OTTAWA – An independent assessment carried out on the Civilian Review and Complaints Commission for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has revealed significant issues within the organization, including accusations of favouritism, a lack of transparency, overwhelming workloads, and what has been described as "a toxic environment." The assessment was initiated following an anonymous email sent by employees concerned about their workplace conditions.
The analysis, conducted by workplace investigator Robert Néron, was made public after The Canadian Press acquired it through an Access to Information request submitted to Public Safety Canada. The report, dated May 2024, highlighted a pressing need for leadership reforms to restore credibility and trust within the commission, an agency established by Parliament to ensure that public complaints regarding RCMP member conduct are handled fairly and thoroughly.
The investigation stemmed from an email received in October 2023, wherein employees expressed their fears about the leadership dynamics and the overall state of the commission under the chairperson's management, then Michelaine Lahaie. Néron’s summary, which underwent significant redaction before publication, dismissed direct allegations against Lahaie after consulting with staff and distributing a detailed questionnaire. Most employees reported feeling engaged in their work and receiving fair treatment from leadership.
However, the assessment also underscored serious concerns among the staff. Many employees cited feelings of being overwhelmed by their workloads, contributing to stress and job dissatisfaction. Néron pointed out a "notable communication gap" between management and staff, with many expressing frustration over infrequent and unclear organizational messages. The report also indicated mixed opinions regarding conflict resolution, with a portion of the workforce feeling unsupported.
Additionally, complaints regarding the organizational culture included remarks about a "toxic work environment," stemming from the actions and practices of leadership. The staff strongly expressed a desire to address this toxic atmosphere, highlighting a request for an anonymous reporting mechanism for workplace misconduct, particularly involving senior management. Employees also called for enhanced mental health support and a more compassionate approach to accommodating individual staff needs.
The findings revealed a consensus among current and former employees that the commission lacked a clear vision and strategic direction for the future. Respondents noted an absence of opportunities to engage in discussions about broader organizational missions or to innovate within their roles. Néron emphasized the importance of addressing these concerns to foster a more inclusive, equitable, and productive organizational culture. In his correspondence with Public Safety, he stated, "Employees’ experiences demonstrate an urgent need for reforms in organizational management to address these issues."
In response to the findings of the assessment, Public Safety took measures to assist Lahaie in communicating the results to commission staff and implementing the recommended changes. Lahaie, a military veteran, had been serving as the commission's chairperson since 2019, with her term initially extended until early 2024. She has since transitioned to become the vice-chairperson at Tribunals Ontario, a provincial agency, and has declined to comment on the workplace assessment due to restrictions from her new position.
Following the assessment, the review commission initiated several programs aimed at enhancing employee well-being. Public Safety spokesperson Tim Warmington reported that some of these measures include improving access to wellness resources on the organization’s intranet and providing staff presentations covering topics such as stress resilience and conflict management.
Moreover, the commission is slated to expand its mandate to encompass the activities of the Canada Border Services Agency, in addition to the RCMP’s oversight. Legislation creating the Public Complaints and Review Commission received royal assent in the preceding year, although the timeline for the new agency to commence operations remains uncertain.
