Independent adviser named for RCMP workplace assessment

Here's the statement from Public Safety Minister Vic Toews, as sent out by the PMO earlier:

OTTAWA , July 30th, 2010 - The Honourable Vic Toews, Minister of Public Safety, today issued the following statement pertaining to internal management conflicts within the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP):

"Our Government's chief priority is to ensure our national security and the safety of all Canadians. This week I announced that Public Safety Canada is undertaking a workplace assessment of the RCMP, which will be led by an independent advisor.

I am pleased to announce that Mr. Reid Morden has been selected to fill this role.

Mr. Morden, as a former Director of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, brings to this process decades of experience and demonstrated capacity to manage conflict within complex environments.

This Government will continue its work to reform and strengthen our national police force, and remains committed to ensuring the RCMP becomes a stronger, more accountable organization."

BIOGRAPHY:

Reid Morden has held a number of senior positions in the Canadian Public Service, notably Director of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, and President and CEO of Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd.  He was appointed and served from 2004-2006 as Executive Director of the Independent Inquiry Committee into the United Nations Iraq Oil-For-Food Program (Volcker Inquiry). Mr Morden also served as an advisor to Justice O'Connor during the Arar Inquiry.

Mr. Morden graduated from Dalhousie University and has received an honorary LLD from the University. From 2002-2008, he chaired the Board of Governors of Trent University and, during that time has also been Chair of the Council of Chairs of Ontario Universities (2004-2006).

Mr. Morden is a Member of the Order of Canada, a Grand Officer of the Order of the Southern Cross (Brazil) and a holder of the Ian L. MacRae Award from the Canadian nuclear industry.

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