RCMP head backs government probe of pension scandal

Last Updated: Thursday, March 29, 2007 | 7:59 PM ET

CBC News

The RCMP's commissioner said Thursday she "wholeheartedly" supports the Tory government's plan to appoint an independent investigator to probe allegations of fraud and abuse in the management of the Mounties' pension and insurance plans.

RCMP Commissioner Beverly Busson says she wants to examine allegations of "coverup and punitive treatment" involving senior RCMP ranks.
(CBC)

Beverly Busson made the comments after Public Safety Minister Stockwell Day announced details about the mandate of the investigator, who has not yet been named.

Day said the investigator will report to the government within eight to 12 weeks. His or her findings will then be made public. The investigator will also have access to all pertinent records and be able to use the services of any experts, including forensic auditors, Day said.

"I wholeheartedly support this step," Busson said.

She said it's clear that irregularities did occur, but that they have since been corrected.

But Busson said she wants to examine the allegations of "coverup and punitive treatment" involving the senior ranks of the RCMP.

"This new information is serious, and I'm determined to get to the bottom of this as quickly and transparently as possible," she said.

Days wants info 'immediately'

Members of the public accounts committee had been calling for a public inquiry, a day after hearing from several serving and retired RCMP officers, who attacked the RCMP leadership over the handling of fraud and abuse allegations involving the pension and insurance plans in 2002.

But Day said an official public inquiry would take too long and he wants information "immediately." He added that he was "extremely concerned" about the allegations.

Public Safety Minister Stockwell Day said Thursday he wants a report on RCMP pension and insurance plan allegations that will be compiled by an independent investigator to be ready within 12 weeks.
(CBC)

"Today we're taking action to launch an independent investigation to determine once and for all what happened."

During question period Thursday, Liberal Leader Stéphane Dion demanded that Prime Minister Stephen Harper call a full public inquiry, and allow the public accounts committee to continue its work unfettered while "one of Canada's most loved and respected institutions is in crisis."

"This government should rise to the occasion for once," Dion said.

Harper called the allegations of the officers "shocking and quite disturbing," but said they dealt with events during the tenure of the previous Liberal government.

"I hope the Liberal leader and his colleagues will co-operate fully with the investigation," the prime minister said. "We want answers immediately."

NDP Leader Jack Layton said the accusations struck a serious blow to the integrity of the Mounties and asked Harper not to step into partisan accusations.

"We've got a serious problem," Layton said. "Will the prime minister work to ensure all the evidence comes to light in public to restore the trust in our beloved RCMP?"