Senior Mountie complained to government about commissioner Elliott

OTTAWA _ A senior Mountie complained to the government that the desire for change within the troubled RCMP was thwarted by “inertia” under the leadership of Commissioner William Elliott, The Canadian Press has learned.

Mike McDonell, an RCMP assistant commissioner who recently retired, laid out his concerns to Public Safety Minister Vic Toews in a July 21 letter obtained under the Access to Information Act.

It’s the latest evidence of discontent about Elliott’s leadership within senior RCMP ranks that boiled over this summer, prompting several insiders to describe the commissioner as an abrasive bully. The government hired a consultant, former CSIS director Reid Morden, to interview disgruntled Mounties at Ottawa headquarters for a report on improving relations.

McDonell said in his letter that while a series of crises had primed the pump for transformation within the RCMP, “any changes that have taken place were already in motion” when Elliott arrived.

He points to the lack of “discussion or decision” on a report by then-deputy commissioner Bill Sweeney that recommended the regional structure of the RCMP be evaluated by senior management to see if it was cost-effective and efficient.

“A strong example of inertia that has plagued the membership’s desire for change is the failure of the force to respond to this recommendation,” McDonell wrote.

He also took issue with Elliott’s leadership, noting the commissioner expressed a desire to visit police command centres for the G8 and G20 summits _ the largest security operation in RCMP history _ just days before the events.

“At no time prior to the summits did our commissioner choose to visit the men and women working under tremendous pressure to plan the security for the summits.”

McDonell, who spent 35 years with the Mounties, was the RCMP’s commanding officer for Ontario before leaving in the summer and joining the Ontario provincial police.

It was widely known he had sent such a letter, but it had not been released publicly. Several parts of the letter were withheld from disclosure under a section of the law that shields personal information.

McDonell said in the letter that his comments “are based solely on the commissioner’s execution of his duties and are not, as some may contend, to be interpreted as a voice of the past that is clinging to the notion of a paramilitary organization resistant to change or transformation.”

“As the force continues to move forward with its transformation effort, it will be critically important that those in positions of authority throughout the organization, and particularly at the commissioner level, provide the dynamic leadership that is need to effect real change and instill public confidence.”

McDonell said Thursday he had nothing to add to the letter, but noted he had not received a reply. The RCMP also declined comment.

Toews’ office said it would be inappropriate to discuss an internal RCMP matter.

On Aug. 5, the head of the body appointed to oversee change at the RCMP sent a letter to Toews, saying he was “distressed” by the problems at the force.

David McAusland, chairman of the government-appointed RCMP Reform Implementation Council, told the minister in the letter _ also released to The Canadian Press _ that he had been working closely with Elliott and deputy public safety minister Bill Baker to “put this matter on a constructive track.”

McAusland said the implementation council planned to report to Toews on the “critical issues” of leadership development, succession planning and communication challenges in the RCMP. He reiterated the council’s view that a permanent advisory body would be a useful addition to the Mounties.

“One point that cannot be ignored is the utility of some form of management board or advisory council in avoiding or resolving the kinds of problems that have become evident in recent days.”

McAusland was not available for comment Thursday.

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today