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Royal Canadian Mounted Police
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The RCMP Modernization Act: What’s Next?
The recently tabled Bill C-43 (RCMP Modernization Act) signals a change
for the future RCMP human resources management and labour relations
regime.
As the Chief Human Resource Officer, I recognize that employees have
questioned the implications of this proposed legislation, and the
impending October 6th, 2010, deadline set by the Ontario Superior Court
of Justice in the Mounted Police Association of Ontario (MPAO) et al. v.
Canada (A.G.) decision. The purpose of this message is to answer some
questions that we have received and to assure you that the RCMP
continues to make preparations to meet the new demands of a modernized
labour relations regime.
Bill C-43 was developed in response to the decision by the Ontario
Superior Court of Justice in MPAO. It must work its way through the
parliamentary system to take effect as law. Yet, the Force must be
prudent and prepare for when it may be enacted. In the meantime current
human resource systems and processes remain intact.
To support the labour relations regime proposed in the Bill, a number
of amendments to the RCMP Act are being proposed to allow for the
restructuring of the RCMP’s discipline and grievance processes, and
for changes to the authorities relating to staffing and administrative
discharge.
This is where our real work begins.
In the coming weeks and months, we will need to work together across
all levels of the organization to ensure that we develop the necessary
structures and systems to meet any eventuality the Bill could raise. A
number of steps have already been taken to begin this process,
including:
· The creation of the RCMP’s Labour Relations Initiative (LRI) team
to examine the impact of the proposed legislation on our existing
processes and membership. This team will work closely with senior
leaders, subject matter experts, and members at the regional and
divisional levels to facilitate important consultative opportunities for
employees. Further information regarding the LRI can be found on their
website at: http://infoweb.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/hr-rh/lri-prt/index-eng.html
· LRI-coordinated working groups that will focus on key areas impacted
by potential changes to the RCMP labour relations regime and human
resources management systems, including discipline, grievance,
performance and administrative discharge and employee engagement.
As discussed in the Commissioner’s recent broadcast
[http://infoweb.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/commissioner/broadcasts/2010/07-21-mod-eng.htm]
the tabling of this Bill also reinforces the need to re-examine how we
determine our current categories of employees. You will be provided
further information as this work progresses.
The re-examination process will be fair and transparent and throughout
these reviews and the activities of the working groups, all employee
levels will have the opportunity to provide input wherever possible.
More information about the applicable processes and your opportunities
to become engaged will soon be provided.
We are all RCMP employees. We are defined by the pride and commitment
we each make on a personal level every day to ensure the safety and
security of all Canadians. Together, we will build an even stronger
RCMP.
Please do not hesitate to use the lr_rt mailbox to submit your feedback
and questions which will be addressed in future communication products.
D/Commr. Al Nause, CHRO