Legislation to Create Enhanced Independent Review Body for the RCMP and CBSA Receives Royal Assent
Ottawa, Ontario – The Government of Canada has announced that Bill C-20, the Enhancing RCMP and CBSA Accountability Act, has received Royal Assent. This legislation establishes a new, enhanced independent review body for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).
The new body, to be known as the Independent Review Authority (IRA), will replace the existing Civilian Review and Complaints Commission for the RCMP (CRCC) and the Independent Complaints Review Committee (ICRC) for the CBSA. The IRA will have a broader mandate and enhanced powers than its predecessors, including the ability to:
- Investigate complaints against RCMP and CBSA members
- Conduct systemic reviews of policing and border services issues
- Make recommendations to the RCMP Commissioner and CBSA President
- Report publicly on its findings and recommendations
The IRA will be composed of a panel of independent experts with experience in law, policing, border services, human rights, and community engagement. The panel will be appointed by the Governor in Council and will be accountable to Parliament.
The establishment of the IRA is a significant step in enhancing accountability and oversight of the RCMP and CBSA. The new body will provide an independent and impartial mechanism for investigating complaints, conducting systemic reviews, and making recommendations for improvement.
“This legislation is an important step forward in strengthening the accountability of the RCMP and CBSA,” said Justice Minister David Lametti. “The IRA will provide an independent and impartial mechanism for investigating complaints, conducting systemic reviews, and making recommendations for improvement.”
The IRA is expected to be operational by 2024.
Additional Information
- The IRA will have a budget of $25 million per year.
- The IRA will be headquartered in Ottawa, with regional offices in other parts of Canada.
- The IRA will have the power to compel witnesses to testify and produce documents.
- The IRA’s findings and recommendations will be made public.
- The RCMP Commissioner and CBSA President will be required to respond to the IRA’s findings and recommendations.
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