Departmental Results Report 2023-2024

Core responsibility and Internal services

• Core responsibility: Independent Review of the RCMP
• Internal services

Core responsibility: Independent Review of the RCMP

Description

The CRCC's fundamental role is to provide civilian review of the conduct of RCMP members in carrying out their policing duties, thereby holding the RCMP accountable to the public. The CRCC ensures that complaints about the conduct of RCMP members are examined fairly and impartially. Its findings and recommendations help identify and remedy policing problems which stem from the conduct of individual RCMP members or from deficiencies in RCMP policies or practices. The CRCC also conducts reviews of specified RCMP activities, reports to provinces which contract RCMP services, conducts research, program outreach and public education, and provides independent observers to investigations of serious incidents involving RCMP members.

Progress on results

This section presents details on how the CRCC performed to achieve results and meet targets for Independent Review of the RCMP. Details are presented by departmental result.

Table 1: Targets and results for public complaints dealt with in a timely manner

Table 1 provides a summary of the target and actual results for each indicator associated with the results under public complaints dealt with in a timely manner.

Public complaints dealt with in a timely manner

Table 2: Targets and results for public interest investigations and reviews of specified RCMP activities conducted in a timely manner

Table 2 provides a summary of the target and actual results for each indicator associated with the results under public interest investigations and reviews of specified RCMP activities conducted in a timely manner.

Public interest investigations and reviews of specified RCMP activities conducted in a timely manner

Table 3: Targets and results for increased public awareness of and confidence in the CRCC

Table 3 provides a summary of the target and actual results for each indicator associated with the results under increased public awareness of and confidence in the CRCC.

Increased public awareness of and confidence in the CRCC

*Note: Data for this indicator is unavailable.
Additional information on the detailed results and performance information for the CRCC's program inventory is available on GC InfoBase.

Details on results

The following section describes the results for Independent Review of the RCMP in 2023–24 compared with the planned results set out in the CRCC's departmental plan for the year.

Public complaints dealt with in a timely manner

The CRCC received 4,500 public complaints in fiscal year 2023–24. Of those complaints, 3,157 were sent to the RCMP for investigations and 1,295 did not meet the criteria set out in Part VII of the RCMP Act. There were 48 complaints still under assessment at fiscal year-end to determine if they met the criteria set out in Part VII of the RCMP Act.

In 2023–24, the CRCC received 263 new requests for review from individuals not satisfied with the RCMPs handling of their complaint. Of those requests, 22 did not meet the criteria for a review. During the course of the reviews, the CRCC required that further investigation be conducted for 8 reviews. The CRCC issued 246 review reports this year. Of those reports, 146 were satisfied reports, 42 were interim reports, and 55 were final reports. The final reports included 381 findings (212 were adverse) and 184 recommendations to the RCMP. In response to the CRCC's review reports, the RCMP accepted 96% of the adverse findings and 85% of the recommendations.

Additionally, over the past year the CRCC leveraged the recommendations of a Lean Six Sigma review to further improve the processing and decision-making associated with the intake of complaints, as well as undertaking a complete audit of the complaints in the Case Management System. Both activities had a significant impact on the CRCC meeting its service standard to forward complaints to the RCMP within the 10-day service standard. Initial indications are that the process changes have shown improvement and the audit examined 1,500 complaint records dating back to 2019. Of those complaints, 90 were sent to the RCMP and 400 were refused, as they did not meet the criteria set out in Part VII of the RCMP Act.

Results achieved  

• Percentage of complaints processed within the CRCC service standard: 38%
• Percentage of reviews completed withing the CRCC service standard: 33%

Public interest investigations and reviews of specified RCMP activities conducted in a timely manner

In addition to accepting public complaints about the on-duty conduct of RCMP members and reviewing the RCMP's investigation if the individual is not satisfied with the RCMP's handling of their complaint, the CRCC has two broad powers that ensure the RCMP is publicly accountable: initiating a complaint and conducting systemic reviews of RCMP activities.

If the Chairperson is satisfied that there are reasonable grounds to investigate the conduct of RCMP member(s), they may initiate a complaint. As with a complaint filed by a member of the public, these complaints are typically forwarded to the RCMP for investigation. If, however, the Chairperson determines that it is not in the interest of the public for the RCMP to investigate a complaint, the CRCC can undertake the investigation itself. This also applies to complaints filed by members of the public.

There are two ongoing investigations into such complaints. In November 2022, the Chairperson initiated a complaint regarding the arrest and detention of a neurodiverse youth by RCMP members in Alberta. The RCMP's investigation was paused while the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team conducted a criminal investigation into the RCMP members' conduct. No criminal charges were laid against the subject officers and the RCMP recommenced the investigation at the end of the fiscal year. In June 2022, the CRCC initiated a complaint into the RCMP's handling of the sexual assault and threats to the safety of Ms. Susan Butlin of Bayhead, Nova Scotia. The CRCC interviewed 36 witnesses and gathered over 20,000 pages of documentary evidence. The CRCC is currently reviewing and analysing the evidence gathered and preparing its report about the matter.

