides scam alerts and has developed partnerships with financial institutions, telephone companies, and courier companies. Since 2015, both the CAFC and the CRA have released numerous bulletins and other public relations documentation to inform Canadians of this scam.
  • The CAFC is a dedicated centre that collects information on mass marketing fraud and other scams impacting Canadians and disseminates that information to law enforcement agencies, private industry and the Canadian public. The CAFC commits to providing timely, accurate, and useful information to assist citizens, businesses, law enforcement and governments in Canada and around the world.
  • The CAFC, in conjunction with private sector partners, targets the tools of scammers. In the case of the CRA scam, telephone numbers linked to fraud complaints are shared with the appropriate service provider, which can terminate the account used by scammers. Similarly, email addresses, bank accounts, and merchant information are also shared with the appropriate partners to alert them about fraudulent activities.

T. RCMP sexual assault review

Proposed response

  • For years, we have known that sexual assaults are among the most under-reported crimes in Canada and it is encouraging to see that more survivors are coming forward to report sexual assaults to police.
  • The RCMP's goal is to strengthen public trust in policing and encourage survivors to report these serious crimes through whatever mechanism they are most comfortable with.
  • The RCMP is working hard to ensure that all sexual assault survivors feel comfortable bringing their allegations forward; receive the same standard of care regardless of jurisdiction; and, trust investigators to thoroughly and professionally investigate these crimes.
  • As outlined in the December 2017 Report The Way Forward: The RCMP's Sexual Assault Review and Victim Support Action Plan, the RCMP is taking concrete steps to: strengthen police training and awareness; enhance victim support; increase investigative accountability; and, improve public education and communications.

Background

In February 2017, The Globe and Mail published an investigative series on how police handle sexual assault allegations, highlighting that police classify, on average, one in five reported sexual assaults as unfounded. The reporting also uncovered stories that raised questions about how some investigators may treat victims of sexual assault.

In 2017, the RCMP undertook a comprehensive review of 'unfounded' sexual assault files from 2016.

In response to the initial file review, the RCMP created the Sexual Assault Review Team (SART) at National Headquarters, to undertake an extensive review, including consultations with internal and external stakeholders, to examine all aspects of how the RCMP addresses sexual assault cases; identify best practices; formulate recommendations to enhance investigations going forward; and, develop and implement trauma-informed training for employees at all levels.

SART has reviewed over 30,000 investigational files related to sexual offences from 2015, 2016, and 2017. In 2019, 319 files were identified and sent back to Divisions with recommendations of further investigative steps to take.

The review of sexual assault investigative files, as well as the consultations, resulted in key findings related to the quality of investigations, police training and awareness, victim support, and public education and awareness. These findings were published in SART's December 2017 report entitled The Way Forward: The RCMP's Sexual Assault Review and Victim Support Action Plan Report (SART Report).

Additional context

Budget 2018 included $10 million over five years, and $2 million per year ongoing, for the RCMP to establish the SART, complete the expanded file review, and provide accountability across the force for investigations. The funding also provides for the establishment of an external advisory committee, better supports for victims, and the development of training.

Actions taken by the RCMP

Investigators, supervisors, and detachment commanders are strengthening partnerships with victim services and other community organizations to share information, identify concerns, and work collaboratively.

The RCMP have created an Advisory Committee for Sexual Assault Investigations that includes RCMP expert investigators from across the country. Its membership provides recommendations and guidance on sexual assault training, investigative policy and procedures, and accountability.

The RCMP have developed public awareness products and are using social media accounts across the country to encourage victims to report allegations. This includes information for survivors on what to expect from police officers when they come forward.

New trauma-informed gender-based violence training for investigators and employees was developed and released in December 2019 and will reinforce victim rights and support services. It will also raise awareness among RCMP officers about common myths around sexual assault and how best to interact with individuals who have had these traumas perpetrated on them.

External investigative review committees have been established in several Divisions. These Sexual Assault Investigations Review Committees (SAIRCs) were supported by RCMP's Senior Management Team (SMT) in Feb 2019 for implementation in all Divisions. A Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) has been completed and approved by the Office of the Privacy Commissioner. An Executive Summary of the PIA has been published.

