I have a brief one.
Good afternoon, Mr. Chair. I would like to thank the committee for this opportunity.
In order to provide some insight about me, I was formerly the ethics and integrity adviser for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. I retired from the RCMP in November 2003 after serving 35 years. I held the rank of assistant commissioner, and occupied the position of ethics and integrity adviser from February 2002 until my retirement in November 2003. I began my career with the RCMP in Manitoba, and also served in command positions in Ottawa headquarters, Alberta, and the Yukon.
I was approached by former commissioner Zaccardelli to take on the role of ethics adviser and reported directly to him. I was an adviser to the senior executive committee of the RCMP, as well as being the senior officer for internal disclosure on wrongdoing in the workplace in accordance with Treasury Board policy. I viewed my role as a quasi-ombudsperson and routinely dealt with behavioural issues internal to the force. Many of these included issues of harassment, abuse of power and authority, and unethical conduct.
I've been looking forward to appearing before this committee, and will answer to the best of my ability any and all questions you may have. I have some additional comments that I'll save for later, if that's okay.