The CRCC has the authority to conduct reviews of specified RCMP activities to ensure that they comply with legislation, regulations, ministerial direction, or RCMP policies, procedures or guidelines. There are two ongoing systemic investigations.

In March 2023, the CRCC initiated a systemic investigation of the RCMP "E" Division Community-Industry Response Group's (C-IRG) governance and command structure, as well as assessing whether C-IRG operations were carried out in accordance with legal standards, policy requirements and leading practices. While delays in receiving relevant materials persisted throughout 2023, improvements have been made and the investigation is progressing. To date, the CRCC has received and is analysing thousands of documents as well as more than 17,000 videos and images.

A systemic review was launched in August 2022 to examine the RCMP's handling of the public complaint process in Nunavut. The investigation is complete, and the report is being drafted. It included identifying, obtaining, and reviewing relevant RCMP records, reports, policies and training documents. Interviews were conducted with RCMP members involved in the public complaint process in Nunavut, RCMP staff at National Headquarters, and individuals from Nunavut familiar with the public complaint process. In addition to reviewing all complaint files from Nunavut dating back to 2018, the CRCC contracted with NVision Insight Group to conduct qualitative, community-based research as part of the review, ensuring Inuit and community representation in the qualitative research process.

Results achieved  

• Percentage of CRCC public interest investigation interim reports completed within one year of initiation of the investigation: 0%
• Percentage of specified activity reviews completed within one year of initiation of the review: 0%

Increased public awareness of and confidence in the CRCC

In 2023–24, the CRCC received 4,500 public complaints. This is a continued increase in the number of complaints received since 2020-21:

• 2022–23: 4,022
• 2021–22: 3,938
• 2020–21: 3,361

Of the complaints received, 3,157 were sent to the RCMP for investigations, 1,295 did not meet the criteria set out in Part VII of the RCMP Act, and 48 were still under assessment at fiscal year-end.

Of the 4,500 public complaints filed, 98% were filed directly with the CRCC and 2% were filed with the RCMP.

The CRCC has been unable to leverage existing RCMP or other Government of Canada surveys to measure public confidence in the complaint process. Resource limitations make it impossible for the CRCC to conduct this type of research on its own. The continued increase in the number of complaints submitted cannot be directly attributed to an increase in public confidence in the complaint process. As such, the CRCC will reassess the measurement of public confidence as it prepares for the potential impacts of Bill C-20.

Results achieved  

• Percentage of complaints filed directly with the CRCC instead of the RCMP: 98%
• Percentage increase of public confidence in the complaint process over a two-year period: N/A

Key risks

The year-over-year increase in the number of public complaints and requests for review continues to challenge the CRCC's resources and abilities to meet service standards. While benefiting from program integrity funding, the CRCC also initiated activities to improve processes and is seeking a new case management system to assist and improve processing of complaints, reviews, and investigations.

Resources required to achieve results

Table 4: Snapshot of resources required for Independent Review of the RCMP

Table 4 provides a summary of the planned and actual spending and full-time equivalents (FTEs) required to achieve results.

Complete financial and human resources information for the CRCC's program inventory is available on GC InfoBase.

Related government-wide priorities

Gender-based analysis plus

The CRCC integrates Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA+) into its program development and delivery. For example, GBA+ has revealed that specific communities—such as Indigenous and racialized communities, as well as remote communities—may encounter obstacles when accessing CRCC services. This insight prompted the ongoing systemic review of the public complaint process in Nunavut. The CRCC continues to examine its services and processes from both a GBA+ and an accessibility lens to ensure everyone has access to the public complaint process.

Bill C-20 – An Act establishing the Public Complaints and Review Commission and amending certain Acts and statutory instruments (continues to progress through the legislative process)

The Act will require future Annual Reports to include "data about complainants, including disaggregated race-based data, in a form that prevents data obtained from an identifiable person from being related to that person." The CRCC is continuing to modernize its information systems to enable the collection of the necessary data to support current and future reporting requirements. The collection and analysis of disaggregated data will assist in ensuring that CRCC policies and processes benefit all of the communities served.