SART has created a flexible framework through consultation with Divisions, along with external stakeholders and partners. SART partnered with the OPP and Hamilton Police Services to develop best practices. SART also consulted with other prominent advocates for sexual assault survivors to ensure the framework was victim centred and trauma informed. The framework includes training, confidentiality agreements, checklists, reference materials, and guides to assist Divisions with establishing SAIRCs in their Division. SART is monitoring progress and providing guidance and support to Divisions. All Divisions plan to implement by the end of 2020. To date, six divisions have implemented SAIRC

Tab 6: SECU committee overview and member biographies

House of Commons Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security (SECU)

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security reviews the policies, programs and expenditure plans of government departments and agencies responsible for public safety and national security, policing and law enforcement, corrections and conditional release of federal offenders, emergency management, crime prevention and the protection of Canada's borders.

SECU committee overview and list of members
Name of members Party
Chair John McKay Liberal
Vice Chairs Pierre Paul-Hus Conservative
Kristina Michaud Bloc Québécois
Members Marc Dalton Conservative
Pam Damoff Liberal
Jack Harris New Democrat
Angelo Iacono Liberal
Kamal Khera Liberal
Joël Lightbound Liberal
Rob Morrison Conservative
Doug Shipley Conservative
Gagan Sikand Liberal

Marc Dalton - Conservative

Pitt Meadows-Maple Ridge, British Columbia

Election
Elected to the House of Commons in 2019
Education and background
  • Holds a Bachelor's Degree in French and History and a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership, both from Simon Fraser University
  • Liberal member of the British Columbia Legislative Assembly from 2009 to 2017
  • Former high school teacher, pastor, and served in the Canadian Armed Forces
  • President of the non-partisan Assemblée Parlementaire de la Francophonie and was the Legislative representative for British Columbia's Francophones at provincial and national events
Points of note
  • Member of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security (SECU)
  • He is Indigenous (Métis) and served as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Aboriginal Relations in B.C

Pam Damoff - Liberal

Oakville North-Burlington, Ontario

Election
Elected to the House of Commons in 2015
Education and background
  • Has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Western Ontario
  • Oakville Town Councillor from 2010 to 2015
  • Worked in financial and investment banking positions for 27 years
Points of note
  • Member of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security (SECU)
  • Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indigenous Services
  • Recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, and a number of other awards for her community service

Jack Harris - NDP

St. John's East, Newfoundland and Labrador

Election
Elected to the House of Commons in 1987, 2008, 2011, 2019
Education and background
  • Graduate of Memorial University, the University of Alberta, and the London School of Economics
  • Was a member of the Newfound and Labrador House of Assembly for 16 years and spent served as 14 years as leader of provincial NDP
  • Was a senior labour lawyer for many years
Points of note
  • Vice Chair of the Special Committee on Canada-China Relations (CACN)
  • Member of the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure of the Special Committee on Canada-China Relations (SCAC)
  • Member of the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security (SECU)
  • Member of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (FAAE)
  • Current NDP Public Safety critic and has previously served as the NDP's Public Safety critic, Justice critic, and National Defence critic
  • Has been a strong advocate for the government to increase its capacity to provide search and rescue assistance to all Canadians. Specifically, he sought for Canada to meet the international readiness standard of 30 minutes at all times for search and rescue incidents, from tasking to becoming airborne
  • Has also previously pushed for a review of the military justice system and has been a vocal supporter of the men and women in uniform

Angelo Iacono - Liberal

Alfred-Pellan, Québec

Election
Elected to the House of Commons in 2015
Education and background
  • Bachelor of Arts in political science from McGill University
  • A lawyer by trade, he has a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Ottawa, and a certificate in European community law from the faculty of law of Lyon, in France
Points of note
  • Member of the House of Commons Standing Committees on Public Safety and National Security (SECU) and the Library of Parliament (BILI)

Kamal Khera - Liberal

Brampton West, Ontario

Election
Elected to the House of Commons in 2015
Education and background
  • A registered nurse by trade, she has degrees in psychology and nursing from York University
  • Worked at the Centre of Addictions and Mental Health, Peel Family Shelter, William Osler Health Centre, and as a registered nurse in the Oncology Unit at St Joseph's Health Centre in Toronto
Points of note
  • Member of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security (SECU)
  • Serves as the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Development
  • Served as the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health from 2015 to 2017 and to the Minister of National Revenue from 2017 to 2018

Joël Lightbound - Liberal

Louis-Hébert, Quebec

Election
Elected to the House of Commons in 2015
Education and background
  • A lawyer by trade, he holds Bachelor's degrees in Civil Law and Common Law from McGill University
  • Studied Information Technology Law at the Master's level, specializing in Internet privacy
  • Prior to being elected, practiced law in Quebec City for a firm that specializes in immigration
Points of note
  • Current Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
  • Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health from January to September 2017 and to the Minister of Finance from 2017 to 2019

