Thank you, Mr. Chair and committee members.
Good afternoon. I'm here before you today following the committee's motion last month to invite the RCMP.
I appreciate the work this committee is doing in order to respond to the recommendations of the Auditor General of Canada's report on the government's ArriveCAN application. I understand this committee and Canadians are looking for answers and accountability around ArriveCAN. The RCMP is investigating and using all available information, including the Auditor General's performance audit report and the procurement ombudsman's information. The RCMP has multiple investigations under way into these matters.
The principle of police independence is fully respected throughout all investigations. Operational independence underpins the rule of law and is necessary for the maintenance of public trust. The RCMP ensures that all investigative actions are appropriate to protect the integrity of the investigation and the rights of the accused individual, and it takes steps to mitigate any future harm that may occur throughout the investigation. This is a delicate balance the RCMP faces in all of its investigative efforts.
With this in mind, I would now like to share more information with the committee about the area within the RCMP that has expertise and experience in leading these types of investigations.
Federal policing is a core responsibility of the RCMP and is provided in every Canadian province and territory, as well as abroad.
As part of the federal policing mandate, the RCMP's sensitive and international investigations unit conducts investigations into sensitive matters that may pose significant threats to the political, economic and social integrity of Canada's government institutions, to public servants and to the integrity of the Crown at home and abroad.
The sensitive and international investigations unit investigates serious allegations of corruption and financial crime under the Criminal Code or other federal statutes, within the government or its institutions.
The integrity of any criminal investigation must be protected. While subjects of investigations are sometimes known publicly, additional associates in the alleged offence are often unknown. Knowledge of the suspect, charges or investigative strategy and techniques can lead to potential destruction of evidence, intimidation of witnesses or prejudice against an innocent person. Any disclosure of the aforementioned components has the potential to compromise an ongoing investigation. The RCMP cannot comment on the nature or source of the information it receives related to an ongoing investigation. In the case of ArriveCAN, the RCMP can confirm that it is investigating all associated matters to determine whether any criminal offences have taken place.
As a means of ensuring police independence free from any real or perceived political influence, the RCMP is operationally independent. Police independence is an important principle in a free and democratic society. It ensures that the government cannot direct or influence the actions of law enforcement, and that law enforcement decisions remain based on the information and evidence available to police. The independence of law enforcement is fully respected throughout all investigations.
In sensitive and complex investigations such as the ones we are investigating, the timeline will vary depending on a myriad of factors, including matters of privilege, the number of other ongoing investigations and available resources. As a result, the duration of these investigations can vary.
Today, I am committed to providing you with as much information as possible on the investigations. Mark and I will answer your questions to the best of our ability, all while protecting the integrity of this or any other ongoing investigation.
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
