Thank you, Chair.
Welcome, Minister Blair, to our committee for the main estimates.
As you know, our committee is undertaking a study of systematic racism in policing in Canada, and we have a lot of evidence before us.
I want to draw your attention to the report of retired Supreme Court justice Bastarache last week, entitled “Broken Dreams — Broken Lives”. It's a very appalling account of what he referred to as a “toxic culture” within the RCMP that encourages or at least tolerates misogynistic, homophobic and racist attitudes. He went so far as to say that he didn't believe that the RCMP could change the culture from the inside. In fact, he said, “true change can only take hold...if independent external pressure is brought to bear.”
He also said “...fixing the RCMP and addressing the negative culture that has taken root will take an immense effort and require the good will of its leaders and members. Most of these individuals are invested in the status quo and will not likely want to make the necessary changes to eradicate this toxic culture.” .
That's quite an indictment, I would suggest, Minister. What I would like you to tell us is whether you are committed to eradicating this so-called toxic culture. Are you prepared to provide the external pressure that is required, according to Justice Bastarache, to see that it happens?