John McKay - Liberal

Scarborough-Guildwood, Ontario

Election
Elected to the House of Commons in 1997
Education and background
  • Holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Toronto at Scarborough and a Bachelor of Laws degree from Queen's University
  • Worked as a real estate attorney before entering politics
Points of note
  • Chair of the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security (SECU), a position he has held since 2017
  • Owing to his long tenure in the House of Commons, he has held a wide variety of critic positions and been a member of numerous Parliamentary committees and associations
  • Served as the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence from 2015 to 2017 and to the Minister of Finance from 2003 to 2006

Kristina Michaud - Bloc Québécois

Avignon-La Mitis-Matane-Matapédia, Quebec

Election
Elected to the House of Commons in 2019
Education and background
  • Holds a Master's degree in international relations from the Université Laval
  • Worked as a political advisor to interim Parti Québécois leader Pascal Bérubé
Points of note
  • Vice-Chair of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security (SECU)
  • Bloc Québécois Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Critic

Rob Morrison - Conservative

Kootenay-Columbia, British Columbia

Election
Elected to the House of Commons in 2019
Education and background
  • Retired in 2013 from a 35-year career in public service, including as an RCMP member, diplomat with the Department of Foreign Affairs (now Global Affairs Canada), and as Director General at the Treasury Board Secretariat (TBS)
Points of note
  • Member of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security (SECU)
  • Former RCMP member with experience in organized crime, national security, as a Liaison Officer, and in E Division
  • During his diplomatic service, he was responsible for 17 countries in Central/Southwest Asia and the Middle East
  • At TBS, he was responsible for an information-sharing environment with law enforcement agencies and foreign governments
  • In November 2019, he expressed concern that RCMP in BC were making immediate budget cuts in spending due to a $10.7 million deficit they were facing

Pierre Paul-Hus - Conservative

Charlesbourg-Haute-Saint-Charles, Quebec

Election
Elected to the House of Commons in 2015
Education and background
  • Bachelor's degree in Political Science from Laval University
  • Graduate of the Canadian Army Command and Staff College in Kingston, Ontario and the École Militaire in Paris, where he also taught
  • Owner of PRESTIGE Media Group
  • Retired military reservist after 22 years of service, including two operational missions to Goose Bay, Labrador and to Cyprus with the United Nations
Points of note
  • Vice-Chair of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security (SECU)
  • Current Conservative Shadow Minister for Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
  • Along with MP Glen Motz (Medicine Hat-Cardston-Warner), forwarded correspondence to the Prime Minister in February 2020 regarding the alleged hacking of Equifax by the Chinese People's Liberation Army and requesting information on the incident and the protection of Canadians' personal information
  • In the House of Commons, he has questioned the Government's planned actions to further restrict firearms

Doug Shipley - Conservative

Barrie-Springwater-Oro-Medonte, Ontario

Election
Elected to the House of Commons in 2019
Education and background
  • City Councillor in Barrie from 2010 to 2019
  • Small business owner
Points of note
  • Member of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security (SECU)
  • Former Vice-Chair of the Barrie Police Services Board

Gagan Sikand - Liberal

Mississauga-Streetsville, Ontario

Election
Elected to the House of Commons in 2015
Education and background
  • Honours B.A. with a double major in Crime and Deviance and Philosophy with a minor in Anthropology from the University of Toronto
  • LLB Law degree from Brunel Law School in London, England
  • Worked for the Ontario office of the Attorney General and Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs
Points of note
  • Member of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security (SECU) and the Standing Joint Committee on the Library of Parliament (BILI)
  • In 2016, he introduced a Private Member's Bill (C-247) that would have allowed police to use a device that could detect the presence of alcohol without having to administer a breathalyzer test

Tab 7: Tips for responding to parliamentary committee questions

The Chair of a parliamentary committee is responsible for recognizing members and witnesses who seek the floor, and ensuring that any rules established by the committee concerning the apportioning of speaking time are respected.

When witnesses appear in front of a parliamentary committee, remember that you are there at their request.

General tips for responding to committee questions

Committee appearances can be stressful events, especially if the dynamics amongst the committee members themselves are challenging. The Parliamentary Affairs Unit can help to coach witnesses and make suggestions on how to formulate responses during the appearance.

The following are some general guidelines to keep in mind as you prepare.

