Plans and Priorities for 2003/2004

The Minister’s Message

I am pleased to present the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Report on Plans and Priorities for the period from April 2003 to March 2004 – outlining the Force’s main initiatives, priorities and expected outcomes for the upcoming year.

The RCMP and other agencies of the Portfolio of the Solicitor General – the Department of the Solicitor General, the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC), the National Parole Board (NPB), the Canadian Security and Intelligence Service (CSIS) and three review boards – play a vital role in keeping Canadians safe. Together, these organizations have helped dramatically improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the Canadian criminal justice system. Through a wide range of national and international programs, they work to ensure the safety and security of Canadians at home and abroad.

In today’s uncertain global environment, there exists a climate of heightened public and policy concerns about security. The realization of security risks has led to the recent adoption of two Acts: An Act to Amend the Criminal Code (Organized Crime and Law Enforcement) and the Anti-Terrorism Act. These acts reflect a commitment to border integrity, continental security and a multi-government response to keeping our citizens safe from all manifestations of crime. The RCMP is a key player in ensuring our future success in this regard.

Although national security is a paramount planning focus, we have also committed human and financial resources to other strategic priorities that contribute to lowering the “barometer of crime”. Our focus is on prevention, as well as on corrections. Early intervention, addressing the root causes of criminal behavior and information-sharing are all vital in developing innovative ways to tackle crime.

On this note, I was pleased to announce recent legislation to create mandatory registration under the sex offender database, which will be managed by the RCMP through the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC). I am also encouraged by the success of the DNA Data Bank, and our recent agreement with Interpol to share our profiles with its 187 member states around the world.

The key to success lies with the creation and maintenance of effective partnerships like these – both nationally and internationally. As we develop and nurture these affiliations, we will be able to address proactively many of the criminal problems facing Canada today rather than merely reacting to or containing them. This balanced, integrated approach will help to ensure Safe Homes, Safe Communities for all Canadians.

The RCMP has long been a partner in the Government’s national and security policies. This partnership has greatly contributed to safe homes, streets and communities for all Canadians from coast to coast to coast. This Report on Plans and Priorities for 2003/2004 gives a detailed overview of the horizontal and collective activities to which RCMP employees nationwide dedicate considerable time and resources. As Canada’s Solicitor General, I am fully confident that the priorities and key results set by the RCMP will contribute greatly to Canada’s public safety agenda.

The Honourable Wayne Easter, P.C., M.P.
Solicitor General of Canada