Canada ’s new government names investigator of RCMP pension allegations

April 13, 2007

Ottawa— The Honourable Stockwell Day, Minister of Public Safety, today announced that David Brown, Q.C., Coun sel with the firm Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP, and former head of the Ontario Securities Commission, will lead an independent investigation into allegations relating to the RCMP pension and insurance plans.

Mr. Brown will be supported by any experts deemed necessary to fulfill his mandate. His final report is to be submitted to the Minister of Public Safety and the President of the Treasury Board by June 15, 2007.

“Public confidence in Canada’s national institutions is of critical importance to this Government,” said Minister Day. “Today, we are pleased to be moving forward quickly on this issue by appointing Mr. Brown, who will help us get answers into allegations surrounding the RCMP pension and insurance plans. Canadians, and members of the RCMP, deserve nothing less.”

Mr. Brown brings significant expertise in securities regulations and audits that will facilitate the conduct of this investigation. As Chairman and CEO of the Ontario Securities Commission, Mr. Brown led the agency’s reorganization and has held several positions with Canadian and international regulatory bodies.

“The RCMP is an important institution for Canada and Canadians,” said Mr. Brown. “I am pleased to have been given the opportunity to investigate these allegations and to report back to the government.”

Mr. Brown will undertake a comprehensive review of the serious allegations that have been made relating to the RCMP’s handling of reports of mismanagement or irregularities in the administration of the RCMP’s pension and insurance plan. Specifically, he will examine:

• whether the RCMP’s assessment of allegations of mismanagement of the RCMP pension and insurance plans was conducted in an appropriate and timely manner;

• whether the members and employees involved in the reporting or reviewing of mismanagement were treated fairly and in accordance with RCMP procedures and practices;

• whether management responded appropriately and in a timely manner to mistakes or inappropriate conduct by members and employees; and

• whether management responded to findings of mismanagement or non-compliance in a timely and effective manner.

Mr. Brown will report on the factual findings of his investigation, and provide a recommendation as to whether or not a more formal inquiry is necessary.

This investigation relates to allegations involving the RCMP pension and insurance plans made by a number of witnesses who appeared before the House of Commons Public Accounts Committee on March 28, 2007.