  • Respond to committee members' questions through the Chair of the Committee.
  • If the committee members engage in a heated discussion or a back-and-forth across the table, remain silent until the Chair has brought the meeting back to order. It is appropriate to ask for the member's question to be re-stated if need be.
  • Regardless of the member's tone in posing the question, always respond to the question politely and in a neutral tone.
  • Do not interrupt the committee member, even if they change the course of their question multiple times or seem to be rambling on. You may wish to take notes as the member is speaking so that you can tailor your answer accordingly.
  • Once the member has finished speaking, make sure you understand the question before answering. Ask for clarification from the Chair or re-state part or the entire question as you understand it.
  • Keep your answers brief and factual. Give the committee member the opportunity to ask a follow up question if they wish.
  • If you are not sure that you have covered the information that the committee member is looking for, ask "does this answer your question"?
  • Use plain language. Your goal is to inform the committee, and using overly technical language or bureaucratic jargon will only confuse or cloud the message you are trying to communicate.
  • Avoid contradicting the Minister, senior government officials or the government's policy and taking a position, providing your opinion, stating your personal recommendations or speaking on behalf of others on a given issue.
  • Do not divulge classified information, cabinet confidences or any information that contradicts privacy laws.

If You Do Not Know the Answer to a Question

Do not answer in areas that you are not an expert. You may:

  1. State that you are not the expert, and if you are comfortable and have the information to do so, attempt to head off the question.
    Sample Response: "Mr. Chairman, I am not the expert on that policy matter, however, I can tell you that in 2015, there were 72,039 impaired driving incidents, 3,100 (4%) of which involved drug-impaired driving."
  2. State that you are not the expert and offer to get back to the committee in writing.
    Sample Response: "Mr. Chairman, I am not the right person to answer that question, but if the committee wishes, I would be happy to take that question back and have the RCMP provide a written response".
  3. State that you are not the expert and suggest that the committee re-direct the question to the department who may be best placed to answer the question.
    Sample Response: "Mr. Chairman, I am not the right person to answer that question. Should the committee wish more information on that topic, I would suggest contacting the Department of Justice who are leading on that issue".
  4. Ask that political positions be re-directed to the Minister.
    Sample Response: "Mr. Chairman, I cannot speak to decisions regarding the course of action. I would respectfully suggest that the honourable member's question would be best answered by the Minister of Public Safety".

Handling difficult questions

The dynamics inside a committee room can sometimes be difficult to predict or manage depending on the personalities present and/or the issue being studied.

The following examples are designed to illustrate how a witness may handle these situations and still provide an answer in a calm, objective way.

If the question is hostile, position your statement and continue. (Sample Response: "Looking at it from a broader perspective, I would suggest that the statistical evidence supports the change in the program."), or simply shut down the question with "I appreciate your point of view" and move on.

If the question is inflammatory or false, respond with an objective fact. (Sample Response: "Mr. Chairman, I respectfully disagree with that comment and think it would be useful to share with the Committee some facts we have on the issue.")

If a parliamentarian launches a personal attack, shut down the issue quickly in a self-confident and firm way then get right back on topic. (Sample Response: "I'm not sure what the member would like to know Mr. Chairman (smile and pause), but if the question relates to our consultations with our stakeholders then…")

Navigating the trouble spots

Maintaining control of the conversation is the key to a smooth appearance. Here are some common situations that can cause witnesses to feel uneasy.

  1. Constant interruptions by the committee member, especially when they perceive they are not getting the information they want to hear.
    Strategy: Do not interrupt. Wait until the member is finished then continue with, "If I may finish my answer to the Member's previous question first…"
  2. Being blind-sided by a question completely unrelated to the topic at hand.
    Strategy: Use a two-step approach. Try beginning with, "Mr. Chairman, I don't see how this issue is related to what we are talking about here today." If the member persists, then, "Mr. Chairman, I am not the right person to answer that questions, but if the committee wishes, I would be happy to take that question back and have the RCMP provide a written response."
  3. Rapid fire questions about several topics. Members often do this to try to maximize their time allocation.
    Strategy: Do not let it overwhelm you. "Mr. Chairman, the member raises many different issues. I rely on your direction here. It may be more helpful to the committee if I could address one issue at a time."
  4. Questions/assertions based on incorrect information. Because members have their own researchers and hear testimony from different sources, it is not uncommon for them to put forth a piece of information to see how you respond.
    Strategy: Do not take a defensive position against incorrect information; rather correct the member at the earliest opportunity. "Mr. Chairman, I would first like to address the statistics quoted by the Senator. The accurate numbers are…"
  5. Silence (after responding to a question). This is a common strategy when the committee is trying to get you to say more than you are comfortable saying.
    Strategy: Provide a complete response, and then let the silence happen. Nod slightly and wait with anticipation for the next question. This signals that you are confident that you have provided as much information as needed.
Top of page
Date modified: