I understand the RCMP continues to be one of the biggest generators of complaints. I don't have a lot of patience with complaints generated by those convicted of criminal activities. But it's the other types of complaints that worry me. In the past, there were frequent allegations that the RCMP was gathering information in excess of what is allowed or required. They have eliminated some of their so-called exempt databases or diminished their use.
Have you had an opportunity to look into allegations made by actual RCMP officers who work, for instance, in the ATIP section? We have heard allegations of misfilings, allegations that some files were designated “secret” when they shouldn't have been. Retired officer Estabrooks made similar allegations in another committee when he was being questioned a couple of years ago.
Have we actually gone in and talked with some of these retired RCMP officers who have made these serious allegations of gathering unauthorized information and of files disappearing or being misfiled?