Mandate

The RCMP External Review Committee is an independent agency reporting to Parliament through the Minister of Public Safety Canada. It aims to independently and impartially promote fair and equitable labour relations within the RCMP, in accordance with applicable principles of law. To this end the Committee conducts an independent review of appeals in disciplinary and discharge and demotion matters, as well as certain categories of grievances that can be referred to it pursuant to s. 33 of the RCMP Act and s. 36 of the RCMP Regulations.

Grievances that may be the subject of a reference to the Committee, as well as the appeal process in disciplinary, and discharge and demotion measures, are described in the 'Grievance Process', 'Disciplinary Process', and 'Discharge and Demotion Process' links on the left menu.

The decision-making authority, in matters of serious discipline, discharge and demotion as well as grievances, rests with the Commissioner of the RCMP. He is not bound by the Committee's recommendations; however, he must explain his decision should he disagree with the Committee's recommendations in a specific case.

The intervention of the Committee in this labour relations system promotes the transparency of the decision-making process in the RCMP as it ensures a neutral and impartial review of cases.

In addition to recommendations on specific cases, the Committee may make recommendations of a general nature on aspects relating to its mandate. Moreover, it can carry out research or consultations to promote discussion and consideration of important matters. In the exercise of its mandate, the Committee is supported by legal advisors who provide research and analysis to the Chair. The Committee's budget and organizational structure are described in its annual Departmental Performance Report under "Publications".