Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino. (Photo: Canadian Press)

By David Opinko

Ottawa proposes “enhanced independent review body” for RCMP and CBSA

May 19, 2022 | 3:37 PM

OTTAWA, ON – Legislation has been introduced that would aim to improve accountability for Canada’s national police and border services agencies.

Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino introduced Bill C-20, An Act establishing the Public Complaints and Review Commission and amending certain Acts and statutory instruments.

If approved, it would create the Public Complaints and Review Commission (PCRC) with the goal of building public trust in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).

Mendicino says the PCRC would replace the current Civilian Review and Complaints Commission, the current review body for RCMP.

It would also be the first independent review body for the CBSA.

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“The PCRC will operate independently, have the power to recommend discipline, publish annual reports, and collect disaggregated race-based data to address systemic inequities,” says Mendicino. “These new tools are central to ensuring transparency and accountability. The PCRC will offer Canadians another layer of effective civilian review and build trust in our law enforcement.”

The federal government is proposing to invest $112.3 million over six years to establish the PCRC as well as another $19.4 million in annual operating costs.