Performance Report 2004/2005

Minister's Message

I am pleased to present the Performance Report for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) for the period ending March 31, 2005. This report details the RCMP’s strategic priorities, deployment of resources and the results achieved against plans for 2004/2005.

The portfolio of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada (PSEPC) brings together the core functions of crime prevention, policing and enforcement, security and intelligence, corrections, border services and integrity, and emergency management. With this pooling of resources and capabilities under one Ministry, the Government can operate more effectively and strategically to protect Canadians.

Today’s public safety and security environment is characterized by globalization, advanced technology and a changing geo-political environment. With these global trends come new opportunities for Canada, as well as a number of risks including the increasing threat of sophisticated international criminal activity and terrorism entering our communities.

Securing the safety of Canadians is a fundamental responsibility of Government, in fact, for PSEPC, there is no higher priority. Canadians want assurances that their government will promote their personal security while protecting their privacy. They also want the institutions charged with these responsibilities to be transparent, and to work seamlessly with partners at home and abroad.

In today’s changing environment, circumstances demand a comprehensive approach to identifying and assessing potential threats and responding to incidents. This is the premise upon which the PSEPC portfolio approach is built, and it is supported by the integrated policing philosophy of the RCMP.

I am very pleased with the significant progress made by the RCMP over the last year in support of the four PSEPC portfolio priorities – Emergency Management, National Security, Safe Communities and Canada–US relations. I am also proud to report that the RCMP has contributed to the Government of Canada’s overall objectives on a number of fronts through an ever-more integrated approach to national security.

Through its peacekeeping role and its many international partnerships, the RCMP supports the Government’s objective of promoting Canada’s place in the world. The RCMP is involved in numerous peace support operations worldwide and continues to play an important role within the global community to bring peace, stability and development to many countries around the world.

In April 2004, the Government of Canada implemented its first ever National Security Policy (NSP). The RCMP plays an important role in delivering and implementing this broader security agenda designed to further enhance the security and flow of goods and people across our borders and to strengthen intelligence and law enforcement cooperation. These efforts contribute to the fight against terrorism, facilitate and encourage trade with the US – our largest trading partner – and also contribute to strengthened relationships with US law enforcement partners.

Through its efforts directed at reducing youth involvement in crime as victims and offenders, the RCMP also plays a critical role in the Government’s objective to strengthen Canada’s social foundations and the services it provides everyday to communities across this country.

Through measures to combat organized crime, mass marketing fraud and money laundering, the RCMP contributes to a sustainable, secure and fair marketplace. These efforts help to support the government objective of creating a sustainable economy to improve the well-being of all Canadians.

I am also pleased with the RCMP’s contributions towards the Government’s priority outlined in the October 2004 Speech from the Throne, which focused on the importance of working with Aboriginal peoples and provincial and territorial governments to create the conditions for long-term success while respecting historic rights and agreements. Through culturally appropriate policing and restorative justice initiatives that are sensitive to the needs and current realities of Aboriginal peoples, the RCMP continues to contribute to the safety of over 600 Aboriginal communities.

Finally, I am happy to report the progress made by the RCMP towards implementing Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat modern management accountability elements into all aspects of its management model. During the last year, the RCMP has made tremendous progress towards fully implementing the elements of the Management Accountability Framework into its operational activities.

Building on the results achieved over the last year, I have no doubt the RCMP will continue to deliver the highest quality police services, that it will remain committed to further implementing modern management practices and expectations into its management model to achieve optimal organizational performance, and that it will continue to achieve results for Canadians and contribute to the accomplishment of government-wide objectives.

The Honourable A. Anne McLellan, PC, MP
Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness