Plans and Priorities for 2002/2003

The Minister’s Message

I am pleased to present the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Report on Plans and Priorities – covering key plans, priorities and expected results for the period from April 1, 2002 to March 31, 2003.

The Portfolio of the Solicitor General includes the Department of the Solicitor General, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC), the National Parole Board (NPB), the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) and three review bodies. These agencies work in close collaboration with a broad range of public safety partners nationally and internationally, and play essential roles within the Canadian criminal justice system in the areas of law enforcement, national security, corrections and parole. Individually and collectively, they help ensure that Canada and Canadians remain safe and secure.

Despite the world’s changed security environment, we look to the coming months with optimism and confidence, and a strengthened resolve not to let any threat to public safety and security – regardless of its nature or origin – compromise the quality of life we are so privileged to enjoy in Canada. Protecting Canadians against terrorism and organized crime were priorities for the Government of Canada well before last September’s events. Through the continued dedicated efforts of the RCMP and its many partners, we will continue to improve the capacity, coordination and collaboration of law enforcement and security agencies, both at home and abroad.

These investments will help fulfil our commitments to Canadians as laid out in Canada’s Anti-terrorism Plan: we will safeguard our way of life by stopping terrorists from getting into Canada in the first place; we will continue to refine the tools and other means by which we can better identify, prosecute, convict and punish terrorists; we will ensure that the Canada/US border remains secure and accessible for both our nations; and we will work with our international partners to bring terrorists to justice while addressing the underlying causes of terrorism.

The federal government’s approach to keeping Canada and Canadians safe remains tough but balanced, building on the solid foundation of Canada’s existing public safety and national security processes, partnerships and safeguards. Our actions will continue to focus not solely on punishment but also on prevention; on understanding and addressing the roots of criminal behaviour; and on giving victims an appropriate voice.

We know that our success will be measured by the strength and the quality of our domestic and international partnerships. Working together, we will keep our promise to Canadians – regardless of who they are and where they live – in a manner that respects and protects this country’s values and the basic rights of its citizens.

Canadians have every right to expect their homes, their streets and their communities are safe. As Solicitor General, I am committed to working with my colleagues to further the efforts needed to enhance the quality of life for all Canadians, now and in the future. I have every confidence that we will achieve this goal, supported by the RCMP’s continued dedication to excellence.

The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, P.C., M.P.
Solicitor General of Canada