We would disagree with this on a couple of levels. First of all, it's very important that the bill is clear that the commissioner is responsible for the RCMP—the management, the conduct—and to ensure that the commissioner has the authority to do that.... There are a number of checks and balances and processes whereby if the commissioner overturns a decision, it has to be explained, and again, accountability would be provided.
I do want to read for members something the minister said—I think it's important that we remember this—when he testified. He said:
...the RCMP commissioner is held accountable for the operations of the RCMP and must decide whether to act on the findings and recommendations of the commission. The commissioner is accountable and responsible for the operations of the RCMP, and we will not undermine that accountability by making recommendations binding. However, consistent with the existing legislative requirements, it's also clear that whenever the RCMP commissioner decides not to act on commission recommendations, he must explain, in writing, the reasons for doing so to the new commission and to me [the minister.
It's very clear that this bill clearly outlines, reiterates, and affirms not only the authority and the responsibility of the commissioner, but also that he has the ability to be the person who's accountable for the RCMP. For that reason, we will not be supporting this.
(Amendment negatived [See Minutes of Proceedings])
(Clause 31 as amended agreed to)
(Clauses 32 to 34 inclusive agreed to)
(On clause 35)