The quick and ready response of Stockwell Day and Stephen Harper to the allegations of illegal shenanigans within the RCMP by present and past members of the force suggest that the Tories knew it was coming and were eager to paint another black mark on the battered Liberals. Day says he doesn’t want a judicial inquiry because it would take too long. According to his agenda his inquiry should be concluded in six to eight weeks, which by elementary calculation, would put the report right smack dab in the middle of what is likely to be a June election. Neat timing. Just like the timing of the “leak” regarding Liberal policy on taxing Income Trusts. Clearly the Tories hope to smear the Liberals with these allegations in their bid to win a majority government.
‘Culture of impunity’Lawyer Laura Young, counsel for the British Columbia and Ontario branches of the RCMP, is arguing for a judicial inquiry that would broaden the depth and breadth of an investigation because the RCMP operates “in a culture of impunity.” Indeed it does, much to the disgust of thousands of well-meaning men and women who have joined the force with a sense of duty to Canada and loyalty to the letter and spirit of our country’s experiment in democracy. From the barn-burning in the 1970s to this latest example, the RCMP has long suffered corrupt leadership. The allegations now before parliament are self-serving even as they are legitimate. But there are many other examples of corruption that continue to be hidden behind that claim of last resort by practiced deceivers, that secrecy is a must because of national security.
It is a false claim for a false need. Canada would be better off if the secrecy cloak was ripped off and the RCMP were to stand fully exposed to critical public examination. Bureaucracies everywhere operating in shadows away from the light of public observation are notorious for their descent into corruption. The brutality of corruption becomes even more severe when they can hide behind a façade of secrecy. A judicial inquiry is a must. A judicial inquiry that would allow not only members of the RCMP to deliver their grievances, but people from the proverbial all walks of life, who have suffered at the hands of RCMP corruption.
It is cruel irony for those who have been denied freedom in our society by corrupt members of the RCMP to have the RCMP hoisted as an icon of nobility. Canadians must stand on guard against an attempt by the government not only to cover up this mess but also against any attempt to twist it into a mere weapon to win favour in the coming federal elections.
It is said that people get the leadership they deserve. I say we deserve a lot better than we’ve got — in the RCMP and in parliament.
Let there be light even unto the darkest corners so that we may be truly free.
Looking forward
Carl Dow
True North
Editor and Publisher