United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals

The role of oversight bodies such as the CRCC is pivotal in ensuring accountability and transparency within public sector institutions, particularly in handling complaints and grievances from the public. As societies strive towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the CRCC plays a role in promoting justice, reducing inequalities, and strengthening institutions. The CRCC contributed to several key SDGs through its mandate of addressing complaints against the RCMP:

• Gender Equality (Goal 5): The CRCC addressed complaints related to gender-based discrimination or violence, which supported Goal 5. This includes ensuring that complaints related to gender issues were handled sensitively and effectively.
• Reduced Inequalities (Goal 10): By addressing complaints and grievances from members of marginalized or vulnerable groups, the CRCC helped reduce inequalities. This includes ensuring that all individuals have equal access to justice and are treated fairly by public sector agencies.
• Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions (Goal 16): The CRCC played a critical role in promoting a strong, accountable institution that upholds the rule of law and respects human rights by ensuring transparency, accountability, and fairness in handling complaints against the RCMP. This promotes trust in institutions and access to justice for all. And, by responding to complaints impartially and inclusively, the CRCC contributed to building responsive and inclusive institutions at the local and national levels.
• Partnerships for the Goals (Goal 17): The CRCC collaborated with other oversight bodies, civil society organizations, and partners to share best practices, strengthen accountability mechanisms, and promote good governance practices globally.

The CRCC serves as a cornerstone in fostering accountability, promoting justice, and advancing sustainable development goals globally. By addressing grievances effectively, promoting transparency, and collaborating with partners, the CRCC not only ensures the integrity of public sector institutions but also contributes significantly to creating inclusive societies where all individuals have equal access to justice and fair treatment. As we continue to pursue the SDGs, the role of oversight bodies like the CRCC remains indispensable in safeguarding human rights, promoting good governance, and building resilient communities for a sustainable future.

The CRCC has published its own Departmental Sustainability Development Strategy reflecting the Canadian Indicator Framework for the Sustainable Development Goals and highlighting key activities that further advance progress towards these goals. In addition to the contributions of the CRCC's core responsibility, planned and specific actions contribute to the following goals:

• Reduced Inequalities (Goal 10): Staff participate in workshops and training sessions on Indigenous issues, including:
  • Application of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act and the British Columbia Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act;
  • Cultural awareness training; and
  • Online courses via the Canada School of Public Service.
• Responsible Consumption and Production (Goal 12): Mandatory training to ensure that all CRCC employees involved in the procurement of goods and services complete training on green procurement.
• Climate Action (Goal 13): Climate change training for all CRCC employees (e.g. calculating carbon footprint as it pertains to in office commute).

More information on the CRCC's contributions to Canada's Federal Implementation Plan on the 2030 Agenda and the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy can be found in our Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy.

Innovation

As part of its ongoing effort to hold the RCMP accountable for its activities and the conduct of its members, the CRCC reviewed existing complaint data from April 1, 2018, to March 31, 2023, to identify RCMP members who were the subject of multiple complaints.

A qualitative analysis was performed on members who were the subject of five or more complaints over the period.

Going forward, the CRCC plans to send an updated list to the RCMP each year, for awareness and whatever action is deemed necessary, identifying members who have been the subject of five or more complaints over a five-year period.

Program inventory

The Independent Review of the RCMP is supported by the following programs:

• Public Complaints
• Investigations
• Public Education

Additional information related to the program inventory for Independent Review of the RCMP is available on the Results page on GC InfoBase.

Internal services

Description

Internal services are the services that are provided within a department so that it can meet its corporate obligations and deliver its programs. There are 10 categories of internal services:

• management and oversight services
• communications services
• legal services
• human resources management services
• financial management services
• information management services
• information technology services
• real property management services
• materiel management services
• acquisition management services

Progress on results

This section presents details on how the CRCC performed to achieve results and meet targets for internal services.

As a micro-agency, the CRCC does not have all categories of internal services. Nonetheless, the CRCC's internal services play a crucial role in supporting its mission to ensure that public complaint are examined fairly and impartially. This is done through its communications services, legal services, human resources management services, financial management services, information management services, and information technology management services.

To enhance operations, the CRCC invested in its information technology infrastructure with the transition of services to a cloud-based environment. This move has increased collaborative capabilities across the CRCC, reduced technical support and is easily scalable for future growth. The CRCC will continue with the transition of existing infrastructure to cloud-based services. It is also actively seeking a replacement for its aging case management system, again with a view to leveraging cloud technologies.

Resources required to achieve results

Table 5: Resources required to achieve results for internal services this year

Table 5 provides a summary of the planned and actual spending and full-time equivalents (FTEs) required to achieve results.

The complete financial and human resources information for the CRCC's program inventory is available on GC InfoBase.

Contracts awarded to Indigenous businesses

Government of Canada departments are required to award at least 5% of the total value of contracts to Indigenous businesses each year, with full implementation by the end of fiscal year 2024–25.

The CRCC is a Phase 3 department and is aiming to achieve the minimum 5% target by the end of 2024–25.

To that end, the CRCC will continue to leverage and refine its Indigenous procurement plan. The CRCC will endeavour to create increased economic opportunities for Indigenous businesses through its procurement function by directing business owners and project authorities to consult the Indigenous Business Directory when performing market research for their respective business requirements. Where possible, an Indigenous firm should be engaged.