 
The RCMP External Review Committee is an independent agency reporting to Parliament through the
Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada. The functions of the Committee are defined in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Act. The Committee reviews certain grievances as well as cases of discipline, demotion or discharge of members of the RCMP. In grievance matters, only certain specific questions may be referred to the Committee. However, as far as formal disciplinary measures are concerned, members always have the right to ask that their file be reviewed by the Committee if they are not in agreement with a decision resulting from the disciplinary process. The Appropriate Officer who initiated the proceedings also has a right of appeal in discipline cases. Grievances that may be the subject of a reference to the Committee, as well as the appeal process in disciplinary measures, are described in the "Disciplinary Process" and "Grievance Process" links on the left.
The decision-making authority, in matters of serious discipline and grievances, rests with the Commissioner of the RCMP. He is not bound by the Committee's conclusions; 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 the annual Departmental Performance Report under "Publications".
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