Letter from Commissioner Zaccardelli to Prime Minister Harper

December 6, 2006

Dear Prime Minister:

It is with regret and sadness that I am, with this letter, tendering my resignation as Commissioner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

Let me assure you, Prime Minister, that I have at all times tried to do what is in the best interest of the Canadian public, the RCMP, and the institutions of Government. Clearly, the RCMP and I depend upon the confidence of Canadians and their elected representatives. Without this we cannot succeed.

However, the events subsequent to the release of Justice Dennis R. O’Connor’s report on the Arar situation have taken on a life of their own. I must take responsibility for having added to the confusion in my first appearance before the Parliamentary Committee. My recent attempt to set the record straight and correct misperceptions I helped create has stirred new controversy.

I have always tried to be transparent and accurate in my dealings with the Government. This is precisely why I felt it important to appear again before Committee, notwithstanding the risks. The continuing controversy, however, makes it increasingly difficult for me and for the institution to fulfill its responsibilities to the Canadian people.

I am proud to have served my country as a member of the RCMP for 36 years, six as Commissioner. The RCMP is a great Canadian institution deserving of our collective respect and support.

I plan to make a brief public statement setting out my decision no later than tomorrow.

Thank you.

[ORIGINAL SIGNED BY G. ZACCARDELLI]