Thanks, Chair.
Yes, your characterization is absolutely correct, and I think that's fair. I think that's the history of the RCMP in terms of these big things and making the changes.
That's why I felt the need, in this environment, to lay down my bona fides in policing. I understand the complexities and all of that, but yes, there are legitimate criticisms, and there seems to be a huge problem with, first of all, getting the attention of the RCMP, then getting them to do what needs to be done, and then making sure that it gets done properly. At the end of the day, we get there, but oftentimes it's through a whole lot more angst than one would hope.
I do want to reflect, Commissioner—again, this is my own personal opinion—that in the course of your answers, the tone had been different. Had those basic things you said about the audit and the findings during the course of the discussion been reflected in your opening remarks, certainly my tone would have been different. That's what put me on the wrong foot to start with. It was the tone. I'm sorry, sir, but in my opinion it comes across as defensive, as borderline arrogant in terms of a refusal to acknowledge when a problem is real.
Now I want to go back to an area, because this issue of fairness is really important. I mean, these are tough meetings. This is not meant to be fun. None of us likes to be held to account. We are all the time—every day, actually—but here's what I want to focus on. Again, having been the civilian head of the Ontario Provincial Police, I'm somewhat familiar with policing budgets, at least as they were in my day. I fully understand that you can have a program and that just because you don't have a business case, it doesn't mean that you're not doing anything.
On the fact that you're bringing a lot of resources from across the organization and bringing them to bear, I get that, but I think it's fair to say, and I think, Commissioner, unless I'm mistaken—I don't want to put words in your mouth—you said as much: that in the beginning, had the strategy been there, and had there been a business plan attached to the action plan and the funding there, you probably would have had a different outcome. Again, I think it's fair criticism to point out that while you may be spending other money, the absence of an actual plan that spoke to the resources is a fair criticism.
Do you not think so, Commissioner?