Prime Minister announces next Commissioner of the RCMP

July 06, 2007

Prime Minister Stephen Harper is pleased to announce the appointment of William J.S. Elliott, Q.C., as the new Commissioner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. This appointment is effective July 16, 2007.

A lawyer and senior executive with an established reputation as an expert in national security, Mr. Elliott has held progressively senior positions within the Public Service of Canada, notably as National Security Advisor to the Prime Minister, and more recently as Associate Deputy Minister of Public Safety. Mr. Elliott also served as Deputy Commissioner of the Canadian Coast Guard.

“Mr. Elliott was chosen following a rigorous and open selection process. He has a profound knowledge and respect for the RCMP, and brings with him the experience and expertise to successfully manage an organization as large, complex, and diverse as the RCMP,” said the Prime Minister. “He will be able to provide the Force with the renewed leadership that it critically needs at this time.”

The Prime Minister also took this opportunity to thank Commissioner Beverley A. Busson for her agreement to take on the leadership of the RCMP during the transition period and for her invaluable contribution over many years of service to the people of Canada.

Biographical notes attached.

WILLIAM J.S. ELLIOTT, Q.C.

Education: B.A., University of Ottawa
LL.B., (Common Law), University of Ottawa

Professional Experience

Since May 2006
Associate Deputy Minister of Public Safety

2005 - 2006
National Security Advisor to the Prime Minister, Privy Council Office

2003 - 2005
Assistant Secretary to the Cabinet, Security and Intelligence, Privy Council Office

2000 - 2003
Assistant Deputy Minister, Safety and Security, Transport Canada

1998 - 2000
Deputy Commissioner, Canadian Coast Guard, Fisheries and Oceans

1994 -1998
Senior General Counsel and Head of Legal Services, Indian Affairs and Northern Development, Justice Canada

1992 - 1994
Senior Counsel/Manager, Comprehensive Claims and Northern Affairs, Indian Affairs and Northern Development, Justice Canada

1988 - 1992
Senior positions in the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister of Canada

1981 - 1988
Private practice of law