Royal Canadian Mounted Police Commissioner Giuliano Zaccardelli told the Commons Public Safety committee that he accepts the report from the Arar inquiry. (Tom Hanson/ Canadian Press)
Giuliano Zaccardelli's resignation letter to Stephen Harper
December 6, 2006
Dear Prime Minister:
It is with regret and sadness that I am, with this letter, tendering my resignation as Commissioner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
Let me assure you, Prime Minister, that I have at all times tried to do what is in the best interest of the Canadian public, the RCMP, and the institutions of Government. Clearly, the RCMP and I depend upon the confidence of Canadians and their elected representatives. Without this we cannot succeed.
However, the events subsequent to the release of Justice Dennis R. O'Connor's report on the Arar situation have taken on a life of their own. I must take responsibility for having added to the confusion in my first appearance before the Parliamentary Committee. My recent attempt to set the record straight and correct misperceptions I helped create has stirred new controversy. I have always tried to be transparent and accurate in my dealings with the Government. This is precisely why I felt it important to appear again before Committee, notwithstanding the risks. The continuing controversy, however, makes it increasingly difficult for me and for the institution to fulfill its responsibilities to the Canadian people.
I am proud to have served my country as a member of the RCMP for 36 years, six as Commissioner. The RCMP is a great Canadian institution deserving of our collective respect and support.
I plan to make a brief public statement setting out my decision no later than tomorrow.
Thank you.
G. Zaccardelli
Harper's letter to Zaccardelli
December 6, 2006
Dear Commissioner:
I hereby acknowledge receipt of your letter and accept your resignation effective December 15, 2006.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police is one of the most respected and important institutions in Canada. I appreciate your dedication to the RCMP and I commend you for your desire to do what is in the best interests of this great institution.
I recognize that you have dedicated your life to law enforcement by serving in many capacities throughout the country, culminating in six years as Commissioner. On behalf of all Canadians, I wish to thank you for your long service to this country.
Yours sincerely,
The Rt. Hon. Stephen Harper
The public announcement from Prime Minister Harper
Ottawa - Today, Commissioner Zaccardelli submitted his resignation to me, and I have accepted it, effective December 15th, 2006. The Commissioner has indicated to me it would be in the best interests of the RCMP to have new leadership, as this great organization faces the challenges of the future.
A process for replacing the Commissioner will be established. In the interim, an acting commissioner will be named shortly.
I would like to thank the Commissioner for his long and dedicated service to the RCMP and to his country.
The RCMP is one of the most respected and important institutions in Canada. It is important that the men and women of the RCMP know that they continue to have the full confidence of the Government of Canada as they work tirelessly to keep Canadians safe and secure.
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