Table of Contents

• PERSPECTIVES – 2001
  • Consolidation of Strengths
  • Updating the Organization of the Commission
  • Contract Investigators
  • Enhanced Role of Legal Services
  • Continued Promotional Activities
  • Conclusion

PERSPECTIVES–2001

Consolidation of Strengths

In reviewing the main achievements of the Commission in 2000, the Chairperson considers that much was accomplished on both an organizational and operational level. Almost all of the Commission’s personnel have been hired and are working in newly renovated, modern and functional offices, with equipment that is equally modern and functional. All of this has contributed to the establishment of a working environment that is both pleasant and stimulating.

In the performance of duties falling within its jurisdiction, which includes monitoring the complaint handling process of the Provost Marshal, conducting investigations and organizing and participating in promotional activities, the Commission successfully earned the reputation it has sought to acquire and maintain – that of a professional organization of great integrity that remains independent in the work it carries out. For these same reasons, the Chairperson believes that the Commission has contributed to increasing confidence in the military police among employees of the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Forces and among members of the general public.

It is fitting, at this juncture, that the Commission, based on its experience to date, take the time to adjust certain aspects of its organization and methods. This will permit the consolidation of its strengths, appropriate adjustments for the most effective use of its resources, improved efficiencies, and a review of its objectives.

Updating the Organization of the Commission

While most positions in the organizational structure have already been classified, it will be necessary to repeat the exercise in compliance with the provisions of the new universal classification system. Among its benefits, the exercise will allow the tasks and responsibilities for each position to be reviewed and redefined. Positions that were filled during the year 2000 on a contractual basis or by secondment will be reviewed according to federal Public Service Commission requirements.

Despite a significant reduction in its budget, the Commission will strive to maintain or improve the level of efficiency in its activities by sharing common services. To this end, it plans to reinforce its partnership with the Canadian Forces Grievance Board to share support services.

Contract Investigators

To support Operations employees, as required, reduce the travel costs of investigators and handle complaints rapidly, plans are underway to develop a network of investigators under contract, who will be strategically located across Canada.

Steps were taken in 2000 to provide the Operations Branch with a complaint management system in order to conduct the daily monitoring of files, to facilitate controls and to identify significant trends, allowing the Commission to take appropriate, timely action as required. This system will be implemented in early 2001. A variety of file management systems were studied and the one which will best meet the Commission’s needs for the most competitive price was selected.

Enhanced Role of Legal Services

Legal Services began to draw up rules and procedures for Commission hearings. These rules should be adopted by early 2001. The unit will then begin work on other rules that the Commission has the power to make under the Act and intends to adopt, most notably those involving how investigations of the Commission are conducted; the distribution of business and work among Commission members; and the conduct of work carried out by the Commission and its administration.

Legal Services will also spend much of 2001 continuing to study Part IV of the Act in depth.

Finally, it is expected that Legal Services will be called upon to play an enhanced support role in the handling of complaints and the preparation of reports.

Continued Promotional Activities

The Commission is interested in solidifying its image and role in order to dispel any negative perceptions and to demonstrate that its actions have brought about positive change.

The Chairperson intends to take full advantage of every opportunity presented by the Canadian Forces and the Provost Marshal, and from all speaking engagements, to communicate her message. She also intends to continue her program of visits to military bases, at the end of which she will conduct an analysis of her observations and the questions brought to her attention over the course of her visits.

In addition, a strategic communications plan is currently being prepared, as are public information background documents and a Web site, which will provide the public with extensive information, most notably on the Act, the Commission, its role, work and annual reports.

Conclusion

During the course of the past year, the Commission has acquired a keen awareness of military culture. There is a greater appreciation for the work environment of the military police, their concerns as well as their expectations as regards the system of ethics regulating their professional conduct.

The complaints that the Commission has examined and the investigations it has conducted have provided more relevant information on the origin of complaints and on the nature of allegations, just as it has on the circumstances associated with the derogatory conduct.

Thus, the Commission is in a far better position going forward into 2001 to identify the measures that need to be taken in order to achieve its mandate. In the end, it is hoped that these measures will result in the promotion of elevated standards of professional conduct by members of the military police and, consequently, a reduction in the number of complaints.