The Civilian Review and Complaints Commission for the RCMP has initiated a complaint and a public interest investigation into the RCMP’s investigation of the Aug. 9, 2016, death of Colten Boushie and the events that followed.
Furthermore, at the request of the Boushie family, the CRCC is conducting a review and further investigation into the RCMP’s disposition of their initial public complaint filed following the death of Colten Boushie.
“In the course of our review and our ongoing monitoring of events related to this tragic incident, it has become apparent that additional matters related to the conduct of RCMP members involved need to be examined. As such, I am satisfied that it is in the public interest to launch an independent investigation into this matter,” said Guy Bujold, the Acting Chairperson Tuesday.
The CRCC will independently investigate the conduct of the members involved in this matter and whether their actions followed RCMP policy, practice and training. The CRCC will make findings and recommendations to address any deficiencies in member conduct as well as RCMP policies, procedures, training and guidelines.
Details of what is to be determined are as follows:
1. Whether RCMP members or other persons appointed or employed under Part I of the RCMP Act involved in this matter conducted a reasonable investigation into the death of Colten Boushie;
2. Whether the actions taken by the RCMP in response to this matter were taken in accordance with all applicable RCMP training, policies, procedures, guidelines, and statutory requirements;
3. Whether the relevant RCMP national, divisional, and detachment-level training, policies, procedures, and guidelines are reasonable; and
4. Whether the conduct of RCMP members or other persons appointed or employed under Part I of the RCMP Act involved in this matter amounted to discrimination on the basis of race or perceived race.
The CRCC also states that on Dec. 16, 2016, Alvin Baptiste filed a complaint with the RCMP regarding this same matter. On Jan. 2, 2018, Baptiste exercised his right under subsection 45.7(1) of the RCMP Act to refer the complaint to the CRCC for review. The commission’s review of the complaint (File No. 2017-0363) is ongoing. As part of that review, the Commission has decided to further investigate the complaint under paragraph 45.71(3)(c) of the RCMP Act.
The CRCC is distinct and independent from the RCMP and has jurisdiction over complaints regarding all members of the RCMP. In addition, the CRCC chairperson may initiate a complaint in relation to the conduct of RCMP members if he is satisfied that there are reasonable grounds to so do. As is the case in this instance, the CRCC has the authority to investigate a complaint if the chairperson is of the opinion that it would be in the public interest for the commission to do so.
