Debates of June 2, 2022 (day 117)

Date
June
2
2022
Session
19th Assembly, 2nd Session
Day
117
Members Present
Hon. Diane Archie, Hon. Frederick Blake Jr., Mr. Bonnetrouge, Hon. Paulie Chinna, Ms. Cleveland, Hon. Caroline Cochrane, Mr. Edjericon, Hon. Julie Green, Mr. Johnson, Ms. Martselos, Ms. Nokleby, Mr. O'Reilly, Ms. Semmler, Hon. R.J. Simpson, Mr. Rocky Simpson, Hon. Shane Thompson, Hon. Caroline Wawzonek, Ms. Weyallon-Armstrong.
Topics
Statements

Oral Question 1136-19(2): RCMP Complaints and Misconduct

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my questions are for the Minister of Justice.

Can the Minister of Justice tell us how many RCMP misconduct cases have been reported and investigated within the NWT? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker: MR. SPEAKER

Thank you, Member for Thebacha. Minister responsible for Justice.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. When people bring forward complaints, they can bring them forward to the RCMP or to a civilian oversight group, the Civilian Review and Complaints Commission.

In 20172018, there were 33 complaints. In 20182019, there were 32 complaints. In 20192020, 32 complaints. In 2021, there were 18 complaints. And in 20212022, there were ten complaints. As of May 13th in this fiscal year, there have been three. Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, can the Minister tell us if the RCMP investigates their own misconduct cases. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So as I mentioned, citizens can bring their complaints directly to the RCMP in which case, depending on the nature of the complaint, it might be investigated internally by Gdivision. If it is a more serious complaint, an outside agency would be brought in to do the investigation. And if it's brought to the civilian review and complaints commission, they would be the ones undertaking that. Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, the standard length of time that an RCMP officer stays in the community is usually about two to three years.

Can the Minister tell us how long a commanding officer of Gdivision remains in their position, and what is the criteria for hiring a commanding officer? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The answer to the question 3A is five years. And the answer to question 3B is about two pages long, so I will share that by email with the Member. Thank you.

Speaker: MR. SPEAKER

Thank you, Minister. Final supplementary, Member for Thebacha.

Mr. Speaker, I strongly believe it is time that the NWT review its police service agreement with the RCMP. The RCMP are overpaid, underworked, and need greater accountability, transparency, and oversight on their conduct.

Does the Minister have the authority and the will to review the terms and conditions of the existing Territorial Police Service Agreement. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Territorial Police Services Agreement is a 20year agreement, and it goes until the year 2032. It is collectively managed by all provinces and territories. So there wouldn't be much utility in myself sitting down and reviewing this 80page document. Thank you.

Speaker: MR. SPEAKER

Thank you, Minister. Oral questions. Member for Kam Lake.