News Release

For Immediate Release

Commission Wraps Up First-Ever Public Probe into Military Police

OTTAWA - Canada's first-ever public hearing into a military police investigation has concluded after five days of testimony. Peter A. Tinsley, Chair of the Military Police Complaints Commission (MPCC), presided over the hearing, which closed on Friday afternoon. The seven parties involved will now have 45 days to make written submissions.

The case involved an alleged sexual assault by one youth on another at a military cadet camp. The allegations being considered by the MPCC focus on the treatment of the youth suspect during a military police interrogation. Other allegations centre on a failure by police to provide evidence that could have exonerated the youth suspect, failure to follow proper procedures, and a general lack of objectivity in the investigation.

A large quantity of documents was submitted at the hearing and seven witnesses testified. All of that information, along with the written submissions, will be considered in the preparation of an interim report. That report, to be ready by the end of the year, will include a series of findings and recommendations, and may also identify what the Commission considers to be systemic issues requiring follow-up action.

The Canadian Forces Provost Marshal, who is responsible for Canada's military police, will review the report and prepare what is called a "Notice of Action." In addition to listing specific measures to be taken, the Provost Marshal must identify the reasons for rejecting any of the MPCC's recommendations. The Commission then prepares a final public report which will be posted on its Web site. Media will be advised through a news release.

The role of the MPCC is to assure Canadians that allegations of police misconduct are investigated fully and that Canada's 1,200 military police officers are able to carry out their investigations free of interference from the chain of command.

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Stanley Blythe
Chief of Staff and Special Advisor to the Chairperson
(613) 947-5704
blythes@mpcc-cppm.gc.ca